Bookseller Annie Randall, owner of used bookstore the Village Booksmith in Baraboo, Wis., died August 26. She was 69. "Baraboo lost its local 'booksmith' this week, a gracious woman whose endearing personality touched the lives of many," the News Republic noted, adding: "As word spread, people who knew Randall flocked to the bookstore to pay their respects." She worked at various bookstores in Madison before opening the Village Booksmith.
Keri Olson, a friend, said Randall connected with everyone she met: "Annie was a bright spirit. She was extremely intellectual, well read and had the ability to reach out to people and make them feel welcome.... The store is in the center of the heart of this community. I hope whoever runs it will have the same kind of passion that Annie had."