Monkey Publishing opens store in Mall

    CARIBOU —  Monkey Publishing, the Caribou-based publisher and on-demand printer has announced an agreement to open its first full time store in the Aroostook Centre Mall. The company has sold products part time for several years from a kiosk there at that location.     When asked why a store makes sense now in this economy, William Tasker, owner of the business replied, “We started out four years ago with one book and that sold well and a kiosk made sense. But we now have 27 products with more on the way and we needed room to grow. Plus, we are doing a lot of on-demand printing these days and the store gives us a better meeting place for those interested in our services,” he added.
    While its growing line of books are still the bulk of the publisher’s business, Monkey Publishing has also grown in other areas. Tasker stated, “We print locally inspired stationary and prints and we have also had a lot of fun making family treasures like making beautiful hard-bound books of a family’s history and genealogy and though the season is now past, we make really nice personalized cards and calendars too. Plus, we’ve now made books for people and organizations from Van Buren to Houlton.”
    The company’s growth has been a personal commitment to Patti Crooks, Aroostook Centre Mall manager. “It has become important to me, being a part of Monkey Publishing’s growth,” Crooks said, “the company does wonderful work, is a great addition to our lineup of stores and I like helping germinate a County-grown company.”
    Monkey Publishing will hold a grand opening event, February 5–7, that will include a 10 percent discount on everything in the store as well as free homemade baked goods for all who stop by. The new store is located just beyond Bath and Body Works and will be open Tuesday through Sunday.