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Independent Bookstores in Wisconsin

NewPages.com guide to the best Wisconsin indie bookstores

Independent bookstores in Wisconsin are sorted by City as you scroll through. If your favorite indie bookstore is missing, please contact us.

If you are the owner of an indie bookstore, you can submit a free enhanced listing for your bookstore in our Guide here.

Algoma Book Corner

The Algoma Book Corner sells gently used books, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, and LPs at bargain prices. All proceeds benefit the Algoma Public Library.

Yardstick Books
  • Yardstick Books
  • 317 Steele St.
  • City: Algoma
  • Phone: (920) 487-8174
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

Yardstick is an independent bookshop and gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin on the Lake Michigan shore. We carry books, gifts and cards.

Angels Forever - Window of Light

Unique items and gifts for the body, mind and spirit. Everything from Angels to Zen! Featuring the state’s largest selection of sterling silver jewelry and gemstones from around the world. A rare find awaits with angels, crystals, books, music, tarot, candles, incense, aromatherapy, statues, mystical creatures, and Native American and Eastern artifacts. Private psychic readings.

Arkana Books is a small, independently owned bookstore in Appleton, Wisconsin, right along the Fox River. The Draw – an obscure looking grey building, contains several local businesses. Arkana is on the second floor, Suite 303. We have a small, curated selection, but most titles are available to order, all you have to do is ask.

The Book Store

  • The Book Store
  • 293 W. Northland Ave.
  • City: Appleton
  • Phone: (920) 734-8908
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Art, Children's, Educational, Literary, Crime/Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts
  • Facebook
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The Book Store features thousands of used and new books. We offer discounted prices on all of our books. Our in-store used book trading system keeps our inventory changing daily. Family owned and operated since 1977, with a knowledgeable and friendly staff we are happy to help you find your next favorite book or author. We keep a computerized inventory of all our books making it easy to help you find what you’re looking for.

Village Booksmith

  • Village Booksmith
  • 526 Oak St.
  • City: Baraboo
  • Phone: (608) 355-1001
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Literary, Regional
  • Sidelines: Coffee/Tea, Curiosities, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Website

The Village Booksmith is south-central Wisconsin’s premier shop for used, collectible, and hard-to-find books, along with popular fiction, kids’ books, and new volumes of local interest. We offer live music, poetry readings, and other free cultural events weekly (usually on Wednesday and Friday evenings). We also stock a wide variety of quirky journals, calendars, and greeting cards. Come visit!

Apostle Islands Booksellers is a full-service, locally-owned, independent bookstore located in Bayfield, Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior.

  • Honest Dog Books
  • 40 S. Second St
  • City: Bayfield
  • Phone: (715) 813-0308
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: Feminist, LGBTQ+, Literary, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
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Honest Dog Books is a family-run new and used general interest bookstore with a long history in Bayfield, Wisconsin. Owners Julie Buckles and Charly Ray are wilderness travelers with a team of sled dogs, two teenagers, and deep love for community, literature, and conversation. Dogs are welcome.

  • Rosalee Book Boutique
  • 234 S Spring St
  • City: Beaver Dam
  • Phone: (920) 631-7002
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Literary, YA
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings
  • Facebook

Rosalee Book Boutique is an independent bookstore located in downtown Beaver Dam, WI. We offer a variety of books for all ages. We also offer boutique gift items, including candles, puzzles, clothing, and baby items.

A well-curated and curious collection of over 2000 used books. Find your next amazing read at Bookworks at Bushel & Peck’s.

Redbery Books

While continuing to provide incomparable in-store selection, Redbery Books has gone electronic! Redbery Books also hosts author events, special events, a variety of book clubs and story times, and is also a proud co-sponsor of the annual Northwoods Children’s Books Conference, a conference specifically designed for librarians, media specialists, educators and writers, held every fall.

