As Yulia Watters sees it, books are more than ink on paper. Books are magical portals that expand readers’ worlds.
Watters is the founder of Finist and the Owl, a multilingual bookstore and gathering place in Bellefonte’s small and charming central district, a readily walkable hub that includes outlets for antiques, art, and music.
The bookseller envisions patrons perusing volumes in her store, then browsing for vintage finds or heading to Bellefonte Café for a nosh.
“We all complement each other and create that sense of community,” she says.
Finist and the Owl is the nestling place for browsing book lovers, who sometimes perch with good books in chairs tucked into comfy corners. Complimentary coffee is always at the ready.
“We designed a lot of cozy places where you can just sit down and read in an armchair,” she says.
Watters’ husband, a family therapist, works on the second floor. Watters, who also holds a Ph.D. in family therapy, was inspired to open a bookstore as an antidote to the loneliness she experienced when the COVID-19 pandemic forced people into isolation.
“I felt disconnected,” she recalls. “I wanted to create a space where people can connect.”
From books on women’s health to psychological thrillers, 80% of the titles on the shelves are in English. The remaining 20% are in French and Russian, reflecting communities of French and Russian speakers from Pennsylvania, as well as teachers of foreign languages. Watters, who is fluent in English, French, and Russian, also has a wide selection of foreign-language books for children.
“The idea is to have a multilingual space,” she notes.
Bellefonte, population 1,225, was founded in 1916 as a streetcar suburb of Wilmington and exudes small-town charm. Watters was attracted to its strategic position in the middle of the mid-Atlantic, within driving distance for prospective patrons of foreign language books.
Watters and sales manager Meg Clowser also curate books for members of the Owl Club, who receive personalized literary picks each month, sold at a 20% discount. Titles have included “All Adults Here” by Emma Straub, “These Precious Days” by Ann Patchett, and “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan.
“In a political climate in which books deemed controversial have been banned from classrooms and libraries, Watters literally promotes personal freedom.”
“We screen the books for you and provide monthly recommendations,” she says.
The Finist Club is for children, with books curated according to the child’s age and language. Selections have included “Skip Through the Seasons” by Stella Blackstone and Maria Carluccio; “Holes” by Louis Sachar; and “Eyes That Kiss in the Corners” by Joanna Ho and Dung Ho.
In a political climate in which books deemed controversial have been banned from classrooms and libraries, Watters literally promotes personal freedom.
“We have a very strong stance that people should decide what they want to read,” she says.
The name of her shop reflects her European roots and her continuing quest for understanding. The Finist is a mythical bird from a Russian folktale symbolizing rebirth, strength, determination, and resilience. “It’s the same ideal as the phoenix, rising from the ashes,” Watters says. The owl is associated with wisdom and knowledge in Western culture.
To help promote local craftspeople, the store displays paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Finist and the Owl welcomes new visitors on the Wilmington Art Loop, celebrated the first Friday of the month.
“When we know our neighbors, we can coexist better,” she says.
For hours and more information, visit finistandtheowl.com.
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