In the wake of last week's news that Common Good Books, St. Paul, Minn., was being put up for sale, Holly Weinkauf, owner of the Red Balloon Book Shop, published a letter to the editor in the Pioneer Press reminding readers that her Grand Avenue business is still going strong, despite the uncertainty surrounding Common Good Books and recent closure of another Grand Avenue business, Sixth Chamber used bookshop.
"We read your article about the sale of Common Good Books, and we'd like to assuage any fears that Grand Avenue could be without an independent bookstore. We're still here," she wrote. "Red Balloon Bookshop is an independent bookstore that has been on Grand Avenue for 35 years. We expect to continue selling books, hosting events, and celebrating stories and reading with readers of all ages for many years to come! While we specialize in books and events for young readers and teens, we carry books for all ages, even grown-ups.
"Grand Avenue has always been, and still is, a wonderful place for indie bookstores. Common Good Books and Sixth Chamber have been great neighbors of ours for many years. We hope the right buyer comes along for Common Good Books. Happy reading!"