Book lovers in the Twin Cities can tick off a list of favorite bookstores that have closed in recent memory. The Bookcase in Wayzata. The Hungry Mind (later called Ruminator). Baxter's. True Colors (formerly called the Amazon Bookstore Cooperative). Borders.
Milkweed Editions, an independent publisher founded in 1980 in Minneapolis, is optimistic, though, that there's still a sizable audience for "literary books," hold-in-your-hand works, smelling of new paper and ink and filled with stories true and fiction.
Milkweed Books is expected to open in early July in the Open Book building on Washington Avenue S., which has been the publishing house's home since the literary center opened in 2000. The 800-square-foot bookstore with 18-foot ceilings will share the first floor with the Minnesota Center for Book Arts and the Connexion cafe. Patrons will enter from the street or through the cafe.
Publisher and CEO Daniel Slager knows it's a risk, but it's one he and his colleague are eager to take on.
"It's not an easy business," Slager said. "As with any new venture, is there some risk? Sure. There wouldn't be any reward if there wasn't any risk. But we're up for it."
Milkweed isn't looking to make millions from the store.
"One of several goals for the store is that it be revenue-positive," Slager said. "If it took money away from the publishing end, that would not be positive."
Slager said the bookshop should increase the company's presence in the neighborhood and the city and increase the audience for the kinds of books it publishes. Milkweed Editions puts out 18 to 20 titles each year. The store will carry books from local competitors Graywolf Press and Coffeehouse Press, as well as 50 to 100 other publishers. There'll be new releases and more author appearances and readings in the Target Performance Hall on the second floor of the center.