Meet Your New Neighbor: A New Chapter for Three Stories Books in Lemont
Pictured from left to right, Carla Cardona-Tapia and Sommer Steele | Via Three Stories
There must be some magic in the walls at 310 Canal Street. In a video shared on Facebook, Sommer Steele, owner of Three Stories, Mabel’s Market, and producer of your favorite community events – Market on Canal, Fall on Canal, Kids Who Make, and more – says how nearly three years ago she looked at an empty retail space and within a few minutes, decided to turn it into a bookstore.
Already the owner of Mabel’s Market, Sommer was inspired by her three sons and knew the community needed a space for kids and families, so she opened up Three Stories Books. However, after three years of feeling that she wasn’t giving her businesses or her family the time they deserved, she decided to put the bookstore on the market and would sell it if she found the right buyer. Now, Carla Cardona-Tapia is taking inspiration from her three boys and the same leap of faith as the new owner.
Carla in the Young adult and Teen book section of Three Stories Books.
“I walked in for two books and walked out with an entire bookstore,” Carla shared of the serendipitous moment. “My kid was having a bad day and I had been having a lot of conversations with my brother and my husband about what was next for me. Did I want to take over the family business, continue working with my husband, or find that calling of my own?” In a chat with Sommer while she shopped with her son, she instantly felt that taking over Three Stories was the right next step and exactly where she was meant to be.
“I want Three Stories to be a space for the community,” Carla adds. Since taking over the business at the beginning of September, she’s planned a full calendar of events that offers enrichment for homeschoolers, Mommy & Me events, special guests for young people, arts and crafts, charity fundraisers, and events and outreach that brings the community together.
Princess & Heroes Walk and similar family-friendly events will continue to be hosted by Sommer Steele for Mabel's Market
Three Stories Books has been a pillar of the community and will continue as such. “Sommer has laid the foundation. Now I get to help it grow,” says Carla. You’ll find the same great book selection that sparks conversation around various topics and interests for kids and families: celebrating a new season, neurodiversity, exploring space, etc. Customers can continue to shop in-store from 11 AM - 6 PM Tuesday through Sunday and online through bookshop.org.
Three Stories Books will have its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, September 14 from 1-5 PM. Stop by to meet Archie the Lemontster, make crafts, and take part in lots of fun as we welcome in the new owners.
“My husband and I lived in Lemont for 15 years and my husband’s marketing firm, A&B Consulting, is right around the corner on River. We love everything about Lemont and hope to keep the store as unique and whimsical as Lemont is,” Carla shares. “Everything fell into alignment and this not only feels like the right next step for me, but I’m excited about what it holds for Lemont.”
Follow Three Stories Books on Facebook for live updates on what is happening in store and browse the full event calendar at ThreeStoriesBooks.com.
We’re so excited for this next chapter ahead. Whatever is in the walls of Three Stories, we hope that Lemont never looks at the magic that causes everyday folks like you and me to take a chance on their dreams.
