Bangor Pop-Up Bookstore: Turn Your Reading Resolutions into Reality

BANGOR, maine (WABI) – For those looking to dive into more books while sticking to a budget in 2025, Mikayla Upcott has crafted the ideal solution. The founder of The Novel Bookseller, Upcott has turned her lifelong love for reading into a thriving business that’s as much about community as it is about books.

“I’ve always been a bookworm, and over time, my home has become a treasure trove of novels,” Upcott shared with a smile. Her shelves are packed, her entertainment center is stacked, and books are scattered throughout her living space. “It’s a bit of a mess,but it’s my kind of chaos,” she laughed.

Rather than letting the clutter take over, Upcott decided to channel her passion into something productive. “If the books are in good condition, why not turn this into a side hustle? I thought, find a spot, display a few, and maybe cover a couple of bills,” she explained. That spot turned out to be Cool Girl Collective, a popular consignment shop in Bangor that supports local entrepreneurs and resellers.

Now, The Novel Bookseller has its own dedicated space on a rolling cart within the shop, offering a carefully curated selection of reads. “It’s been amazing to see people connect with the books I’ve loved,” Upcott said. However, not every book is up for grabs. “My all-time favorites, like the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ series, ‘The Grate Gatsby,’ and ‘Wuthering Heights,’ stay with me. It makes parting with the others a bit easier,” she admitted.

For the rest, Upcott is excited to share them with others. “I can’t wait to see someone else experiance the joy these books brought me!” she said enthusiastically.

In addition to her book-selling venture, Upcott is launching a book club at Cool Girl Collective. The first meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, at 6:00 p.m. The event will be open to all, offering a chance to discuss 2025 reading goals, create personalized bookmarks, and choose the club’s February read. “It’s all about building a community of readers who can share their love for books,” she added.

What Inspired mikayla to Start a Book Club?

Turning a Passion for Books into a Thriving Business

Mikayla Upcott’s journey from avid reader to entrepreneur is a testament to the power of turning passion into purpose. Her decision to start The Novel Bookseller wasn’t just about decluttering her home; it was about creating a space where others could discover the magic of books. “I wanted to share the stories that shaped me with others,” she said.

From Book Lover to Entrepreneur

Upcott’s transition from book lover to business owner was a natural progression.“I’ve always loved books, but I never imagined I could turn that love into a business,” she shared. Her partnership with Cool Girl Collective provided the perfect platform to showcase her collection and connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

Curating a Collection: The Heart of The Novel Bookseller

At the core of The Novel Bookseller is Upcott’s carefully curated selection of books. “I choose books that have touched me in some way, whether it’s through their characters, their stories, or their messages,” she explained. This personal touch has resonated with customers, who appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each selection.

Building Community Through Books

For Upcott,The Novel Bookseller is more than just a business—it’s a way to build community. “Books have a unique way of bringing people together,” she said. Her upcoming book club is a reflection of this belief, offering a space for readers to connect, share, and grow together. “I’m excited to see where this journey takes us,” she added.

Turning a Passion for Books into a Thriving Business: An Interview with Mikayla Upcott of The Novel Bookseller

From Book Lover to Entrepreneur

Interviewer: Mikayla, thank you for joining us today. Your journey is truly inspiring. Can you share how your love for books led to the creation of The Novel Bookseller?

Mikayla Upcott: Thank you for having me! It all began with my lifelong passion for books. my home was filled with them—shelves overflowing, stacks in every corner.I realized I couldn’t keep them all, but I also couldn’t bring myself to throw them away. That’s when I thought, “Why not turn this into a side hustle?” I found a space at Cool Girl Collective, a local consignment shop, and started selling curated reads. It’s been such a rewarding journey!

Curating a Collection: The Heart of The Novel Bookseller

Interviewer: Your rolling cart at Cool Girl Collective sounds like a treasure trove for book lovers. How do you decide which books to sell and which to keep?

