Investigation: Is Turnsol Books secretly managed by two feline employees? The answer may shock you.
Ellie of Turnsol Books // photo by Cory Swieczkowski
Why visit Turnsol Books? Is it the literature curated to deliver topical and poignant books across categories ranging from plays to children’s stories? To support an independent woman-owned business?
No.
The magic lies in two employees at this bookstore. Unsuspecting since these coworkers sleep on the job, eat in front of customers, and even use the flower pot as a restroom. But, damn, do they look cute doing it.
I am, of course, talking about the two cats that call Turnsol Books their home, Anna and Ellanor.
Anna of Turnsol Books // photo by Cory Swieczkowski
The Pitch reached out to Anna and Ellanor to learn what life is like for store pets in Kansas City. Although they found the word ‘pet’ offensive, they still agreed to meet and invited me to their place of business to chat.
Looking at the stores on the corner of 17th Street and Broadway Boulevard, one might wonder if there’s a cat-based conspiracy at work: Stray Cat Film Center, Black Cat Vinyl, and Turnsol Books (featuring our two leading ladies). Still, with so many feline-themed spots, no complaints about the takeover here.
Wide windows facing the Kauffman Center greet guests as they approach. Natural light floods the concrete floors, which are dotted with islands of bookshelves. Each section of books champions an often under-represented genre (poetry, nature, short fiction, etc.).
Explore the cozy corners of the event space and find chairs, couches, and even a stage that routinely hosts poetry readings and small concerts. The acting manager sleeps among the worn-in furniture on her prized blanket, a hint of her primordial pouch melting past her sides. Ellanor does not appear to have a care in the world.
Ellie of Turnsol Books // photo by Cory Swieczkowski
Ellanor, affectionately known as Ellie, began her working career at Revolution Records. When Turnsol Books opened in 2023, the grey tabby was relocated and has run a tight ship ever since. She has grown accustomed to constant pets from customers, loud gatherings for book readings, and an ever-evolving selection of literature. The jury is still out on whether she can read.
Anna of Turnsol Books // photo by Cory Swieczkowski
Though she seems content, Ellie’s sweet demeanor cannot be contained by the store’s walls. “That’s why we have the sign that says, ‘Please close the door behind you so the cats don’t break into the movies.’” explains co-owner Promise Clutter. The neighboring theater is a fan-favorite for the pair.
“They’ve seen several movies at Stray Cat, including rated R movies, which they’re not old enough to see.” Even though Ellanor was fast asleep on the couch, she was more than happy to wake for a few cheek scratches.
After perusing the selection of book club picks, a flash of white darts across the grey interior. Anna, the pink-nosed feline, covers a lot of ground to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Named after the Leo Tolstoy novel, Anna Karenina has been a relatively new addition to the staff. She is unashamedly social – almost to a fault. “Sometimes she’ll jump on customers’ backs. It’s super cute, but I have to warn people she’s not that coordinated,” explains Clutter.
“You might notice in the ceiling there are several missing tiles,” she says. Anna, as it happens, likes to sneak into the ceiling, crawling around like Bruce Willis in Die Hard. “Once, she even crashed over the stage mid-show, sending the audience into screams,” finishes Cutler. Anna surveys the conversation from afar before getting distracted by the keenly spotted food bowl.
Ellie of Turnsol Books // photo by Cory Swieczkowski
These two lovable cats have become a staple of the bookstore – and even draw in customers themselves. The constant attention, comfort, and mischief are enough payment to keep the exemplary employees happy.
Elanor and Anna carry on the tradition of resident store cats by putting up with customers’ constant noise and touching.
While the earliest instances of feline workers in America date back to New York (where post offices kept cats as pest control), Elanor and Anna continue that tradition the only way they know how.
The services these two girls provide are more about cuddling and looking cute, but they do a damn fine job.
