Austin, Minn., "is a little sweeter," the Daily Herald noted in reporting that Sweet Reads, a new book and candy store, opened last week at 407 N. Main St., offering "a variety of books, sweet treats and local items.... On one wall, a large wooden train car filled with historical books and magazines invites patrons to walk through and explore a bit of history. Right next to it sits a giant ice cream sundae shaped freezer stocked with frozen treats. Other sections of the store are dedicated to different genres of books: a platinum and futuristic looking case houses science-fiction novels, a colorful children's section contains stories any youngster would long to read, and scattered throughout on tables and chairs are top-sellers in demand."
"We want it to be an experience," said John Deyo, co-owner of the shop with his wife, Lisa. He used his set-building skills as a veteran of several Summerset Theatre productions to construct the train car and bookcases in the store.
"It's so exciting," Lisa Deyo added, noting that although the idea came together in January, she and her sister had discussed opening a book store for many years. "I raised my kids in bookstores.... Our motto is 'Making the world a little sweeter and smarter.' "