Brand New Bookstore Officially Opens In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — A new bookstore has officially joined the Mendham community.

Chapter One Books officially opened its doors on Wednesday, bringing a community bookstore to 84 East Main Street, the previous home of the Mendham Laundromat.

The bookstore initially opened for a holiday pop-up event between Dec. 20 and 24, giving residents a small taste of the new establishment before its grand opening in the new year.

The store is now open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Chapter One Books is owned by Sophia Maoli, who was born and raised in Mendham.

"Chapter One is a small, local bookstore. Our goal is to bring a cozy, neighborhood store where readers can browse for books and more," the bookstore's website states.

To kick off their opening month, Angela Brown, a Mendham resident and former teacher in the area, will be appearing at her book launch event at Chapter One Books at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 11.

Brown will be presenting her debut novel, "Olivia Strauss Is Running Out of Time," which was published by Little A Books this week.

"Olivia Strauss Is Running Out of Time," according to officials, is a poignant comedy of errors about the problems of aging, loving the now, and living our best lives. When Olivia is confronted with her own 'expiration date,' she is compelled to stop making excuses and face one life-changing fact: there is always time to start afresh, no matter your age.

In a personal twist, Brown, whose work has been featured in Real Simple and the New York Times, found herself contemplating what 40 "should" look like a few years ago. Soon after, COVID-19 shut down the world and granted her the chance to pursue her own goal of being a writer again.

She gave herself a year to finish a novel before turning 40, and by the end of the year, Olivia Strauss was born.

Brown, who lives in New Jersey with her husband and two young children, is currently at work on her second novel.

To remain up to speed on all Chapter One Books' events, click here.