Nothing beats the feel of a cozy, community bookstore, and residents of Mendham once again have their very own. Chapter One is a small, neighborhood bookstore where readers can browse for books, toys, gifts, and more. After testing the concept as a popup in 2023, the bookstore is now open to all.
Though Chapter One is a popular name for a bookstore, this one is independent and not affiliated with any others. “The inside vibe is clean, neat, and modern” says Owner Sophia Maoli. “It is open and bright. All the shelves are white to make the color from the books pop.”
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Both Familiar and New Options
Chapter One boasts fiction, nonfiction, young adult, and kids’ sections. “Our bookstore offers a little bit of everything,” says Sophia. “I wanted the store to be a place where people can explore all genres of books. I wanted it to be easy to discover a type of book they may not have usually picked. Our space makes that easy with an open layout and all the sections close together and clearly visible.”
The store also has a section highlighting local and New Jersey authors. “We love to support local authors,” Sophia adds. “We feel it is important because we want to support the careers and passions of those in the community. It takes guts and hard work to publish a book so we want to support authors any way we can.”
But Chapter One is more than just a bookstore. They also sell jewelry, planners, puzzles, and toys. In addition, kids can draw on their chalkboard and families can read in the seating area.
Signings, Fundraisers, & More
Chapter One hosts events such as both book signings and book launches for local and New Jersey authors. Recently, they hosted book launch events for Michelle Cameron’s new book, Babylon: A Novel of Jewish Captivity; as well as Angela Brown, a Mendham author and creator of Olivia Strauss is Running Out of Time. Likewise, the bookstore hosts fundraisers, such as a book signing to benefit Deirdre’s House. (A child advocacy center for Morris County’s child victims of abuse and/or neglect and children who’ve witnessed violence.)
Upcoming events include a book signing by Jesse Waters, an American conservative political commentator and television host on Fox News. Later this year, an author who wrote a book that takes place in Mendham will stop by for a signing.
About Chapter One
Sohpia was born and raised in Mendham. An actor and singer, she fell back in love with reading while home during the COVID lockdown. “When I started reading again, I thought it would be a great idea to turn something I love into a business.”
She still remembers the previous bookstore that closed in town over a decade ago. “To bring a bookstore back to Mendham is amazing because I have the new generation of kids coming to get their own school books,” she says.
Future plans include hosting more book signings, events, and children’s events. Sophia also wants to open more locations (Chapter Two, Chapter Three, etc.). Since she loves baking, she also wants to add a bakery to a future location.
Visit Chapter One at 86 East Main St in Mendham. (See them on Google Maps.) To learn more:
| Visit their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 973-224-7858 |
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All Photos: © Sophia Maoli | Chapter One
