In early fall of 2025, my family and I spent a weekend in Rochester, MN, and I took the opportunity to visit Garden Party Books, an independent bookstore in the northern part of the city. Owners Anna and Andy Smith opened the shop in 2021: It's a long story, but the space became available, it seemed perfect for a bookstore, and my husband and I love to read. We decided to give it a go! As you pull into Garden Party’s parking lot, you instantly know you’ve come to the right place: a vast mural of colorful book spines stretches across the building, inviting you in. Inside, shelves overflow with gently loved titles, and as a shop specializing in used books, the flat-rate pricing makes browsing delightfully simple: $7.50 for hardcovers, $5 for softcovers, and $3.50 for children’s books. Wandering from room to room feels like moving through a series of story worlds. The kids’ room features not only picture books but also an armchair for reading and a playtable at the center. The Murder Room, a reader favorite, is cordoned off with yellow police tape, complete with footprints, cobwebs, and other crime-scene details. In contrast, the romance section glows with soft candles and a flower garland. “I love creating an atmosphere that is cheerful and welcoming and reminds people of why they love to read,” Anna told me. “My favorite room is the Murder Room, where we keep all the books that most commonly have murder as a plot point (mystery, thriller, horror, and true crime). We have a haunted doll who lives in the ceiling (her name is Gertrude) and I think she really contributes to the atmosphere.” A former librarian, Anna and her husband Andy source most of their inventory through community donations. I love going through the used book donations. You never know what you're going to find; it's an adventure every time! That sense of adventure extends beyond the shelves. Garden Party Books has become a hub for Rochester’s literary community: hosting local author book launches, craft events, a “Grown-Up Book Fair” at a nearby brewery, and even a summer Local Author Festival. “One of my favorite events was a book launch event for the book *Boo Can't Poo*. It's a board book by a local Mayo gastroenterologist that teaches little kids about constipation. There was a cake with a constipated ghost on it. It just really brought together the special nature of Rochester, with the Mayo Clinic being such a force and people being excited about this wonderful book for kids. It was great!” Anna told me.  Garden Party Books is the kind of place where you never know what treasure you’ll find: a rare out-of-print novel, a cult-classic memoir, or a local author you’ve never heard of. Each visit feels like a scavenger hunt guided by curiosity and community. Anna's recommendations
What I bought at Garden Party BooksComments are closed.
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