Shop Local At These 17 Independently Owned Bookstores In Southern Wisconsin 

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?  According to recent statistics by the American Bookseller Association Gen Z is picking up the book, an escape from the digital age, no thumbs up, emojis, or likes needed.


Don't Forget: 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.



KEEP OUR LOCAL ECONOMY STRONG

PLEASE CONSIDER PURCHASING A BOOK FROM THESE SOUTHERN WISCONSIN BOOKSTORES

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. Verona also is home to a great public library especially large children's section (1/2 of the library's footprint.)


Kismet Books is located at 101 North Main Street in downtown Verona.

For more information please call (608)845-2500 or info@kismetbookshop.com.

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


Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe


A miraculous transformation of the historic Green Bush Bakery site, Leopold's is all about the collective energy of the neighborhood sealed in tightly, with neatly arranged bookshelves surrounded by a frenetic bar and cafe vibe. Leopold's book selection is restricted by everything else that the place is but that is okay, leave those feelings of loneliness outside in the parking lot and plunge into a book aisle or take a few breaths and proceed to the cafe at the back.  Imagine John Coltrane sipping a coffee on a tiny table and take in the scene.


Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe is located at 1301 Regent Street, Madison, open Mon. - Thur 2pm - midnight, Fri - Sun - 10 am - midnight. For more information call (608) 256-7709 or email info@leopoldsmadison.com


The Village Booksmith


The Village Booksmith features new, rare, out-of-print, hard-to-find, and regular used books. This bookstore is an institution on the square. Find popular fiction, mysteries, and science fiction, along with shelves dedicated to regional and world history, art, nature, religion, cooking, poetry, pets, travel, children's books, to antiques. There is always a great selection of note cards, calendars, journals through out the store.  Be sure to check out the Village Booksmith's events calendar for trivia night, book reading or other themes.

The Village Booksmith is located on 526 Oak Street in downtown Baraboo. Hours are Mon. - Thur. 10 am - 6 pm, Fri. 10 am - 6 pm, Sat. 10 am - 4 pm. For more information call (608) 355-1001 or email  books@villagebooksmith.com

Earthsong Books & Gifts Bar & Cafe


A new-age institution in Southern Wisconsin, standing the test of time and the big box book neighbor across the road, Books-A-Million. Earthsong's selection of books range from meditation, to self-care, and new-age philosophies and Buddhism. They also sell assorted gifts like crystals, incense, candles and hand crafted jewelry.  According their website they "have the best prices in the area for our rocks & crystals." Earthsong also offers astrology services, psychic readers, classes and other events.


Earthsong Books & Gifts is located at 2214 Kennedy Road in Janesville,

University Bookstore


The University Book Store 1st opened its' doors in 1894 so qualifies as one of the oldest bookstores in Southern Wisconsin. The store has limited offering of fiction, and non-fiction books, with some great sales. The cornerstone of the their market is to the University of Wisconsin students for text books and Badger fans for apparel and other merchandise. The store also has tidy but great art supply section. For the truly blow out sales on books and merchandise head downstairs where aisles of metal bookshelves house the latest course textbooks for the new semester. "With over 130 years of history, the beloved institution continues to build on its legacy, providing resources and experiences that have enriched the lives of students, Alumni, and Badger fans." University Bookstore is also located at the car centric Hilldale mall, with similar offerings as the State Street location. And yes, you can purchase text books even if you are not a student.


University Bookstore is located at 711 State Street, Madison. For more information call
(608) 257-3784


Hidden Staircase


Since 1997 located in historic downtown Delafield, Wisconsin, Hidden Staircase is a charming shop "offering a variety of new books, a wide assortment of collectible and out-of-print books, puzzles, as well as special gift items," like a unique assortment of Great Lakes themed books, lighthouse and Edmund Fitzgerald posters, and painted wooden signs perfect decor for a getaway cabin.


Hidden Staircase is located at 525 Milwaukee Street, Delafield call  1-800-869-7844 or visit their website which looks like it was launched the day the store first opened its doors.


Paul's Books


A couple blocks from the foot of the University of Wisconsin campus, Paul's has served Madison area readers for decades. From poets and professors, plumbers, and philosophers to aspiring anarchists, authors, metalsmiths and politicians. find books on cinematography, American history, art, sports celebrities, classic works of fiction, non-fiction and much more unique, rare offerings than a big box could ever put on their shelves. Please visit this bookstore when in Madison before it disappears like the dust between the pages of the ancient books on the bookshelves packed into this narrow store.


Paul's Books is located at 670 State Street, Madison. Call (608) 257-2968 for more information or visit paulsbooks.com.


Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe


A miraculous transformation of the historic Green Bush Bakery site, Leopold's is all about the collective energy of the neighborhood sealed in tightly, with neatly arranged bookshelves surrounded by a frenetic bar and cafe vibe. Leopold's book selection is restricted by everything else that the place is but that is okay, leave those feelings of loneliness outside in the parking lot and plunge into a book aisle or take a few breaths and proceed to the cafe at the back.  Imagine John Coltrane sipping a coffee on a tiny table and take in the scene.


Leopold's Book Bar & Cafe is located at 1301 Regent Street, Madison, open Mon. - Thur 2pm - midnight, Fri - Sun - 10 am - midnight. For more information call (608) 256-7709 or email info@leopoldsmadison.com


Lake City Books


Recently opened 2023, this subterranean book store just off the square in downtown Madison conjures up a vibe of Boston's Back Bay or Chicago's Hyde Park. A simple joy just to step down into this great find for any day tripper. Discover a unique selection of the latest big publisher and independents for a great selection of books, and ample children's section a great destination after a visit to the Madison Children's Museum (right across the street.)


Lake City Books is located at N. Hamilton Street in downtown Madison. Call (608) 285-9003 or visit their website lakecitybooks.com

The Book Teller


Located in the Southern Wisconsin college town of Whitewater this downtown bookstore's owners truly appreciate the history of building, a bank and the central location for the community at large. A popular place for locals of all ages, college students, families, singles, marrieds. This is the place for local artists to show their wares, the store actively encourages that and has a space dedicated to area creatives.


The Book Teller is located at 171 W. Main Street, Whitewater, open Mon. - Thur 2pm - midnight, Fri - Sun - 10 am - midnight. For more information call (608) 256-7709 or email info@leopoldsmadison.com