by Nathan Boddy
Chapter One Book Store in downtown Hamilton is not only located within the heart of Hamilton, but it takes that role seriously in a metaphorical sense as well.
“I always kind of wanted to own a downtown business and be part of the community in that way,” says Katrina Mendrey, the most recent member of the three-person ownership team. Along with Marisa Neyenhuis and Mara Luther, the trio stays busy doing much more than operating the longstanding Hamilton bookstore.
Mendrey says that people come into Chapter One looking for information that goes well beyond books. “I think that we, as owners, really do try to provide a service to our community with information. We really enjoy being that resource in our community.”
As evidence of their ongoing involvement in the community, Mendrey points to some of the projects that Chapter One has undertaken this year. For example, their ‘Blind Date with A Book’ program which encourages people to select a book (wrapped in paper with only clues about what it may be) in order to try something new. The customer is encouraged to leave a donation of their choosing, 100% of which is donated to a selected non-profit. For the month of October, Chapter One Books has chosen SAFE to receive those funds.
Chapter One also organizes a wide variety of book clubs, ranging from the Bitterroot Climate Action Group, to the Montana Racial Equity Project. A new addition to the lineup of groups is the ‘Cook+Book’ Club, which will allow for a “potluck-style gathering” for participants to discuss recipes and stories. The first gathering will be on Wednesday, November 9th at 6 p.m. and will center on the book “Roads to Rome” by author Jarrett Wisley, and co-author Paulo Vitaletti.
In addition to book clubs, Chapter One also enjoys arranging visits from featured authors, such as a visit by author Michael Punke on Friday, November 4th at 6 p.m. at the Ravalli County Museum. Punke’s most recent novel “Ridgeline” adds to his collection of historical books which include “The Revenant” and “Fire and Brimstone.” Also in November, author DJ Lee will be discussing her book, “Remote,” which is a true story and delves into a family’s history unfolding within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Lee’s visit will take place at Chapter One Books on Tuesday, November 15th at 6 p.m.
With so much going on, it’s no surprise that the folks at Chapter One find themselves playing a role as clearinghouse for information that goes beyond their own business. Everything from social services to local events tend to be within their wheelhouse. Mendrey, who is a soil scientist by training, adds that being part of the ownership of Chapter One requires a definite amount of malleability, but that she enjoys the task.
“Bookstores are so general that we can link people with resources and information,” she says. “We try to give back to our community.”