Congratulations to Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, Minn., which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next week.
The birthday festivities begin this coming Sunday, November 17, with an event featuring Alex Aster, author of the Lightlark Saga, and will culminate on November 23 with a day-long celebration.
Throughout the day, there will be a 15% discount on purchases of $40 or more as well as special giveaways for donations of $40 or more to Red Balloon Connects, which works to improve kids' access to books. There will also be complimentary face painting, live music, a storytime dance party and costume parade, and a toast with Red Balloon Bookshop owner Holly Weinkauf.
Original owners Carol Erdahl and Michele Cromer-Poire opened Red Balloon in 1984. In 1989, with the bookstore needing more space, Cromer-Poire and Erdahl moved it into its current home. Holly Weinkauf purchased the store in 2011 when Erdahl and Cromer-Poire retired.