Lykke Books owner Brie Taralson is in the process of purchasing the building, which would eventually involve turning the upstairs into a variety of living spaces.

NEW ULM – When Brie Taralson set about building her business venture Lykke Books, her goal was to create a welcoming community space for people from all walks of life.

Nearly one year later, confirmation that she is meeting her goal is not hard to find.

One recent Saturday morning patrons could be seen viewing the work of local photographer Shamara Hornick on display in the front of the store with large windows lighting the exhibit.

On the other front of the building, in an inviting gathering space with multiple lounging options, younger visitors were settling in with their parents around local author Gail Boe, who was preparing to read from her latest publication.

A group of music enthusiasts was setting up in another part of the space, getting ready to practice the finer points of the ukulele.

Local author Gail Boe reading from her latest book “Lettuce” to a group of eager listeners.

Readers and the curious were browsing away at the books on display in the center section.

And Brie Taralson was moving from group to group, answering questions from employees, enjoying the performances, and considering the next move in another part of the store – arrangements for the expanded NU Brew Cafe, which will open in March and feature a smoothie bar and a full coffee and tea shop. The partnership with Gutes Essen will continue with additional offerings to include panini sandwiches and breakfast goods, among others.

So far, Lykke Books has six organizations under one roof that all work together to bring about the real purpose of it all, which is found in the name of the business itself, Lykke, a Danish word meaning happiness.

“Back when I worked in healthcare when we were living in Fargo, I got to be involved in a community-wide project looking at mental health specifically,” Taralson said. “I was fascinated with this whole idea of prevention, even more than prevention, just well-being in general, how do we not just survive our lives, but how do we thrive.”

Taralson talked about how Denmark consistently tops the list of the happiest countries, according to World Health Organization surveys.

Matt Mihlbauer (center) leads a ukulele class in the multi-purpose gym of Lykke Books, with Jay Luker and Anna De St. Croix right and Richard Gurska and James Denny Groebner left.

“I think there is a lot we can learn from Danish culture,” she said.

“I was reading a book called ‘The Little Book of Lykke: Secrets of the Worlds’ Happiest People,’ and it was talking about all these different components, and it all boils down to social connections and relationships and how we connect with one another,” she said.

The whole idea of Lykke books is to provide a “community hub” to promote that idea. She is happy with how things are going and she is staying with her original goal. “It’s a journey, things are happening organically that I hoped would happen,” she said.

As for what is coming next, Taralson said, “We’re in the process of purchasing this building, my husband and I. This whole idea started not because I wanted to open a bookstore – I wanted to start with housing.”

“How many informal and casual interactions you are having with other people during your day is an indicator of how well-supported and connected you are. So there is this idea of co-housing that started in Europe – it’s a way of designing places we live around shared amenities. I’ve started with community spaces but would like to create housing and apartments. It may be college students, smaller units, smaller families.”

Brie Taralson in the bike shop of Lykke Books, located on the lower level, talks about plans for the space, which include a partnership with The Smallest Cog bike shop out of St. Peter.

“Upstairs has the original hardwood floors, huge windows,” Taralson said. “Tt’s a blank slate, the downstairs too.”