Ball State Alumni Turn Friendship and Love of Books Into a Noblesville Gathering Place

Jen Todderud, ’10 MA ’13, and Brooke Kirages, ’08, drew on their Ball State experiences, longtime friendship, and shared love of books to create Chapter Book Lounge in downtown Noblesville.

Jen Todderud, ’10 MA ’13, and Brooke Kirages, ’08, didn’t set out to open a bookstore.

The two met at Ball State University but grew close after college, bonding over shared interests and values. Now next-door neighbors, they balance demanding full-time careers and family life.

Still, this wild idea kept resurfacing. They talked about it while traveling together or catching up, imagining a relaxing gathering place that combined some of their favorite things. When Ms. Kirages found the perfect location in downtown Noblesville, Ind., the conversation turned into action.

That idea became Chapter Book Lounge. Designed as a “third space,” it offers a place to step away from home and work, slow down, connect, and enjoy the atmosphere they so intentionally created with sweat, determination, and Facebook Marketplace finds.

“Except plumbing and electrical, we did everything ourselves,” Ms. Todderud said. “We built the living room space that we would want to spend time in.”

Inside the shop, customers can browse books, enjoy cocktails named after influential women, attend events, or settle in for conversation. The space blends a bookstore, café, and community hub, creating the kind of connection that matters deeply to both alumni. Customers have met and become friends. Couples have met there and later married. Regulars return week after week.

And Ms. Kirages and Ms. Todderud believe their friendship is even stronger.

“Radical candor,” Ms. Kirages calls their approach. Starting a business together came with risk, but she said honest conversations—about the business and about life—have helped them “come out the other side more aligned every time.”

A foundation for taking risks

Ms. Kirages and Ms. Todderud credit their time at Ball State with helping them build a foundation in creative problem-solving. Though they studied in different areas—Ms. Todderud in English and education, and Ms. Kirages in sales and marketing—both said their experiences shaped how they approach learning, leadership, and risk.

“When people doubted us, I thought, ‘Why not us?’” Ms. Todderud said. “I think Ball State is great at giving you the skills to navigate almost any situation. I felt very prepared to take on something that could have been very intimidating.”

Ms. Kirages points to the same hands-on culture.

“Ball State taught me to be reflective and proactive and not be afraid to try something,” she said. “There was a level of fearlessness instilled in us. You were expected to stand up, present, take feedback, keep going, and continuously put yourself out there, try new things, and find what sparks excitement. Doing the same things repeatedly isn’t a way to grow.”

Those lessons carried forward as they opened a business with no prior experience in bookselling or hospitality. They signed a lease, painstakingly renovated the space, and launched Chapter Book Lounge in October 2024.

The response was immediate. On opening day, much to their amazement, a line wrapped around the building.

“We were laughing because we’d thought people were hanging out for something else, but they were here for us,” Ms. Todderud said. “It was one of those moments where you realize people do get it. It wasn’t just the space we wanted; it was the space everyone wanted.”