New Owners Revitalized Huntsville Booklegger Bookstore

The 41-year-old shop now features a new cafe and children's area to serve local families.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Local Shops

New Owners Revitalized Huntsville Booklegger Bookstore

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In mid-2025, owners Roxy Whitney and Jayne Busack purchased Booklegger Used Books in Huntsville, Alabama. The pair renovated the 1985-established shop to create a more modern gathering space.

Why it matters

The renovation aimed to strengthen local community ties and increase store profitability by transforming the long-standing bookstore into a multi-generational hub. These changes helped the business earn the title of Best Used Bookstore of 2025 from Huntsville Event Magazine.

Established in 1985, the shop was 41 years old when acquired by Whitney and Busack. The site currently serves as a community anchor in Huntsville, Alabama.

The players

Roxy Whitney

A new co-owner of the bookstore who managed the recent interior renovation and expansion.

Jayne Busack

A new co-owner of the bookstore who helped implement the cafe and children's play area.

Amber Oberle

The previous owner of the bookstore who sold the business before moving to Tennessee.

Huntsville Event Magazine

A local publication that named the bookstore as the best in its category for 2025.

The details

The new owners overhauled the interior by installing a dedicated cafe, a train table, and expanded seating options for patrons. They focused on maintaining the shop's vintage charm by sourcing furniture from local donations and various online marketplaces. Additionally, the team ramped up social media engagement to better connect with college students and local families.

* Booklegger Used Books originally opened in 1985.
* Roxy Whitney and Jayne Busack purchased the store in mid-2025.
* The bookstore won Best Used Bookstore of 2025 at the end of 2025.

The Home Front

Booklegger's renovation follows the broader trend of independent bookstores adapting their physical spaces to serve as multi-use community centers. This shift mirrors how local retail is increasingly moving toward experience-based services to compete with digital commerce.

Huntsville residents can visit the updated shop to utilize the new seating and cafe amenities. It is worth checking the bookstore's social media channels to stay updated on community events and family-friendly programming hosted in the new space.

The takeaway

Supporting local businesses often helps preserve long-standing community landmarks while bringing modern amenities to your neighborhood. Keep a list of local favorites on hand and check their current hours and offerings online before planning a weekend visit.