Acorn Bookshop, an all-ages bookstore with an emphasis on women authors, opened last week in St. Paul, Minn., CBS News reported.
Located at 2238 Carter Ave., in the same space that once housed the independent bookstore Micawber's, Acorn Bookshop sells new and used titles, with about 75% of the store's new books written by women authors. Alongside books, there are items made by local women artisans and a vending machine featuring locally-made art.
"We are very passionately a feminist bookstore," owner Rachel Ostrom told CBS News. "I really hope people experience the beauty of what women authors have to offer."
The space is designed to feel like a cozy, second living room, Ostrom noted. There is seating, a dedicated children's space, a puzzle area, and free coffee and tea available. Ostrom also has plans to add a "dirty soda" station in the weeks ahead.
Prior to opening Acorn Bookshop, Ostrom worked in marketing for 25 years. She took a break from that job last October to consider new possibilities and came upon the space at 2238 Carter, which was vacant.
Ostrom was familiar with it, having taken her children there when it belonged to Micawber's, and after that, she recalled, "It happened so fast. Within 24 hours, I had the thought, the lease, the space was open. The landlords got back to me and I hadn't told my husband yet."
She added that people have responded well to the bookstore so far, with many people thanking her for being there. "I just can't say enough about the community here," Ostrom said.