An Open Book

Specialties

It’s always 75 and sunny inside our store. In addition to books we feature fun and educational toys, puzzles, boardgames, comics, greeting cards, fair trade coffee, premium chocolate, local jams and syrups, and other unique gift ideas. An Open Book is a a place where curious minds can grow. We host Magic The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons events; a book club, and local community support groups.

History

Established in 2004.

Started by Laura Spilman in 2004 at 119 Jefferson Street South as a used bookstore/​coffee shop with 3,000 titles.

Purchased by Gillette Kempf in 2006 who discontinued the coffee shop, expanded new book titles, and added Melissa & Doug toys.

Moved across the street to 114 Jefferson to share space with a bistro in 2010 and expanded toy, puzzle, and game offerings. Expanded new childrens/​YA book section.

Added comics and graphic novels in 2013. Added locally made jams from Brambleberry Farms. Started a book club.

Moved across the street to 209 Jefferson (present location) in December 2014. Added organic whole bean and ground coffee from Deans Beans. Added Magic the Gathering, PokeMon, and Yu-​Gi-​Oh cards; role playing game books and supplies (Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder); and board games like Catan, Ticket To Ride, Risk, Monopoly, and Jenga. Expanded jigsaw puzzle choices. Added toys from Fat Brain Toy Co and Tree Hopper Toys. Added ongoing gaming events for Magic and D&D players.

Meet the Business Owner

Gillette K.

Business Owner

I was born in Minnesota. My family moved to New York when I was a teenager where I lived for 19 years. When I moved to North Carolina I met my husband John. John’s job took us to Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. We returned to Minnesota with our two sons in 2006.

I attended Nazareth College of Rochester, Fordham University, and SUNY-​Brockport all in pursuit of history degrees.

I’ve worked as a paralegal and a technical writer before becoming a stay-​at-​home mom.

When we moved to Minnesota, John and I bought the bookstore. I’ve enjoyed sharing my love of reading and my passion for the pursuit of knowledge with everyone who has visited me at the bookstore.

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«Classic American diner with friendly staff and casual seating.»

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«Wonderful flowers and gifts. Something new every time you visit.»

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«Great plant selection. We shop here when picking flowers for the pots outside the store.»

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«Great pizza, salads, burgers, and soups. Plus, from 2PM to 4PM they have a lovely pie and coffee special. Yum!»