my kind of bookstore
Doesn’t the façade of Fair Trade Books in Red Wing, MN look inviting? I got a good vibe as soon as I saw Reveler, the bookdog, “standing guard” at the entrance.
Then I walked inside, heard great jazz (1950s and 60s Miles Davis, Stan Getz, etc.) playing on Pandora in the background, and was hooked. The store features wood floors, brick walls, and books stacked nearly to the ceiling. But there’s plenty of room to browse the extensively curated shelves.
Owner Rick DeVoe places a premium on personalized customer service. Every first-time customer receives a free book! Not one person was ignored. All were asked if they were looking for a particular book and/or what kind of books do they like to read. Rick seems to know almost every customer, and if he doesn’t, he immediately starts getting to know them. The place has a great feeling of community. What an asset.
Thanks to all my “new fans” who bought a copy of Castle Danger. And thanks to Fair Trade Books for being an Indie Bookseller champion. Even if you’re not a local, FTB is definitely worth the drive.
coming events
Owatonna Crazy Days July 26-28
I’ll have a booth somewhere on Cedar Street north of Central Park. Not sure of the exact location, but there will be advertising that lists the locations of all vendors. Hours will vary, but I’ll be there most days from about 9:00 – 5:00 (depends on the weather too).
Northwoods arts council Art & Book Festival August 11
Hackensack, MN from 9:00-3:00 in the Community Center and United Congregational Church.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!