“We want it to be as accessible as possible,” she says. “I really wanted to create little nooks around the store and people can come in and find their nook.”Published Jun 15, 2025 • 2 minute readThe grand opening of On the Same Page book store drew dozens of book lovers to its Charlotte Street location in Sydney on Saturday. Co-owners Mads Grace, left, and Katharine Hubbert say they have a vision of the shop being a warm and inviting “third place” where people feel welcome to enter, stay, commune with others and read a book. Little reading nooks and a well-laid-out inventory of Canadian and local selections of many genres have been carefully curated by the couple. ROSEMARY GODIN/CAPE BRETON POSTSaturday morning’s good weather brought out a bustling crowd to the downtown area in Sydney and most took a moment to drop into the grand opening of the new independent book store On the Same Page. When one of the new owners, Katharine Hubbert said it was a “great response,” it was an understatement for the morning crowd. The location, a restyled edition of the former bookstore tenant’s time there, is centrally located on Charlotte Street. It offers a selection of mostly Canadian used and new books in a variety of topics and genres. Also on sale are cards, bookmarks, jewelry and other gifts. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content‘SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE’Asked if Hubbert and her co-owner and partner Mads Grace are hoping to fill a niche that doesn’t exist, Hubbert said no. “We don’t feel we need to have a niche,” she said. “We want to be able to offer something for everyone.” A quick tour around the welcoming space finds a well-stocked children’s section; history; cookbook; fiction and non-fiction sections; many of the classics; and books to improve health and well-being. Hubbert said they would like to build their young adult section as they grow. And they are looking for local art to sell in the store. She said every book is looked at before it gets on the shelf and they know what they have in their large stock in the basement. Independent bookstores in Canada play a significant role in the Canadian book market, representing roughly 20 per cent of sales of Canadian-authored books. While they face competition from larger retailers, independent bookstores rely on the support of communities to keep them afloat and have seen a resurgence in recent years, with some new stores opening and increased customer interest. Article contentOne of the advantages for consumers is that independent stores often offer both lower-priced used books in good condition as well as new books. ‘THIRD PLACE’On the Same Page operates in a small – but not too small – space filled with seating areas such as comfortable benches and sofas as well as a writing desk area. The couple’s vision is to have a comfortable “third place” that acts like a living room away from the home. The concept of “third places” often refers to a neutral public space that exists outside of home (the “first space”) and work (the “second space”). It’s visualized as a location where people feel welcome to come and socialize, relax and build community. Hubbert and Grace said they have plans to hold events in their shop which will enhance the concept of a “third place.” “We want to be a real community place,” Hubbert said. Grace agreed, saying she wants the store to be seen as a welcoming place where people feel they can “stay for a while and get cosy.” “We want it to be as accessible as possible,” she said. “I really wanted to create little nooks around the store and people can come in and find their nook.” The owners said they want to be inclusive in price as well, making sure there is something available in everyone’s price range. For now, the store will open six days a week until 6 p.m., but also on a Sunday if cruise ships are in town. Article content
Cape Breton couple starts new chapter
