Shop Local At These Southern Wisconsin Bookstores For Independent Bookstore Day And Beyond

The pandemic changed how the book business operates, According to the NY Times Amazon's profits soared 220% during the pandemic. To survive, independent booksellers had to adapt offering online shopping, curbside pick-up, virtual events and memberships. Still, not everything is rosy for indies,  American Booksellers Association (ABA), 35 member bookstores have closed during the pandemic or nearly one shop shuttering their doors every week. But, Americans love an underdog and loathe a monopoly, Amazon the latest villain while bookstores have begun a resurgence. What is more of intimate experience with the author a paperback, the arched back, the smell of the printed page, or a Kindle?


Independent Bookstore Day (April 26th, 2025) celebrates its' 12th Anniversary across its' collective of 1000+ stores with exclusive book offers, author reads, kids events and more. This Saturday, keep it local, keep our bookshops thriving and healthy keystone to our communities and buy a book from one of these book sellers at the Independent Bookstore Day.

Please Consider Purchasing A Book From These Southern Wisconsin Bookstores. Support local. 

Kismet Books


Kismet Books, in Verona offers and wide range of new books and used books for readers young and old. Located in the heart of downtown Verona, just minutes from Epic Systems campus, and Madison's Southwest Side. Kismet Books is located at 101 North Main Street in Verona. For more information please call


(608)845-2500 or info@kismetbookshop.com. This Saturday the store will be open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.

Edgerton Books and Art 


Located at 4 W Fulton St. Edgerton Books and Art is a both an art gallery and place for

vintage and unique older books. Edgerton Books and Art can be contacted at (608) 501-7601. The store is open this Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

Daydream Believer

Books and Gifts


Make a daytrip this Saturday to Lake Mills for the Independent Bookstore Day with visit to Daydream Believer Books and Gifts. Located in downtown this bookstore offers NY Times best sellers, Independent publishers, local authors, a large kids book section and small gifts for every occasion. Be sure to take spin of the wheel for prizes. Daydream is putting out food too you can nibble and browse this great local gem for Independent Bookstore Day.


This fine local bookseller is located at 130 E Lake St, in downtown Lake Mills. Phone 

(920) 648 5100 for more information.

Fireside Books


Monroe is great shopping destination for a daytrip. The town proudly defies the economic heavy weights of Walmart et al  and has thriving locally owned retail around its' historic Courthouse Square. Fireside Books is equally hoisted on the shoulders of loyal local book enthusiasts and has the staying power fueled by its' owner Kathi Spaeth. The store offers newly published books, NY Times bestsellers as well as vintage and collector books. Check out Fireside Books this Saturday.


The store hours are 11am to 5pm. Fireside Books is located at 1110 15th Ave in Monroe,. Call (608) 329-1110 for more information. 

Arcadia Books


Arcadia Books' big bright windows silhouette readers, diners and shelves of books in this historic corner building in downtown Spring Green. Creaky wood floors, rows of NY Times best seller books, independent publishers, local authors, self-published books, children's books, graphic novels and the smell of fresh breakfast made with local ingredients wafts in the air, Arcadia is a hygge place to lazily read with a new book in hand and cup of soup.


Arcadia Books is open from 10am to 3pm and located at 100 East Jefferson Street in downtown Spring Green.

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique


At Ink & Ivy, our story began with a shared love of our community, reading, and gift giving, with a hope of creating a space where people could gather and be inspired. Together, our mother-daughter team envisioned a shop that would be a creative space for book lovers! We are thrilled to share our passions, bringing together books, gifts, and events in a space designed to feel like a home away from home. We also want to give back to the community by offering a 10% discount on books to all healthcare workers and teachers with a valid work ID


Ink & Ivy Book Boutique is located at 2134 Regent Street in Madison

Call 608-467-2000 or email info@inkandivybooks.com

Literatus & Co


Literatus & Co opened in 2019 by a local community of avid readers and lovers of books.  Literatus & Co host a number of book events from authors on national tours, and locally grown writers too.

The shelves of this Watertown bookstore feature a wide variety of children's books, NYT best seller books to independent publishers and self-published authors.  To that point this venerable bookstore encourage first time or local authors to "expose your book to more people? Send them an email about coming in for an author event! Email isabelle@literatusbooks.com to get your book in a real bookstore! Literatus is also a great place to find a book and a cup of coffee or snack, you can even rent a room there provided you purchase a book or cafe items from them.


Literatus & Co. is located at 401 E Main St in downtown Watertown. Call
(920) 253-3556 for more information

Ink Cap Books LLC


Ink Cap Books is a new, used bookstore in downtown Stoughton, WI.
We carry all genres and a fun assortment of puzzles, stickers and handmade crafts with an emphasis on nature and local interests. Ink Cap shares space with Off the Wall Art, who focuses on original framed artwork, hygge, folk art, and Norwegian rosemaling. We are an inclusive and accessible space with a beautiful view of the Yahara River!


Ink Cap Books is located at 220 W. Main Street, Stoughton


Ink & Ivy Book Boutique


At Ink & Ivy, our story began with a shared love of our community, reading, and gift giving, with a hope of creating a space where people could gather and be inspired. Together, our mother-daughter team envisioned a shop that would be a creative space for book lovers! We are thrilled to share our passions, bringing together books, gifts, and events in a space designed to feel like a home away from home. We also want to give back to the community by offering a 10% discount on books to all healthcare workers and teachers with a valid work ID


Ink & Ivy Book Boutique is located at 2134 Regent Street in Madison

Call 608-467-2000 or email info@inkandivybooks.com

Ink & Ivy Book Boutique


At Ink & Ivy, our story began with a shared love of our community, reading, and gift giving, with a hope of creating a space where people could gather and be inspired. Together, our mother-daughter team envisioned a shop that would be a creative space for book lovers! We are thrilled to share our passions, bringing together books, gifts, and events in a space designed to feel like a home away from home. We also want to give back to the community by offering a 10% discount on books to all healthcare workers and teachers with a valid work ID


Ink & Ivy Book Boutique is located at 2134 Regent Street in Madison

Call 608-467-2000 or email info@inkandivybooks.com

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Not convinced walking past bookshelves and picking up a book is the best way to learn more about an author or story?  There is an outstanding alternative to Amazon.  Indiebound.org was created by

the American Booksellers Association as a counterweight to the online behemoth, exclusively showcasing small, independently-owned bookstores across America, town to town. A purchase on Indiebound supports those small stores we highlighted above and local authors as well. So, can't get out of the house to a bookstore, please give Indiebound a try! 

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And lastly, Don't forget to support your local bookstores this Independent Bookstore Day, Saturday, April, 26th brought to us by Indiebound and the American Bookseller Association