New indie bookstore opens Saturday in Elk River

Sarah Russel credits her love of reading to her grandfather.

Growing up as the eldest of four sisters, Russel recalls how she rarely had anything to herself - except the "secret library" her grandfather kept for her hidden away in a cupboard.

In the backyard, he'd help her use a ladder to climb into a large tree for an afternoon of reading.

"It was my own private place away with my own personal books," Russel said. "It just started this lifelong love of reading for me."

Russel, who moved to Elk River nearly six years ago with her husband and their two youngest children, will debut Well Read Books on Saturday.

While the new independent bookstore in downtown Elk River will stock a variety of new releases and popular titles, such as contemporary romance and fantasy novels, most the shop's inventory will be used books.

"We love the idea of recycling books, of books not ending up in a landfill somewhere, of not having to reprint books," Russel explained, adding she plans to launch a book buyback program in a few months.

Saturday's grand opening, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., lands on Independent Bookstore Day.

Festivities will include a story time with local children's author Ben Miller, as well as giveaways, a gift with purchase and a visit from a certified therapy dog.

Related: Indie Bookstore Day: How to score savings in the Twin Cities

Related: Indie Bookstore Day: How to score savings in the Twin Cities