Garden Party Books - Rochester, MN

Garden Party Books, Rochester, MN

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What the heck can you do in Rochester, MN to get through the cold days of winter?  I would highly recommend that you visit a bright, warm, attractive bookstore on the inside with an equally warm and welcoming owner.  What a great idea to dash the winter blues!  The day of my visit to Garden Party Books also happened to be its 2-month birthday making the atmosphere even warmer that usual.  This one-level, multiple room indie is a super addition to the Rochester community and the neighborhood its located in.  I don't know about the garden part of the store's name, but the party's just getting started and I think it will be a long ride.

Many of you have heard of the iconic Powell's Books in Portland, OR.  I think this is the miniature version of Powell's.  Both stores separate their book genres by putting them in their own rooms.  That's exactly how Garden Party organizes their books, albeit on a smaller scale. 

Garden Party offers all used books in these multiple rooms which makes for fun browsing.  Owner Anna S. doesn't have a computerized inventory but like all good owners she knows where to find it if its in the store.  So far, the store is able to sustain an inventory of entirely donated books, a great business advantage for the bookstores that can do this.  There are a few sidelines offered including greeting cards, teas, and puzzles to name a few.  The store just hosted its first craft night and they have a craft room for this with lots of table space available (these events are another way to fight the winter, Rochester).

Most people know Rochester for its world class health care, attracting people from all over the world.  Readers, spread the word to friends and relatives who may need to come here for medical attention.  In between appointments, you and they can spend time in an oasis of warmth at a terrific new independent bookstore.  A place to ease your mind and find comfort with one of our best "prescriptions", books.  Congratulations Anna and Andy on this fabulous new independent bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Last Confessions Of Sylvia P., Lee Kravetz. 

 

Garden Party Books store front.  I thought maybe its former life was a bank but that was wrong.  It was an animal clinic among other things. 

A mural of book titles outside the store.  Be sure to ask how you can have your favorite book added to the mural. 

Oh for a summer day to sit here with a book. 

See that paper star in the window?  That's what they made at the store's first craft night. 

With this blog entry, you get two recommendations for the price of one.  An independent movie theater and coffeehouse right next to the bookstore.  I had to sample a latte and it was outstanding. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  This picture doesn't tell the whole story.  What you can't see are the multiple rooms that hold multiple books.  Start browsing!

Seasonal table display in the front room. 

Pick up a book for a gift AND the wrapping paper you'll need from this display. 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

A comfy chair, in the warmth of the sun, during a cold winter day.  The only thing missing is you with a book. 

A variety of teas offered. 

I just love these tiny figurines of Nutcracker ballet dancers. 

Consider some unique stickers for stocking-stuffers. 

Prices are marked throughout the store. 

Partial view of the ceiling decor in the front room.  Nicely done. 

Proceed to the craft room and then browse your way through the various rooms. 

View looking into the craft room. 

I was fascinated by this 22-piece 3-D puzzle.  Find it in the craft room. 

Lots of good table space in the craft room. 

Sci Fi and fantasy, enter here. 

Overview of the kid's room. 

The reading corner in the kid's room.  A great chair to share with your toddler and look at a book. 

Be still my heart. 

Head to this back room to browse some history. 

Need a puzzle?  Find this display. 

You can find this comfortable couch in the non-fiction room. 

Enter this room of bargains...

...for a great deal. 

Everything about this room is dark. 

You can tell that there is a definite theme in the murder room. 

Spotted in the murder room ceiling, one of the creepiest things I've seen in a bookstore. 

See that white pipe?  The fiction is really pouring into this room!  (just humor me, people)

With Anna, one of the fine co-owners at Garden Party Books.  Thanks for a great visit.