The Little Read Bookshop - Wauwatosa, WI

The Little Read Book, Wauwatosa, WI

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The Little Read Book in Wauwatosa is celebrating 32 years in the book business.  When I visit bookstores like this, I think they are deserving of all the recognition and accolades that they can receive.  And not only the store, but their owners and staff.  As owner Linda B. told me, many of her staff have been here since nearly the beginning of the store.  Of course, after my visit to The Little Read Book I'm not the least bit surprised.  A great store with wonderful people.

The Little Read Book is located in the historic village section of Wauwatosa.  This one-level store has been here for 28 of the past 32 years and it was a good move coming from its original space which was only 300 square feet.  The store is in a building that was a former bank which allows it to have some of the best storage space I've seen.  They have storage space on the main level behind their public space and lots of storage in their lower or basement level.  There is also a great area for book clubs downstairs.

This indie offers all new books and a good assortment of sidelines.  As Linda told me, these are critical to the store's profit margin, something many other bookstores understand.  Their variety of greeting cards, journals, socks, and jewelry sell especially well.  The most unique offering here is the gurgling pot, something you have to see to believe (ask for a demo when you visit).  The customers here are mostly local but they do get a good influx of out-of-towners, especially those who drive up from Illinois on the weekends.

Linda is the store's founder and its only owner for the 32 years.  She, along with staffers Anne and Kevin were wonderful to meet and to visit with.  When you come to this store, you'll meet these knowledgeable people who can easily talk to you about many books and authors.  If you drive here, you can enjoy free parking right on the street or in the lot next to the store.

If you're in Wauwatosa and haven't been here yet, you're 32 years late to the party.  That's ok, you're forgiven, but NOW you know about this place so get yourself to this great independent bookstore and see what you've been missing.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Unbelievable, Katy Tur.  Author's excellent recounting of when she was first assigned to cover candidate Trump and ended up being on the beat for his entire run to the presidency.  If you thought you knew everything about his campaign you better think again.  Detailed and documented so there can be no question of its validity.  This book is outstanding but it will be painful to relive this sh#t all over again.  It couldn't have a more apt title.  Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Tragedy Of Brady Sims, Ernest J. Gaines.    

A beautiful bookstore on a beautiful day.  

The expansive window display says it all.  

Nicely painted front door.  

You can help your book budget before you even get in the store.  

No wonder this store has been in business for 32 years!  

View looking into the store and to the right from the front entrance.  Hip readers may recognize the celebrity ducking the camera in the center.  Yes, that's my mom.   

An award-winning business.  

Looking into the children's department.  

 A partial view of the children's room.  

Many independents allow you to place an order online.  Always consider this if you can't visit in person.  

A few of the store recommendations.  

Display of local interests and authors.  

Some of the sidelines include journals...

...reading glasses...

...socks...

...and a line of items from Chronicle Books.  

Display of recent releases near the front of the store.  

I'm not sure I've been to a bookstore where you can get the iconic Sherlock Holmes hat to go with the book!

If you're a Packer fan, you don't want to miss this store.  

Just a few of the greeting cards available.  

A variety of attractive and affordable jewelry.  

You don't have to tell me!  

Crane & Co stationery available here.  

An overview of the store from the back looking toward the front entrance.  In its former life, this store used to be a bank.  

This is the gurgle pot and I've seen nothing like it anywhere.  Ask for a demo.  

They have lots of great space in the basement including this area which is perfect for book clubs.  

With Linda, the fine owner at The Little Read Book.  Thanks for a great visit.