  • InkLink Books
  • 2890 Main St.
  • City: East Troy
  • Phone: (262) 642-9607
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts
  • Facebook
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Local, Women-Owned, Independent Bookstore!

Over 90,000 used titles in Ellison Bay, WI.

Peninsula Bookman

  • Peninsula Bookman
  • 4083 Main St.
  • City: Fish Creek
  • Phone: (920) 868-1467
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: Regional
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
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A carefully selected collection of 20,000 used and rare titles, focused on regional history, militaria, Americana, as well as a general inventory of literary fiction, mystery, suspense, art, nature, hunting, fishing, exploration and adventure titles. We also stock a broad selection of new books, journals and blank books, antique and reproduction maps, puzzles, and postcards. We take particular pride in presenting a well-organized stock of clean used books in excellent condition.

Books on Main is a lifelong dream coming true. I’m so excited to bring a used bookstore to Adams-Friendship and can’t wait to see my fellow book dragons here!

  • Book Stop
  • 603 S. Military Ave.
  • City: Green Bay
  • Phone: (920) 498-0008
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Facebook
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Book Stop is an independently owned used bookstore and paperback exchange located in the Beacon Center in Green Bay.

  • Lion's Mouth Bookstore
  • 211 N. Washington St
  • City: Green Bay
  • Phone: (920) 406-0200
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
  • Sidelines: Gifts
  • Facebook
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The premier independent bookstore in Green Bay, WI. Lion’s Mouth Bookstore features titles for all ages and interests, and offers both new and used books, and fine gifts.

  • Renaissance Books
  • 5300 S 76 St. - Southridge Mall
  • City: Greendale
  • Phone: (414) 367-2324
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook
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Renaissance Books is a small business chain owned and operated in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Chapter 2 Books

  • Chapter 2 Books
  • 226 Locust St.
  • City: Hudson
  • Phone: (715) 220-8818
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook
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  • Website

Selling new and used books; journals, educational toys, greeting cards etc. Visit us for author events!

Blue House Books started as a pop-up store selling used books at community events and local businesses. We slowly grew to a micro bookstore and finally opened our first permanent brick-and-mortar location in Downtown Kenosha in September 2020. Our community has been so incredible in supporting our cozy little store, that we needed to move to a larger location after our first year! You can now find us at 5915 6th Avenue A. We hope to see you soon!

Pearl Street Books

  • Pearl Street Books
  • 323 Pearl St.
  • City: La Crosse
  • Phone: (608) 782-3424
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook

La Crosse’s specialty used, new, collectible, and antique bookstore. We have thousands of titles, and can procure almost anything. Located in the heart of downtown La Crosse, just west of 4th and Pearl, we’ve been selling books for over 20 years. We have a huge variety of titles and a friendly and knowledgeable staff always happy to help you find something. It’s easy to get lost in here! We love hosting author events and community book discussions. We have a comfy reading space upstairs that’s open to customers, book clubs, or anyone passing through!

Daydream Believers Books & Gifts

20th Century Books

Popular Culture bookstore since 1979, specializing in mystery and science fiction/fantasy titles and comic books.

Madison’s friendliest community bookstore dedicated to fostering literacy. We give a book back to the community for each one sold!

We are professional antiquarian booksellers (members of the ABAA) who sell online and by appointment only. Our specialties include literature of all periods, modern first editions, and works of historical interest..

Featuring international books and drinks with a sense of place. Discover your next destination at Leopold’s.

Mystery to Me Bookstore

  • Mystery to Me Bookstore
  • 1863 Monroe St
  • City: Madison
  • Phone: (608) 283-9332
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Literary, YA
  • Sidelines: Calendars, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
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Mystery to Me is a general bookstore with a very specific name! Carefully selected fiction & nonfiction. A wide variety of mystery from across the genre. New York Times bestsellers. Delightful children’s, middle grade, and young adult titles. Puzzles, mystery games, cards and more. Local interest titles.

