diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
index ba9e2eb8da..28172cb6ca 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/init.py
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ class SearchBarButton(LayoutButton):  # {{{
         gprefs['search bar visible'] = bool(self.isChecked())
 
     def restore_state(self):
-        self.setChecked(gprefs.get('search bar visible', True))
+        self.setChecked(bool(gprefs.get('search bar visible', True)))
 
 
 # }}}