The chilly, early months of the year are the perfect time to escape into a literary adventure. Tucked in both small towns and big cities, independent bookstores await with a book for every reader. Explore these bookish hideaways for your next read.
By Maddie Wilcox
DRAGON TALE BOOKS
Menomonie
Dragon Tale Books continues the decades-long tradition of independent bookstores in Menomonie offering new and used books for all ages. Owner and author Ann Vogl shares her community pride with a “mission to serve lifelong readers, support local creatives, provide community learning opportunities, and make the world a better place.” Dragon Tale Books has hosted art exhibits, photography clubs, and book signings in the store’s whimsical environment. When you visit, catch a glimpse of the giant dragon tail cutting through the store’s interior while you peruse.
HONEST DOG BOOKS
Bayfield
The Buckles family has owned Honest Dog Books since 2019. Before getting into the book business, they had a long history as mushers, working with “honest dogs,” a term for hard-working sled dogs. Honest Dogs specializes in new, used and rare books as well as vintage vinyl records and maps.
This northern Wisconsin bookstore boasts a full calendar of events including authors, comedians and Mahjong Mondays. Check out the Honest Dog Books Pod, a podcast featuring author interviews and all things books.
JC WEDDLE BOOKS
Rhinelander
Born out of a husband-and-wife duo’s passion for reading and the town of Rhinelander, JC Weddle Books specializes in used books and collectibles. The Weddles started selling books online and then opened their physical location east of the Wisconsin River. Co-owner Jeff Weddle emphasizes the bookstore’s “comfortable feel, good selection and cheap prices.”
This place is packed with personality; even the bookstore’s bathroom has character. Jeff and his wife found inspiration “after a hilarious trip to Roswell, NM, to decorate [the bathroom] with a space theme.” Follow along with this quirky store on social media for zany posts and community features like the annual McRib Fund or Rhinelander’s Best Shoveled Sidewalk championship.
LITERATUS & CO.
Watertown
Started in 2019 after taking over the bookstore that had been there, Literatus & Co. opened its doors selling new, used and rare vintage books. “Unexpected treasures are what we sell, along with service, answering the age-old customer request, ‘I don’t know what I’m looking for but will tell you when you find it for me,’” shares co- owner Isabelle Eller.
Literatus is situated on a picturesque corner in Watertown’s historic downtown. Not only does Literatus boast an impressive book selection, but you can enjoy their full-service café while skimming your newest literary find. Check out their community events year-round, including author signings and local fundraisers.
READERS REALM GALLERY OF BOOKS, GIFTS & WHIMSY
Montello
Before starting Readers Realm in a historic 1800s church, owner Kathleen Ludden worked over three decades in the new book business. She describes finding Readers Realm’s unique business location shortly after moving to Montello saying, “I came into a rummage sale and walked out with a church.”
Readers Realm enjoys a loyal customer base, including its monthly book club attendees, and travelers headed north attracted by the promise of whimsy. Customers will not only find books, but puppets, art supplies and book-related gifts for adults and children.
facebook.com/p/Readers-Realm-Gallery-of-New-Gently-Used-Books-Gifts-and-Whimsy-100049091725769/
ROOTED MKE
Milwaukee
Rooted MKE is focused on offering something really special for the BIPOC community in Milwaukee. This specialty bookstore focuses on BIPOC children’s books which showcase multifaceted characters of color. This independent bookstore uses a data-driven approach to increasing literacy and academic success. Rooted MKE celebrates Black and Brown educators and authors to inspire the next passionate literary generation.
In addition to the bookstore, Rooted MKE offers a makerspace and an academic support center to support the overall academic success for children in K-12 education. Tutoring and arts programming is available by appointment.
SOJOURN BOOKSELLERS
Stevens Point
Passion for the written word runs deep at Sojourn Booksellers. They believe in the power of stories to educate and inspire. This warm, inviting shop offers a book selection appealing to readers of all ages. Staff regularly release timely, curated book lists which highlight such categories as female authors, collegiate classics or seasonal tales.
Sojourn Booksellers runs a monthly Silent Book Club, sort of like a happy hour, where instead of having to make small talk, attendees can read in a quiet communal space. This is an event so popular it often has a waiting list weeks in advance, so make sure to snag a spot early!