 |
|
| Ann Woodbeck | |
Ann Woodbeck is buying Excelsior Bay Books in Excelsior, Minn., from Anne Nye and Ellie Temple, co-owners of the bookstore for the past 23 years, the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association reported. Nye and Temple had been looking for a buyer for about four months.
The sale is effective January 1, and after some updating to modernize and personalize the business, a grand re-opening will be held.
After joining the store in 2006, Woodbeck "discovered how much she loved bookselling. Sometime last year, she decided to take a break from the store, 'retired,' and committed herself to her own writing projects," MIBA noted, adding that although she had daydreamed of herself as the new owner, her husband inspired the decision to buy Excelsior Bay Books.
"Dale said he never saw me happier than when I was selling books" and offered to be her partner in the venture, Woodbeck said. She aims to draw on his experience running various small businesses.
MIBA noted that under Ann Woodbeck's guidance, "the store will retain its wonderful cozy charm, while also gaining a more contemporary business edge."
Woodbeck observed: "Owning this store is a chance to be a part of a thriving and friendly town and spend time with books and people who love and read them. I want to be an active supporter of the world of literature and the writers who create stories that help us make sense of the world."
Nye is fulfilling her dream of moving to the Southwest, while Temple will remain on the staff as a bookseller, along with all current staff members. Ann Woodbeck can be contacted via e-mail.