Red Balloon Bookshop opened its current location in St. Paul in 1989 on 891 Grand Avenue, a hotspot for local businesses, in the Highland neighborhood. The bookstore has been important to local readers and community members for decades now, and its story is ongoing.

The building itself has a unique and interesting feel to it. From the outside, the first thing of notice for the bookshop is the large wooden bear holding a red balloon right in front of the store. The store itself is named after a film by Albert Lamorisse called Red Balloon. The overall design of the building shares many striking similarities with a made-up house from old fairy tales. With large windows, a pointed roof and an inviting feeling, visitors feel enthralled entering the store.

Once inside the store, people can start to appreciate the true beauty of the space. There are rows and rows of books mainly meant for children and young adults organized in sections, giving people opportunities to discover new literature that they will love. The selection of books ranges from Garfield comics for kids, to fantasy novels such as Harry Potter for young adults and kids alike. Each section has a different design and color scheme, and it is often fun for people to walk around each section and look at their artistic choices while also trying to find new books.

The staff are very inviting and helpful to guests. They will be stationed at one corner of the room where a large table sits, where the staff hang out and help out customers. If customers ever have a question, they can easily go over there and ask one of the staff and they will make sure to help people out.

Head over to Red Balloon Bookshop and check out a community staple for young readers who support the city’s passion and love for literature. Red Balloon has a unique and creative feeling to it that will make people want to explore the small space and come back for more. Red Balloon is yet another great business adding to the overall love of arts and literature in the St. Paul community. Go experience the bookstore for all that it has to offer.