N.P. Junction Books, an all-ages, general-interest bookstore offering new and used titles, opened last month in Carlton, Minn., Northern News Now reported.
Located at 110 3rd St. in Carlton, the bookstore first welcomed customers on July 24. Owner Ryan Schmidt, a high school history teacher in Carlton, opened the store with the help of his family--his son Peyton manages the store and his daughters are involved, too.
The bookstore offers a membership program that includes 10% of all purchases and pre-orders, a birthday coupon offering an additional 10% off, and access to special members-only sales. The space features a fireplace and chairs, where customers are encouraged to relax and read. Looking ahead, Schmidt plans to expand the store's opening hours and to start hosting book clubs and other events.
Schmidt told Northern News Now that his original plan was to open a bookstore after he retired from teaching, but his father, who passed away a few years ago, asked him why wait until retirement. "So this is kind of a love letter to that," he said.