Chapter Twenty, a mobile bookstore built inside an 8-by-20 race car trailer, is bringing books and community to Denham Springs, La., and the surrounding areas. WAFB reported that the business was launched by Courtney DeGraw and Nikki Rowland, longtime friends for whom the idea was born "after DeGraw saw someone in another part of the country launch their own mobile bookstore on TikTok."
"I messaged her one night and was like do you wanna do this with me? And I said I looked at my husband and said can we do it? He said sure let's do it. It was overnight," DeGraw said.
After finding the trailer on Facebook Marketplace, they worked with DeGraw's husband to gut the interior and build shelves, flooring, and a custom door.
Rowland noted the business name reflects their connection: "We're almost at 20 years of friendship, so this is our next chapter."
The bookstore features historical fiction, romance, fantasy, and mystery novels, as well as a children's section. "We love having the kids come in and grab a book and read while their mommas and daddies shop," DeGraw said. The owners believe the physical book experience remains central to what they offer. "There's just something about holding a physical book in your hand… the smell, the feel," she added.
Community partnerships will be important. Rowland noted: "We wanted to be able to venture all around and partner with locally owned and small businesses. We love to bring attention to other smaller businesses. And it is paid back in our favor because those same small businesses have promoted us."
Chapter Twenty appears at community events and local markets across the area and is available for private events. The owners also run a book club. "Last month, we had 37 people show up, all ages and all very different personalities. It is the best," Rowland said.