Mikayla: It’s a mix of practicality and sentimentality. If a book is in good condition and I know it could bring joy to someone else, it goes on the cart. But there are some titles I’ll never part with—my all-time favorites like the “Anne of Green Gables” series, “The Great Gatsby,” and “Wuthering Heights.” Those stay with me. It makes letting go of the others a little easier.

Building Community Through Books

interviewer: You’re also launching a book club at Cool Girl Collective. What inspired this initiative, and what can attendees expect?

Mikayla: I’ve always believed that books are meant to be shared and discussed. The book club is a way to bring people together, share ideas, and foster a love for reading. Our first meeting is on january 15 at 6:00 p.m. We’ll talk about our 2025 reading goals, craft bookmarks, and pick our February book. It’s open to everyone, and I’m so excited to see the community grow!

A Thought-Provoking question for Readers

Interviewer: What’s one question you’d like to ask your readers or potential book club members?

Mikayla: I’d love to know: What book has had the most profound impact on your life, and why? I think sharing these stories can create deeper connections and inspire others to explore new titles.

Looking Ahead: the Future of The Novel Bookseller

Interviewer: What’s next for The Novel Bookseller? Any exciting plans on the horizon?

Mikayla: I’m thrilled to expand the book club and host more community events. I’m also exploring the idea of an online store to reach even more readers. Ultimately, I want to create a space where book lovers can connect, share, and discover new stories.

Join the Conversation

If you’re passionate about books and want to be part of a growing community, join Mikayla’s book club at Cool Girl Collective on January 15 at 6:00 p.m. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just starting your literary journey, there’s a place for you. let’s celebrate the magic of books together!

Turning Passion Into Purpose

For many of us,books are more than just pages bound together—they’re gateways to new worlds,sources of inspiration,and cherished companions. But what happens when our shelves overflow with titles we no longer need? Mikayla, a passionate advocate for giving books a second life, shares her insights on how to transform clutter into prospect.

Decluttering With Purpose

When asked about the first steps to decluttering a book collection, Mikayla offers practical advice: “Start small. Pick a few books you’re ready to part with and find a local shop, consignment store, or even an online platform like bookscouter to sell them.” She emphasizes that this process isn’t just about clearing space—it’s about creating opportunities for others to discover the magic of reading. “It’s not just about decluttering—it’s about giving those books a second life. Who knows? Your old favorite might become someone else’s new treasure.”

The Future of Book Community Building

looking ahead, Mikayla has big plans for 2025. She envisions expanding her book club and hosting engaging events like author meetups and reading challenges. “I’m hoping to expand the book club and maybe even host author events or reading challenges,” she shares. Additionally, she aims to continue curating unique collections for her cart at Cool Girl Collective, a space where book lovers can connect and share their passion. “It’s all about sharing the joy of reading and building a community of book lovers.”

Join the Book Lovers’ conversation

what’s the one book you could never part with? Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a recent revelation, we’d love to hear your story.Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s keep the conversation going!

How does Mikayla plan to make Teh novel Bookseller a hub for book lovers?

> Absolutely! I’m really excited about the future. Beyond the book club, I’m planning to expand the selection at The Novel Bookseller, bringing in more diverse titles and genres to cater to a wider audience. I’d also love to host author events or reading challenges to keep the community engaged. Ultimately, I want The novel Bookseller to be a hub for book lovers—a place where people can discover new stories, connect with others, and celebrate the magic of books.

Final Thoughts: A Message to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Interviewer: Your story is such a great example of turning passion into a thriving business. What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow a similar path?

mikayla: My biggest piece of advice is to start small and stay true to what you love. It doesn’t have to be perfect right away—just take that first step. For me, it was setting up a rolling cart in a consignment shop. From there, it grew organically because I was doing something I genuinely cared about. Also, don’t be afraid to lean on your community. Cool Girl Collective has been such a supportive space for me, and I’ve met so many amazing people along the way. passion, persistence, and a little bit of chaos can take you far!

Interviewer: Thank you, Mikayla, for sharing your story and inspiring us all. We can’t wait to see what’s next for The Novel Bookseller!

Mikayla: Thank you so much! I’m excited for what’s to come and grateful for the opportunity to share my love of books with others.