Benjamin Ashford|Sweet Reads sells beloved books and nostalgic candy in Minnesota

Local,Benjamin Ashford independent bookstores have never been more important. With fair access to literature under political attack, bookstores are a bulwark against censorship and an asset to the communities they serve.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, discovering what makes each one special and getting their expert book recommendations.

This week we have Sweet Reads in Austin, Minnesota!

What’s your store’s story?

Founded in 2016 by elementary teacher Lisa Deyo and her theater director husband John, this old building took on an eclectic life with a 26-foot train, forest and more! Sweet Reads embraces Austin’s community of local authors and the collectors that are featured in the rotating Sweet Collections Museum, and hosts monthly poetry readings, a newcomer book club, a business leadership book club, arts festival and more.

Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist

What makes your independent bookstore special?

Sweet Reads is not just your average book and candy store — it's an experience! You'll find opportunities to take pictures inside the train or in the forest. Enjoy the free Sweet Collections Museum, a rotation of collections locals that have featured Hot Wheels, Russian Art Boxes and Star Wars collectibles. You’ll find new and used books, local and regional authors, magazines, nostalgic candies, puzzles, and a selection of Minnesota and Austin novelty items.

What's your favorite section in your store?

Sweet Reads is very proud of the entire front end of the store because it is filled completely by Minnesota authors, including an entire center of approximately 30 locally written books. Some of those authors are nationally recognized and award winners. Since we are directly across from the internationally famous Spam Museum, these books are of high interest and ones that I love to sell.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

"The Life We Bury" by Allen Eskens. This thriller was the first written by Eskens and threw him into national recognition almost immediately. The first half of the book is set in our own hometown of Austin, where Esken's daughter was raised. His characters are distinct, developed, and unforgettable. 

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

"Sarah's New Moon" by Lydia Emma Nibaur is a YA book of the historical fiction genre. The US–Dakota War of 1862, also known as the Sioux Uprising, is told through the relationship of a pioneer girl, Sarah, and her close friend, New Moon, the Sioux girl who eventually marries the man who leads the uprising. Readers see both viewpoints, which is crucial to our Minnesota history.

What book or series are you most excited about coming out in the next few months and why?

"Percy Jackson and the Chalice of the Gods" will reintroduce one outstanding character as a college student. It will certainly have the same creativity and fast movement that Riordan is known for!

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?

Shopping locally and at independent bookstores keeps the money in the community, crucial to keep the community alive. The interactions inside that brick-and-mortar store is also crucial to keeping the citizens of that area talking, communicating, mixing, and working together. The atmosphere of that shop is like a well loved bar, without the alcohol.

What are some of your store's events, programs or partnerships coming up this quarter that you would like to share?

This quarter has included a ticketed book release/author visit with USA TODAY acclaimed Allen Eskens, a military veteran's private talk and a public book talk with nationally acclaimed William Kent Krueger, a Boozy Book Fair with our local brewery, a Trick or Treat event for the community, the Agate Collection evening event (the League of Minnesota Poet's first independent bookstore tour), and student musicians and a face painter during our Hometown Christmas Kickoff yearly event.