Needham Center is one step closer to gaining a second independent bookstore. Chapters on Chestnut, a woman-owned shop planned for 7 Chestnut St., has filed for a sign permit with the town's Design Review Board, a signal that the business remains on track for its planned fall 2026 opening.

Chapters on Chestnut describes itself on independent bookstore platform Libro.fm as "an independent bookstore operating in the heart of Needham, Massachusetts, finding joy in connecting people with their next great book." The business is owned by Nicole Connolly. The storefront's opening is planned for fall 2026.

A second bookstore for a town that went 19 years without one

Needham had no bookstore from early 2007, when Waldenbooks at 1024 Great Plain Ave. closed, until The Book Shop of Needham opened at 283 Chestnut St. in February 2026. Chapters on Chestnut would be the second independent bookstore on the same street, just a few blocks apart.

Hayley Stokes, owner of The Book Shop of Needham, told the Boston Globe in April that she welcomed the competition: "Immediately, the first thought that popped into my head was like, 'Great, we'll be the book district.' I think it's wonderful for the town."

How residents can weigh in

The Design Review Board hearing on Monday, July 27, is open to the public via Zoom. Residents who want to review the application materials before the hearing can email Elisa Litchman in the Planning Office at [email protected] or call 781-455-7550, ext. 72222. After the hearing, the board can approve, approve with conditions, disapprove, or continue the application for further study.

If approved at the July 27 hearing, the shop would be cleared to install its sign months before its fall opening.