Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Smith.
Hi Anna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s kind of a long story, but my husband and I owned an indie movie theater and I was working at the public library. The building next to us opened up, and we were trying to get other businesses to move in. We really wanted a bookstore. The stores we talked to were unable to do it in the end, but they suggested that we open one. We both love books and reading, and we really liked the space. We decided to give it a go, and opened in October 2021. Since then there have been lots of ups and downs, but Rochester is a fabulous community and very supportive. We love what we do!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has sometimes been a smooth road, but there have definitely been speed bumps. Opening during COVID had its challenges, and trying to figure out what the economy is doing in these endless unprecedented times is really hard. I also had a lot to learn about business and have made my fair share of mistakes and done my best to learn from them.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Garden Party Books?
We are a used bookstore and community space that serves Rochester, MN. We sell used books as well as new books by local authors. We host author events, poetry readings, craft nights, book fairs, and other events. We strive to create a cheerful and welcoming space for readers and people who are trying reading out.
We celebrate books and everything about them, and we love to share that with others. We also have lots of bookish stuff (cards, bookmarks, candles, stickers, etc) that book lovers will enjoy.
Our prices for used books are standardized: all hardcovers are $7.50, all softcovers are $5, and all children’s books are $3.50. So all the books are very affordable and you can find some GREAT deals!
We are also a store that supports rights for everyone, especially those currently under attack, including the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and people of color.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
We wanted Fair Trade Books in Red Wing to open a bookstore in this space, and when they couldn’t and told us we should try they were incredible mentors. I’m not sure how that translates to advice per se, but it worked really well for us!
Pricing:
- Hardcover Books $7.50
- Softcover Books $5
- Children’s Books $3.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gardenpartybooks.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gardenpartybooksmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GardenPartyBooksMN