A Room of One's Own Bookstore
  • A Room of One's Own Bookstore
  • 2717 Atwood Ave.
  • City: Madison
  • Phone: (608) 286-3827
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Feminist, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Magazines, Newspapers
  • Facebook
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Room offers a wide selection of current and classic fiction, nonfiction, periodicals, graphic novels, local interest titles,  author events, gifts, greeting cards, and t-shirts. We also have strong children’s and young adult, women’s studies and LGBT fiction and nonfiction sections.

Happily outfitting readers and writers for 17 years. Proudly offering a curated selection of traditional, battery-free books.

  • Thimbleberry Books
  • 166 South Central Ave
  • City: Marshfield
  • Phone: (715) 387-3049
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Academic, Crime/Mystery, Literary, Regional, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Facebook
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Thimbleberry Books is an eclectic bookstore located in downtown Marshfield, Wisconsin on Route 13, just south of the railroad tracks. As we are located in the center of the state and not near cities of any great size, we try our best to have a little something for everyone from modern literature, history, biography, science, nature, mystery, westerns, science fiction, romance, and more.

Dragon Tale Books’ mission is to serve lifelong readers, support local creatives, provide community learning opportunities, and make the world a better place by being inclusive and respectful of the world around us in our book selections and events, all within an engaging and whimsical environment.

In April 2009, Boswell Book Company opened in the former location of the Downer Avenue Schwartz branch. New books, second hand books, bargain books, autographed books, greeting cards, journals, toys and gifts. And lots and lots of events.

Used books, DVDs, videos, and CDs! Well-organized and friendly. Want to sell your books? We make house calls!

Lion's Tooth

Lion’s Tooth is an indie bookstore café and bar in the beautiful Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, specializes in graphic novels, small press, children’s books, and zines. This mission-driven shop works to support local artists and authors while offering quality underground and radical publications.

Outwords Books, Gifts & Coffee

Outwords Books Gifts & Coffee is conveniently located in Milwaukee’s East Side, a short drive or bus ride. Coming from Wisconsin Ave., Outwords is two blocks from both the “GreenLine” & “30-Maryland” Bus. Please phone for directions. Outwords Books offers a wide selection of LGBT-related books, videos, music cds, magazines, cards, gifts, author events, personalized customer service plus a cozy Coffee Bar offering lights snacks plus a damned good cup of coffee!

As the last children’s bookstore within the City of Milwaukee, we have enjoyed the gracious support of our Washington Heights neighbors as well as the greater metro area. It is our mission to sell quality children’s books in a welcoming atmosphere.

Rooted MKE

  • Rooted MKE
  • 5312 W Vliet St
  • City: Milwaukee
  • Phone: (414) 488-9545
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: African American, Children's, Educational, YA
  • Sidelines: Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings, Storytime
  • Facebook
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  • Twitter
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Rooted MKE is a BIPOC centered children’s bookstore and literacy center. We feature BIPOC children’s, middle grade and YA titles. We also offer private academic tutoring and offer literacy focused programming and exploration opportunities as well as family-events. Join us in person or shop our curated title selection online or at local Milwaukee area events (pop up bookstore)

Voyageur Book Shop began in 2016 in Bay View Milwaukee’s Five Points neighborhood. We are a used bookstore focused on providing the best selection of books at a convenient location.

Woodland Pattern Book Center

Our goals are to promote a lifetime practice of reading and writing, to provide a forum and resource center for writers/artists in our region, and to increase and diversify the audience for contemporary literature through innovative approaches to multi-arts programming. Woodland Pattern is the only Milwaukee, Wisconsin arts organization presenting contemporary literature to the general public on a continuous basis.

  • Readers Realm Gallery
  • 147 E. Montello St.
  • City: Montello
  • Phone: (608) 297-2200
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Facebook

Located in a grand historic church built in 1875, there is plenty of space to leisurely browse through the wide array of books for all ages and interests. Open in summer from 10-5 and Sundays from 10-4 with free on-street parking, it is an ideal destination for book lovers. Readers’ Realm is a full-service bookstore offering special orders, gift certificates, and a volume discount program. There is a unique selection of gift items and the store offers free gift wrapping with your purchase.

