Nicola’s Books is now proudly Schuler Books! Originally known as The Little Professor, former owner Nicola Rooney purchased the bookstore in 1995 and changed its name to Nicola’s Books. In 2014, Rooney sold the store to Schuler Books. During the transition, it was decided to leave the name Nicola’s Books in place. In the ensuing years, however, the store has been a member of the Schuler Books family in everything but name.
Veteran booksellers and Schuler Books owners, Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld are University of Michigan graduates who met while working at Ulrich’s Books in Ann Arbor. Purchasing Nicola’s Books was like coming home for them, and they remain invested in the community. They believe that every community needs strong bookstores to grow and remain vital. Schuler Books, celebrating 40 years in business this fall, also has locations in Grand Rapids and Okemos, Michigan. The three stores are each among the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Since changing ownership, Nicola’s Books has maintained its unique personality and long-time community partnerships while continuing exceptional customer service, increasing inventory, presenting quality event programming, supporting local authors, and adding several new product lines including educational toys, art supplies and stationery. It successfully weathered the pandemic due to the excellence of its staff and the support of neighboring businesses and loyal customers.
With the change in name, also come some exciting developments! The store is in the process of annexing the former Old Siam restaurant which, when completed, will allow for a more spacious children’s section, the addition of a used book section, and the ability to increase selection in other areas of the store. We look forward to this next chapter as Schuler Books Ann Arbor.
Nicola’s Books, now named Schuler’s Books, is located at 2509 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. For more information, visit www.nicolasbooks.com.
