Staff photo by Fritz Busch Lykke Books owner Brie Taralson is pictured with a colorful art display in the store. Taralson said the bookstore has grown to include many local and nationally-known authors. Book subjects range from learning to let go, incite joy, poetry, how to be less miserable and journaling for teens.

NEW ULM — Lykee Books, a family-operated bookstore that collaborates with other community organizations, continues to grow as a community hub with a bistro and coffee shop at 203 N. Minnesota St.

Owner Brie Taralson hosted the gifts and bookstore grand opening in May 2024 in the former Kemske/Office Supply business. The coffee shop opened March 11, 2025. The work of local artists are featured in the retail area.

“It’s been a learning process,” said Taralson. “The coffee shop has been a really good addition to the bookstore. With breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups pastries and baked items (from Sweet Indeed of Madelia), coffee and espresso drinks with sugar-free options. People come and stay. We have something for everybody. Food and drink has always been important in New Ulm. That’s how we celebrate community.”

She said southwest and oriental wraps and salads have been very popular as “grab and go options” for people downtown.

She said two years ago, her plans were to create a welcoming community space for people come to meet friends for a book club or bible study.

“I wanted to create a space to bring people together. Those things are happening,” said Taralson. “Groups are coming regularly. We organize some things. Sometimes, groups that were meeting someplace else are coming here. That’s been really fun to see develop. We’re always looking for new programming, adding things that people are looking for in the community.”

Monthly events include the Silent Book Club, with no required reading or discussions. Participants just bring a book they like and enjoy an hour or two of company, 1-3 pm. On the second Sunday of each month.

The Grief Book Club led by Allina Health grief counselor Emily Hoffrogge meets noon to 1:30 p.m. on the third or fourth Sunday of each month. Participants are invited to come for a supportive place to read, reflect, and connect through meaningful books.

Group ukelele classes for people of all ages features new songs each week and foundations for strumming patterns, cords, practice and performance are held 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday.

Yoga taught by Kinzie Eckstein of Healing Routines happen 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and 7-8 p.m. Monday.

“Kid’s yoga classes have been really popular. They do 20 minutes of yoga, do a craft, get a snack and listen to story time readings,” said Taralson. “It got so popular, we created a second class. We’re adding story reading on Wednesdays now too. I meet with the New Ulm Public Library, The Grand Center for Arts and Culture and the Brown County Historical Museum regularly. We collaborate when it makes sense.”

She said new artists are rotated in the store every six weeks.

“If there is someone in the community or area that wants to partner with us, we have space for people. They should reach out to us to bring it to life,” said Taralson. “We’re also looking for another tennant in our business. We’re open to lots of possibilities.”

She said the business launched an online retail business this fall.

“I’ve been surprised at how well that has taken off. We have quite a regional following,” said Taralson.

Lykke Books hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 am. To 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. For more information, visit www.lykkebooks.com.