A Neighborhood Independent Bookstore. Featuring new titles in fiction, nonfiction,young adult, and children’s. We also carry a variety of titles for the collector.

An independently-owned community-based bookstore serving the Oconomowoc, Lake Country, and Waukesha area since 1983.

BayShore Books

  • BayShore Books
  • 302 Collins Ave.
  • City: Oconto
  • Phone: (920) 834-3220
  • Type: Primarily used with some new books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Regional, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Curiosities, Gifts, Puzzles, Toys/Games
  • Facebook
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  • Twitter
  • Website

BayShore Books LLC is Oconto County’s Independent Bookstore. Whether you are looking for new or used, we offer a wide variety of adult and children’s titles, along with puzzles, toys, gifts, and journals. Can’t find what you are looking for? Let us special order that new or out of print book for you.

Book Heads

  • Book Heads
  • 214 E. Mill St.
  • City: Plymouth
  • Phone: (920) 892-6657
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Children's, Literary, Crime/Mystery
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Newspapers
  • Facebook

Book Heads is a family owned and operated bookstore with books for all ages and interests, greeting cards, gifts, activity books, and puzzles! Special orders are welcome with no additional shipping charges in most cases. Come read the quotes on our walls or attend one of our events! Unplug, yet recharge, with real books!

Main Street Books is an independently owned used book store located in the middle of downtown Reedsburg. Half price books are just one reason Main Street Books is a favorite book store for many locals and tourists, great selection is another.

  • Fox Den Used Books
  • 117 S. Main St.
  • City: River Falls
  • Phone: (715) 425-6180
  • Type: Used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Gifts, Newspapers
  • Facebook
  • Website

Inklings Used Books

Located in the heart of historic downtown Plymouth, WI. We are a family-owned, used bookstore that specializes in vintage children’s, history, and Wisconsin titles.

  • WordHaven BookHouse
  • 923 N 8th St.
  • City: Sheboygan
  • Phone: (920) 395-2375
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook

WordHaven BookHouse is a BookShop and Writing Center located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin. We are a safe place for words where people can connect, grow, create, and thrive; we sell books (new and used), writing materials, local art, stickers, candles, etc.; and we host writing classes, StoryTimes, BookClubs, Author Events, and more.

Northwind Book & Fiber

General independent bookshore, fine yarn shop, gallery of local art & jewelry, and provider of games, puzzles, educational toys, magazines, and events.

Arcadia Books
  • Arcadia Books
  • 102 E. Jefferson St.
  • City: Spring Green
  • Phone: (608) 588-7638
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Coffee/Tea, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Website

The independent bookstore you’ll wish was in every town, and the independent-minded cafe you’ll be glad to find inside. Closed to in-store shopping beginning January 1, 2024 due to major renovations. We are still taking online and phone orders during the construction period.

Bound to Happen Books was founded in April of 2021 when Nicole, Rachel, and Lyn recognized a need in our community of Stevens Point for a bookstore to provide new releases and popular titles and that prioritizes authors and experiences not represented in our community.

Kindred Spirit Books

  • Kindred Spirit Books
  • 1028 Main St.
  • City: Stevens Point
  • Phone: (715) 342-4891
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Alternative/Political, Children's, Metaphysical/New Age, Regional
  • Sidelines: Artwork, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards
  • Facebook

We’ve been selling new books, gifts, local music, and artwork since 1997. We’re a full-service bookseller conveniently located in historic downtown Stevens Point with ample free parking on Main Street and in free municipal lots nearby. Our downtown neighborhood also has a wide selection of places to eat and other shopping venues, so there is plenty to see and do. Come and visit us; you won’t be disappointed!

