We are so excited to tell you all about Garden Party Books, located in the flourishing Cooke Park Design District. Check out this shop for your next read!
Garden Party is a delightful used books and puzzles store, which also stocks a wide variety of new items, such as cards, craft kits, stickers, and more. This unque bookstore is owned by Anna and Andy Smith, the same couple behind Gray Duck Theater and Coffee House, which is located next door. Feel free to grab a coffee from Gray Duck before you visit. Or, order right from the bookstore! Menus are available at the front counter.
It’s All In The Details
Garden Party Books is so inviting. From the painted bookshelf wall outside of the building, to indoors, where each area of the store has a different focus, you will find yourself drawn in. The storefront is sweetly deceptive; there is a lot of space inside to explore!
After walking through the store’s can’t-miss blue-green front door, the front room is filled with variety. They have greeting cards, stickers, and other knick-knacks for sale. The store stays stocked with teas from Novel Tea Tins, known for “punny tea for book lovers.” Each tea is named after a pun on a classic novel, such as ‘Pride and Peppermint,’ and ‘Anise in Wonderland.’ But don’t get lost in the teas just yet, there is so much more to discover!
Down the first hallway, you’ll find the craft room. Here you can shop for paint and craft kits, as well as a myriad of books to inspire your next great project. This space is built for activities and workshops, with more supplies and events coming soon. We can’t wait to see what amazing things will be created here!
At the back of the store, there’s a cozy children’s books room, with a oversized chair in the reading corner. Garden Party welcomes you to sit down, get comfy, and let your kids browse the books at their own pace.
We love this store so much because of its unique layout and attention to detail. Every direction you turn, there is something new to check out! Each genre of books has a special spot in Garden Party Books. From romance to murder mysteries, to biography, history, and other non-fiction books, there’s a special nook for each. As you meander from space to space, you’ll be sure to find something you love.
Trying to watch your spending? No worries! Head to the Room of Bargains and inside you can peruse through the box of free magazines. Yes, we said FREE!
Donations
Garden Party Books stocks its shelves with used books and puzzles of all kinds. Have a donation? They welcome you to bring them anytime during regular business hours. Bring 5 or more items for donation, and receive a coupon for 20% off used books and puzzles! It’s the perfect set-up: clear out some unwanted books/puzzles from your own bookshelf, take them in for donation, and leave with some new treasured finds to take their place!
Events
Since opening in early October, Garden Party Books has had its first book release party for the launch of local poet Jean Prokott‘s new book, The Second Longest Day of the Year. The audience enjoyed readings by local writers and Jean Prokott, who read a selection of poems and signed copies of her new book.
Other events are in the works, so make sure to keep an eye on Garden Party Books’ Facebook page and website for future events!
Support Local
A gift card from Garden Party Books is a great way to support local businesses this holiday season, not to mention the perfect gift for any of the readers in your life.
Address: 602 7th Street NW in Rochester
Phone: (507) 722-1533
Hours: Saturday 9-5, Sunday 1-5, Monday, Thursday, and Friday 10-5, Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Website: www.gardenpartybooks.com
Holiday Hours
Garden Party Books is located in the growing and inspiring Cooke Park Design District. Neighboring the bookstore are several other small businesses you need to check out:
Old Abe Coffee Co
Kinney Creek Brewery
Gray Duck Theater and Coffeehouse
Fox and Fern Floral
Asian Food Store
Good Dog Camp
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