Expanding my brand and launching What Sara Reads has been a dream of mine for I can’t even tell you how long.

As a self-proclaimed word nerd that started her career in teaching, then pivoted into online business as a copywriter and spends any free time she can reading…well, it was just bound to happen. 

The thing about words – whether you’re writing them or reading them – is that they hold a whole lot of magic in them. ✨

They tell a story, paint a picture, describe a vision, shape thoughts, spark creativity, and, most importantly, connect people. 

And that connection piece… well, THAT is what excites me the most about What Sara Reads.

As the only mobile bookstore serving Sioux Falls, SD, and the surrounding areas, I’m absolutely giddy to bring people together who share a common interest – reading. 

What Sara Reads – The Only Mobile Bookstore in Sioux Falls, SD

Before I get into the questions I’ve been receiving the most about What Sara Reads, let’s make sure we’re on the same page!

With the first thing being – what exactly is What Sara Reads?

What Sara Reads is a mobile bookstore and pop-up shopping experience for creative and inspired women in the greater Sioux Falls, South Dakota area.

I believe that reading for pleasure should be more than just opening a plain brown box sent to your doorstep or swiping away that purchase confirmation on your Kindle. To me, discovering your next book to read should be an experience and an adventure.

And that’s exactly what I’ve set out to help create for people in my local community!

But even if you’re not local to Sioux Falls, there’s a place for you here too! At its core, What Sara Reads is a community for women who want a place to go for bookish conversation.

Through the What Sara Reads virtual monthly book club membership, you can find your next book bestie who won’t judge you for your character obsessions, understands your passion for certain genres and authors, and is just as excited to dissect book chapters as you are.

So, back to those FAQs!

The Top 10 FAQs About What Sara Reads

1) Do you sell used books?

Short answer: no!

Here’s why: The integrity of the book spines and the reader’s experience is incredibly important to me. It’s for that reason that I currently do not carry used books in my mobile bookstore. 

However, I’m truly just getting started with this space! So a no now doesn’t necessarily mean no forever.

Make sure you stay tuned and follow along so you’re always in the know with any changes or additions that I make!

2) Do you sell bookish merchandise?

What’s a good read without cute merch to match?! Heck yes I do. From clothing and stickers to candles, Kindle covers, bookmarks, and more, I love bringing new merchandise to WSR!

Currently, the merch is only available on-site during pop up events, but there’s a good chance it will be added to the website in the near future!

3) Do you serve Kindle readers?

Die-hard readers know that there’s two types of people: physical book readers and Kindle book readers. I’m a hybrid reader, meaning I absolutely LOVE reading a physical book when I’m at home, but nothing beats the convenience of a Kindle when I’m on the go (especially when we’re traveling all the time for my kiddos’ hockey tournaments!).

With that in mind, of course, I serve Kindle readers! Through Kindle-specific merch and book recommendations for Kindle Unlimited, I love helping you enhance your reading experience in any way that I can.

4) Do you serve audiobook readers?

I guess I should really say that there’s 3 types of readers – physical, digital, and audio listeners. Some people will say that listening to an audiobook “doesn’t count,” but to that I say, WRONG!

Of course it does! If you’re the type that prefers to listen to your books, Libro.FM is a great way to get audiobooks and support a small indie bookstore like mine simultaneously.

And psst: if you’re wondering why supporting independent bookstores matters so much, I give my spiel on that here!

5) How do you pick the books you sell? 

One of the best parts of shopping at independent bookstores is the unique selection of books you’ll find. Unlike big chains that stock mass-market titles based on what’s trending, independent stores have the ability to curate their collection based on what matters to them, their customers, and their community specifically.

This is one of my favorite parts of the What Sara Reads mobile book trailer! I take pride in offering a thoughtfully curated selection of what’s trending, what’s unforgettable, and all of the word-magic gems in between.

6) How can I request What Sara Reads to pop-up at my place of business?

There’s nothing I love more than bringing the world of books and reading to different parts of Sioux Falls and the surrounding areas!

If you’re interested in hosting a pop-up shop, simply CLICK HERE to fill out the form, and I’ll be in touch.

7) Where is the What Sara Reads mobile bookstore located, and when are you open?

I serve communities in and around Sioux Falls, SD. Typically, I only travel about 30 minutes outside of the city, and I’m open for scheduled pop-up events from April to October. You can follow along on Instagram and subscribe to my newsletter to be in the know about where the trailer will be parked next!

During the winter months, you can support my small business by shopping online through Bookshop!

8) Can I rent the What Sara Reads mobile book trailer for my private event?

I’m so excited to start offering private event rentals starting in April 2025!

Whether you’re hosting a book club, baby shower, wedding shower, bachelorette party, etc., I would LOVE to bring the books.

For more information on rental fees or custom inventory requests, you can contact me here!

9) How can I support What Sara Reads in the off-season?

If you know anything about South Dakota, you know that the winters can be FRIGID, which means that the mobile book trailer will be hibernating until the sun starts to shine again around April. That doesn’t mean the shop is MIA though!

During the off-season, you can shop our books on Bookshop and find your favorite audiobook through Libro.fm.

And if you really want a way to stay connected with myself and others in the bookish community, the In Our Bookish Era Virtual Book Club was created with you in mind! CLICK HERE for all the details. 

10) I’m an author or maker! Can you carry my book or wares in your mobile bookstore?

Hiiii! I love meeting new creatives of all kinds. 💛 

The unique nature of the What Sara Reads experience is based upon the fact that books and merchandise are hand-selected and curated by yours truly! (If we haven’t “met” yet, I’m Sara – owner and founder. You can read more of my story here!)

With that said, I’m not currently accepting author or maker stock requests at this time, but as I mentioned earlier, I’m truly just getting started in this space, and there’s so much more to come, so stay tuned for any changes or additions in the future. 

And there ya have it! The 411 on What Sara Reads and the answers to the questions that I’ve been receiving the most since launching the mobile bookstore. 

If there’s a question swirling in your head that I didn’t answer here, click here to connect on Instagram and send me a DM!

And while you’re at, make sure you follow along and subscribe to my newsletter to stay in the know for all things What Sara Reads.