New Bookstore Sets Grand Opening Date In Mendham

MENDHAM, NJ — Early this fall, the Mendham Laundromat officially shuttered its doors, leaving some residents wondering what new business would be joining the community.

Shortly after closing down, a new sign was erected in the shop window, announcing the opening of a new neighborhood bookstore. According to the sign, Chapter One Books will soon be moving into the space, adding another local business to the community.

The bookstore, located at 84 East Main Street, will be opening 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.

According to bookstore owners, they will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 20 through 23, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Dec. 24.

Following their pop-up event, the store will remain closed until a grand opening celebration that is planned for Jan. 3. According to the website, the bookstore will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

"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.

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

The Mendham Laundromat shuttered and cleared out in August, much to the chagrin of community members who relied on the laundromat as a primary or secondary source of laundry. With the Mendham Laundromat closed, the nearest self-service laundromats are now located in Flanders and Bernardsville.