Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records expands with magical bookstore & apothecary

MANSFIELD — Step aside, Diagon Alley — Mansfield is unveiling its own fantasy-packed hideaway, giving locals their first look on Black Friday.

Bethany Lehman and her husband, Josh Lehman, own Operation Fandom/Blackbird Records. Their newest expansion at 34 West Fourth Street is gearing up for even more excitement.

Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary will have its soft opening on Friday, Nov. 28, which will also serve as Record Store Day. Bethany said they plan to schedule an official grand opening in the near future.

Store hours will remain the same as their Operation Fandom and Blackbird Records store. The exception arrives on Black Friday, when they will open two hours earlier at 9 a.m.

Store hours are Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Expansion takes shape for the Lehmans’

“Having Operation Fandom, Blackbird Records and Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary as a growing and successful family business in Wooster, Medina and Mansfield has been such a blessing for us,” Bethany said.

Operation Fandom and Blackbird Records specializes in pop-culture merchandise, collectibles, vinyl records and fandom-related items. The store offers graphic novels, games, figures, apparel and a wide range of music, making it a hot spot for collectors and fans of all ages.

The expansion emerged after the couple learned Brasshouse Boardroom — located next door — planned to move. Bethany said an employee suggested the couple consider taking over the space.

“At first, my husband and I thought it would be too much to take on,” she said. “But we both couldn’t stop thinking about it and decided it was meant to be.”

According to Bethany, the business has already quadrupled its space and inventory, and the team still plans to add more.

The expanded shop features specially curated new and used books, clothing, curiosities, rocks, crystals, apothecary items and supplies.

Turning dreams into a reality

“I’ve always loved the ambiance of places like Ollivander’s Wand Shop from Harry Potter and the rest of Diagon Alley, so they inspired the shop’s design,” she said.

“As a former public high school art teacher and artist, I would sometimes daydream about adding such a section to our current stores.”

Bethany said she continued to brainstorm ways to contribute more to the family business — enough so she could eventually leave teaching.

She finally made the leap in June 2024, when she launched a small section for Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary inside their Mansfield location at 36 West Fourth Street.

“We love having one of our stores in Mansfield,” Bethany said. “Our landlord, Jim Oberlin, is a great guy, and we really appreciate how generous and helpful he is.

“We hope that we can be a blessing to each community as well. We’ve really enjoyed our customers and their excitement for our store here.”

(Photos of Blackbird Books, Curiosities and Apothecary. Provided by Bethany Lehman)