Our Story

Second Shapes Bookstore is located in the Kenton Neighborhood of North Portland (Stl’pulmsh / Cowlitz land). This shop was a wild dream, made real by loving neighbors and friends.

Second Shapes is owned and operated by Danielle Alexander (she/her), a writer, artist, list maker, and mom. This is the second time Danielle has owned a bookshop, previously caretaking and organizing Bombadil Books in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is also the organizer of the annual Arbor Lodge Neighborhood Yard Sale. By day, she works in federal politics, and the current political climate inspired her to create this space.

Danielle’s partner Jordan (he/him) runs his woodworking business in the back of the space and you’ll frequently find him at the front desk or putting together a new shelf. They split their time living on the side of a mountain in Corbett and in the Arbor Lodge neighborhood. Together they have an unruly brood of rescue pets that includes Austen, Sparkles, Oona, and ten chickens that all have names that start with the letter E. Danielle also has a five-year-old son who you may catch in the space, wreaking havoc.