Through the years, Ketchum has had its share of jewels contributing to its small mountain town charm. One of those little Ketchum jewels is the undeterred and beloved Chapter One Bookstore at 340 East Second Street in downtown Ketchum.
Chapter One is an essential piece of the fabric of Ketchum and Sun Valley, and knowing that it will be around for a while is reassuring and heartening for locals and visitors alike. Bookstores are wonderful places of discovery and happiness for all who know and understand that books are magical things full of unlimited adventures, endless distractions and vast knowledge.
This charming bookshop has been locally owned since 1970. For over 50 years, Chapter One has been the place to go for new and used books of all kinds: self-help books, coffee table books, outdoor guides and books on spiritualism, newspapers and plenty of gossip and good conversation. Cheryl Thomas, the Grande dame of the shop, purchased the store in the 80s and became adept at making every visitor feel welcome and ensuring that everybody found what they were looking for. She knew how to create a sense of community, and Chapter One has always felt more like your favorite café, a quiet corner of the library, or even your own living room.
When Thomas died unexpectedly in April 2023, she left the shop to her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Kevin Mora, who gamely took over and did their best to carry on their mother’s legacy. For a while, they were able to do this successfully. Holly and Kevin renovated the top floor, making the space lighter and more inviting, and even added a sitting area and a fireplace. Kids can often be found lounging and reading upstairs while their parents browse books downstairs.
The Moras and Kelly Cavanaugh, who currently operates the shop, worked tirelessly to keep the store going. Still, last year’s road construction, closures and other disruptions were overwhelming, making it nearly impossible for businesses to navigate. The roadwork was paralyzing to many Main Street businesses, with many closing their doors. Chapter One was almost one of those that didn’t make it.
Foot traffic is a huge source of customers for all the shops and restaurants on Main Street, and Chapter One is no different. Tourists staying at the Limelight Hotel and patrons of the Argyros Theater and Village Market will often check out the book selection. That street is also a shortcut to the Kneadery and an easy side street that is well utilized, and with all that access blocked by construction for so long, the business suffered tremendously.
As much as Holly Mora tried to keep foot traffic flowing, the difficult decision to close Chapter One’s doors came in December 2024. The potential and then actual closing created a quiet uproar and genuine sadness in the community. People were crushed and left weeping voicemails on Chapter One’s phone service.
After the crushing summer of roadwork and brutally low sales, the Moras sought a buyer. Enter Conor Quinn, a Sun Valley resident and a patron of Chapter One since the 1980s. Quinn has a deep connection to Chapter One and a close relationship with Cavanaugh, and he wanted to keep the iconic bookstore alive and continue its legacy. The partnership became a no-brainer.
Quinn has two daughters in the Valley and believes his purpose has always been to unite people, whether by supporting local businesses, events or fundraising efforts. Quinn runs a non-profit, the Alpine Collective, which is “committed to protecting and enjoying our Mountain Town through our collaborative network, products and events.”
“I am thrilled to own Chapter One Bookstore (along with another local business partner), which we acquired to ensure that Chapter One continues as the bookstore our community has loved for 55 years,” said Quinn.
It’s safe to say that Chapter One is back and better than ever. The grand reopening was an unmitigated success.
Quinn believes that keeping Cavanaugh in the loop and involved was substantial. Everyone who comes into the store (including authors) marvels at the book selection, which Cavanaugh curated. She has tremendous positive energy and a wide-ranging knowledge of books and can talk to kids just as easily as retirees. She was lucky to have worked with Thomas and to learn her compassion, patience and love of books and how the store connected people in the community. Kelly also worked closely with the Moras, who put so much into the store and preserved Cheryl Thomas’ legacy with renovations, décor, new books and fun events.
Quinn and Cavanaugh (and Pam and Wendy, Chapter One employees) are excited about the future. They plan to continue to host events like the launch party they had for Kim Frank’s book Elephants in the Hourglass. Frank is a Ketchum author and photographer who read from her book and spoke about her work at the reception. Quinn wants to continue supporting local authors and hopes they can continue utilizing their space, especially with the Sun Valley Writer’s Conference (SVWC) just around the corner. As the only Ketchum/Sun Valley bookstore, Chapter One is a natural fit and perfect partner to the SVWC. The store has an entire space dedicated to the SVWC’s authors.