The Next Chapter Bookstore opened recently at 1000 South Highway 395, Suite C in Hermiston, Ore. Alexis McCarthy, co-owner of the new bookshop with her mother, Angela Pursel, told the Herald that they own a dance studio next door and had some extra space in the building, so they decided to use it to pursue a project they've always dreamed about.
"Both of us have always wanted to run a bookstore. Always, always," she said, adding that while the bookstore's title selection is "robust.... one of our biggest things right now is to find out what people in the community are reading and stock up accordingly."
In addition to books, the store offers reading glasses and "bookish" gifts, as well as a selection of puzzles and toys and what McCarthy referred to as "nerd games," such as Splendor and Settlers of Catan. "They're more specialty games you wouldn't necessarily find next to Monopoly," she said, noting that she really enjoys Monopoly, too.
McCarthy and Pursel "were overwhelmed and grateful for the support they received their first weekend open, and look forward to helping people discover their new favorite books," the Herald wrote.