Sojourn Booksellers, located in downtown Stevens Point, is a bookshop for all ages and interests. We are passionate about the written word and power of stories to inspire, entertain, educate, and connect. We created a unique and welcoming space to share our love of reading and books with others.

  • Novel Bay Booksellers
  • 44 N. 3rd Ave.
  • City: Sturgeon Bay
  • Phone: (715) 384-4294
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Regional
  • Sidelines: Curiosities, Gifts, Greeting Cards/Postcards, Puzzles, Stationery
  • Events: Author Signings
  • Facebook
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  • Twitter
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Independent, women-owned bookstore specializing in a curated collection of new releases, children’s titles, and local authors.

We offer new and used books, magazines, puzzles, trading cards, trains, role playing games, comic books and graphic novels, and more. We offer open game play on Monday evenings and Magic the Gathering played on Wednesday.

Foxes & Fireflies
  • Foxes & Fireflies
  • 1401 Tower Avenue
  • City: Superior
  • Phone: (715) 319-9693
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Feminist, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs, Readings
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
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Foxes & Fireflies Booksellers is your Superior bookstore. Come browse through our forest of books, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy some bookish conversation. We carry new and used books in a cozy, community space. Sit down to read a few chapters or play a game of checkers. Enjoy author signings, the weekly silent book club and other special events.

  • Paper Crane Bookstore
  • 1610 Washington St.
  • City: Two Rivers
  • Phone: (920) 320-9435
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's, Crime/Mystery, Literary, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
  • Sidelines: Gifts
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Website

Paper Crane Bookstore is an independent bookstore located in Two Rivers, WI. We carry a variety of book genres including fiction, romance, mystery/thriller, sci-fi/fantasy, nonfiction, children’s books, and more! We offer primarily new with some used books and if we don’t have what you’re looking for, we will be happy to place a special order for you.

Independent bookshop in the heart of downtown Verona! We partner with local artists to display and sell their work, offer a variety of gift and stationery items, and a lovely community space called the Brick House Studio.

Driftless Books & Music

New, used, rare, and antiquarian books. We buy, sell, and trade. Custom book searches. Open seasonally.

Fair Isle Books & Gifts

Open Seasonally Memorial Day – Indigenous Peoples Day, Fair Isle Books is an independent book and fair trade gift shop with handpicked new books & global gifts. The shop features island and Door Co. authors as well as bestsellers in fiction & nonfiction, adult, and children’s literature. Visit our website for news on upcoming events.

Reads by the River

  • Reads by the River
  • 102 E. Main St.
  • City: Waterford
  • Phone: (262) 720-7323
  • Type: New books
  • Specialty: General Interest
  • Sidelines: Coffee/Tea, Gifts, Puzzles, Stationery, Toys/Games
  • Events: Author Signings, Book Clubs
  • Facebook
  • Website

Find your next favorite read and/or that special and unique gift at our indie bookstore and gift shop located beside the river in quaint downtown Waterford, WI. We carry a great selection of gift ideas, from unique candles and puzzles to gourmet treats and games. We host a variety of events on a regular basis, including Cocktails & Conversation with authors, book clubs, Late Night at the Bookstore, Cookbook Club, story times for children, craft nights and much more. Follow our Facebook page or website for event listings.

  • Literatus & Co
  • 401 E. Main St.
  • City: Watertown
  • Phone: (920)-253-3556
  • Type: Primarily new with some used books
  • Specialty: General Interest, Children's
  • Sidelines: Café/Food, Coffee/Tea
  • Facebook
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Located In historic downtown Watertown we are a classic bookstore featuring new, used, and rare books as well as a coffee and tea café.

This children’s bookstore, located in The Book Cellar next to Little Fat Gretchen’s, has games, puzzles, toys, and great books!

Since 1919, Janke Book Store has been in the heartbeat of Downtown Wausau. Janke continues to be the place for books, magazines, stationery, greeting cards, art supplies, author events, a great children’s department, and the lower level of used books!