Inspired by a Love for Animals, This Local Shop Is More Than A Bookstore
A Mission of Community and Compassion
Founded by Tanya Knochel, Pages & Paws Bookshop is more than just a bookstore—it's built on a love of literature and animals.
Pages & Paws operates primarily online and at local pop-up events, and brings a haven for book lovers to every environment it enters. Tanya’s vision is to give back to the causes that inspire her while providing an excellent catalog of products for customers. A portion of the shop's proceeds is donated to local animal shelters, including Scituate Animal Shelter and Friends of the Marshfield Animal Shelter, underscoring the bookshop’s commitment to making a positive impact.
“I wanted to combine my two passions—books and animals—in a way that supports the community,” Tanya shares.
Books, Gifts, and Blind Date Adventures
Pages & Paws offers a curated selection of new books, audiobooks, book accessories, and unique gifts—and is a full experience rather than just a place to shop. One of the shop’s standout experiences is the “Blind Date with a Book” program. Gently used books are wrapped to conceal their titles, with only a brief description written on the package to intrigue readers. Readers can select the descriptions that interest them and take the books home to unwrap them, and end up with books they’ll love that they might never have reached for. And there’s another benefit: this type of program is centered sustainability.
“This not only adds an element of surprise but also helps keep books out of landfills,” Tanya explains.
What Makes Pages & Paws Unique
Unlike chain bookstores that have a broader reach, Pages & Paws stands out for its personalized approach. Where some people might think that independent bookstores have less to offer than larger corporations, Tanya emphasizes that small businesses like hers are allies to the community and invite more people to embrace their literary sides.
“Each independent bookstore offers something unique. What sets me apart is the way I integrate reading and giving back to the community,” she says.
Dreaming Big: Goals for the Future
Pages & Paws was founded only earlier this year, but it’s already made an impact on the South Shore. In the long term, Tanya hopes to open a brick-and-mortar location where readers can feel welcome to explore their interests, and where she can increase her commitment to the community through events, engagements, and connections with customers.
“My hope is to establish this space within the next three years,” Tanya shares. “It will allow me to expand my inventory and host even more community-focused events.”
Supporting the South Shore, One Pop-Up at a Time
At local pop-ups, Pages & Paws has quickly become a familiar face. In her involvement with these community events, Tanya not only brings an interesting literary element for shoppers but also promotes the events from her own platforms to reach more people in and around the community. By boosting awareness for these gatherings, Tanya supports the other small businesses that attend and fosters a stronger local economy.
“The more exposure these events get, the better it is for everyone involved,” she explains.
Giving Back Through Fostering and Fundraising
In addition to donating proceeds, Tanya has personally supported animal shelters by fostering pets—which echoes the passion for animals that also drives her business model. Over the summer, Tanya provided a temporary home for a mother cat and her four kittens until they were ready for adoption. This experience only strengthened her connection to animals
“It was such a rewarding experience,” she recalls. “We were happy to provide a safe place for them during a critical time.”
Why the South Shore Feels Like Home
For Tanya, the South Shore is more than just the backdrop for her business—it’s where her heart is. That’s a reason why supporting the community is so important to her, and why it was the perfect place to launch her business.
“I grew up here. From beach towns to farmlands, the diversity of the area is incredible,” she says. “There’s always something new to discover, whether it’s a small business, a restaurant, or a hidden gem in nature.”
Connect with Pages & Paws Bookshop
Explore Pages & Paws Bookshop’s offerings online at pagesandpawsbookshop.com, or follow them on social media:
Facebook: Pages & Paws Bookshop
Instagram: @pages_and_paws_bookshop
Whether you’re looking for your next great read or a meaningful way to give back, Pages & Paws Bookshop is a destination that’s as inspiring as it is unique.
