Frequently Asked Questions

Our FAQ page is organized into sections based on question categories.

SHOPPING:

Is there someone I can talk to about book recommendations?

We love helping people find their next great read! Give us a call at 303-733-3773 or stop by our store.

I want to send a gift, but need help figuring out the right book. Can you help me?

We are here to help you pick out the perfect gift! Give us a call at 303-733-3773 or stop by our store.

Am I able to get the gift wrapped?

Yes, we are happy to gift wrap the item for you. If ordering online, you'll check "Yes, I would like gift wrapping," and then an additional question will appear asking the kind of wrapping paper.

Do your gift cards expire?

Our gift cards never expire.

I'd love to have a Wish List or Gift Registry through your website.

You can! Checkout our how to create your Wish List or Gift Registry here.

I love audiobooks, but wish I could buy some from you all!

You're in luck! Checkout our partner page at Libro.fm.

I love e-books, but wish I could buy some from you all!

You're in luck! Checkout our partner page at Bookshop.org.

Do you all have Subscription Boxes?

Mhmm...see your choices here.

Are all the books on your website ready to be picked up at the store?

No, our website is linked to one of our distributors, and at times we will need to order the book into the store for you. This is at no additional cost to you, just the price of the book, and shipping if you are having it shipped to you. Store pickup is free.

But you are more than welcome to give us a call at 303-733-3773 to see if the book is on our shelves.

How long after I place a pickup order will it be ready?

If we need to order the book, it will be about 5 to 7 business days before it is ready for pickup. We understand there are certain places you could get the book faster, but appreciate you supporting small businesses. We will email/text you when the book is ready for pickup.

Below are brief explanations of the availability terminology you'll find on our website.

Usually Arrives in 1-5 Days

This book should be readily available to either ship directly to you or for us to order for you to pick up in the store.

Available for Pre-Order Now

This book is available for us to pre-order for you, but is not yet available for pick-up or shipping. If you order it now, we will notify you or ship it to you when we receive it from the publisher.

Out of Print/Not Available

Unfortunately, we are unable to get this book for you. We do highly recommend checking out one of Denver's used bookstores to see if they have the book on their shelves.

BESIDES BEING A RETAIL LOCATION, WHAT ARE OTHER THINGS YOU ALL DO:

Do you all host any events?

We have so much fun hosting all sorts of events, for all ages! Checkout our events here.

I am a teacher/librarian/caregiver of a student. Do you all provide any services for local schools and educators?

We LOVE working with our local schools, and can't wait to work with your school. Please visit our School Programming page for all the information.

When does Second Star have storytime?

Storytime is Thursdays and Fridays at 10:00am.

Am I able to host an event in your space?

Yes, please tell us about your event by filling out this form.

I am organizing an event, and would love for Second Star to have a popup! Are you able to sell books at my event?

We love working with different community partners and having popups around Denver. Visit our Popups page for information and our submission form.

Are you hiring?

Keep an eye on our Career Opportunities page.

AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS:

I'm an author/illustrator. How do I get my book in your store?

We love supporting local authors and illustrators, and we're so excited your book is written, published, and out in the world for readers to enjoy! Please visit our Submission Page for all the information, and to fill out our submission form.

I am an unpublished/self-published children's book author/illustrator, and need advice.

We suggest visiting our friends over at SCBWI for tons of tips and resources.

I would love to read my picture book during one of your Storytimes.

Absolutely! Visit our Storytime Page for more information and the submission form.

I've seen authors/illustrators at your Farmer's Market booth, how do I get a spot?

Please visit our Farmer's Market Page for all the information and submission form.

Do you ever have authors at your Grown Up Book Fairs?

Yes, we love having a an author at these events. Visit our Authors at Grown Up Book Fairs Page for information and our submission form.

ABOUT US:

When did Second Star to the Right open, and who is the owner?

Second Star was started by former teachers Dea and Marc Lavoie in November of 2014. We started out on Tennyson, but moved over to S. Pearl Street in 2019. In 2025, Dea and Marc were ready to retire and pass on the legacy to Joe Durst. Read more about us here.

Where are you located?

1455 South Pearl Street, Denver CO 80210

What Native Land is Second Star on?

We are on Hinonoeino (Arapaho), Tsitsista (Cheyenne),Oceti Sakowin (Lakota), Nunt'zi (Ute) Land. Please read our full letter of acknowledgement here.

What are your store hours?

We are open everyday from 10:00am to 6:00pm. But we recommend checking our Instagram for any day of changes because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Do you think Graphic Novels and Audiobooks count as reading?

YES!

Who did the mural on the side of your building?

Created by Colorado Artist, Mike McPuff - checkout Mike's Instagram: @mikemcpuff

What is Gay It Forward?

Gay It Forward was started by the founder of Second Star to the Right, Dea Lavoie. She wanted to ensure Queer books are available for those who need them most. Anyone can anonymously grab the book for free out of our Gay It Forward bin. If you'd like to help us fill up our bin, please purchase a book here.

Besides, Gay It Forward are there other communities I can donate books to?

Yes, we are currently working with some other community partners to help fill up their libraries. Visit our Book Donations Page today to make a difference in your neighborhood.

Have you read all the books in the store?

Currently crying: I wish we had the time to read all the books!