For as long as I can remember (okay, maybe since watching You've Got Mail), I've wanted to open an independent bookstore.

I've always been drawn to stories—not only the ones found on bookshelves, but the ones that unfold around them. As a writer, illustrator, former teacher, and lifelong reader, I've seen how books bring people together across generations, spark conversations, and help us better understand ourselves and one another.

After earning my MFA in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults from Hamline University, I decided I didn't want to spend years waiting for the "right time" to begin. So I started with what I had: an Airstream trailer, a carefully curated collection of books, toys, and gifts, and a plan to build Lake Stories right here in Prior Lake.

Today, we're building that bookstore one pop-up, partnership, event, and customer at a time—with a permanent Prior Lake storefront as our next chapter. I envision a neighborhood shop where people can browse and linger, bring their kids for story time, meet authors, join a book club or class, find a thoughtful gift, and discover a book they didn't know they needed.

Thank you for shopping small, showing up at our events, telling your friends, and being part of Lake Stories from the beginning. I'm so glad you're here.

— Sara Pimental, Founder & Owner