Hudson's Learned Owl bookstore officially has new owner

The Learned Owl will change owners, and the bookshop will "begin a new chapter," says longtime owner Liz Murphy.

She announced on her website this morning that the paperwork has just been signed, transferring ownership to Kate Schlademan.

Schlademan will officially take over operations on March 15.

Murphy will be working with Kate "for the foreseeable future to insure a seamless transition, but she really has been training for this role for two years," Murphy said on her website.

Back in March of 2011, Murphy hired Schlademan to be a storyteller during the first annual International Festival in Hudson. She then became a staff member, events coordinator and most recently a full-time manager.

Murphy says that rumors that she will be leaving town and traveling the world are untrue. She says that she and husband Greg are staying in town and he will continue to operate his handyman business.

Murphy plans to become more involved with Destination Hudson and the Visitor Center, and will continue her work with the Merchants of Hudson.

She says that her very popular dog Ruby will continue to make regular appearances at the shop.