Inspiring Conversations with Sophie Nogar of Second Star to the Right Books

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophie Nogar.

Hi Sophie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our story begins with an elementary teacher, Dea Lavoie, who dreamed of owning a bookstore to foster young minds with the love of reading. A good book is an adventure in so many different ways, and not just in the fantasy sense. An adventure to help a child discover they are not alone in the world. A place to uncover other children just like them, experiencing similar things, similar thoughts. Through the pages, a child can find themselves, and that is what is most important.

Dea Lavoie opened up Second Star To The Right Books to make sure books are getting into children’s hands, providing them with the magic we all need in our lives. There is a book out there for every child.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
With any independently owned business, it will not always be a smooth road. The pandemic brought along its own challenges, but we were able to stay open, offering shipping and curbside pickup. Our customers, we cannot thank them enough. They do not want to see Second Star shut down, they want their kids to get their books from us, they want small businesses to thrive in our neighborhood.

As for being an independent bookstore, we’re not afraid of big corporations. We want everyone to always be reading, always finding the right book. Sometimes, people know exactly what they’re looking for, and when they don’t we’re here to guide them with a magical, personalized experience.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Second Star to the Right Bookstore is the neighborhood bookstore, a home for everyone. We strive on being a safe place for all and where everyone can find themselves on the shelves. Primarily a Children’s Bookstore, we offer a wide variety of books for every kid, daily storytimes, fun events, birthday parties, and free gift wrapping. As our owner likes to say, “We’ll even hold your baby if you need to use the restroom.” Our goal at Second Star is to foster young minds and help make this world a beautiful place.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
You can’t control what goes on in the world, but you can control what you say about it. We support all forms of identity, gender, ethnicity, love, all types of family. Whether it’s through supporting certain causes, being a shoulder to cry on when it feels like the world might be turning against you, or helping you find a book that represents you or what you’re going through.

Contact Info:

• Website: secondstartotherightbooks.com
• Instagram: @secondstartotherightbooks
• Facebook: @secondstarbooks
• Twitter: @secondstarbooks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1JCWFUT6iAYuQzIybwql0g 

Image Credits
Sophie Nogar and Kettle Powered Media