WordHaven BookHouse - Sheboygan, WI

WordHaven BookHouse, Sheboygan, WI

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There is so much going on with WordHaven BookHouse and its wonderful owner CJ that I hardly know where to begin.  What I share is merely a fraction of what you need to know about this remarkable indie and all it has to offer.  Yes, of course there are books but there is so much more that makes this indie and CJ an important part of the Sheboygan community.

The store offers all new books with a good inventory of used books as well.  Used books are accepted as donations only so if you need to clear some shelf space at home consider bringing your books here.  If you can’t visit in person try placing an order on-line through bookshop.org, which has become a good part of the business.  They offer a wide variety of sidelines including quirky socks, locally sourced candles, chocolate, and unique soda pops to name a few.  You’ll also find an extensive assortment of stickers and greeting cards which are selling very well.

One of the best things I noticed immediately was the incredible art work displayed throughout the store.  It was as good as any I’d seen anywhere and I wish I could’ve taken even more pictures to show more examples.  Best of all, it is all by talented local artist and available for purchase.

Roo on the left and Daphne on the right.  

All indies are true safe spaces where all are welcome.  CJ has done a super job of offering MANY events and opportunities available to all, as well as those underserved within the community.  Writing classes and seminars, equity consult seminars, staff/group retreats, book clubs, drag queen story time events, various workshops and so much more.  The social outreach that WordHaven and CJ provide is very impressive and there is so much more than what I’ve shared.  Additionally, WordHaven has several satellite shops where they provide the books for other businesses.  For example, a local kitchen store offers cooking books thanks to WordHaven.

Aside from a few volunteers, this indie is a one-person show and CJ is the owner and staff.  However, there are two very important members of the WordHaven team that I could never forget to mention.  The small wooden door just inside the front door is there to make sure Roo and Daphne don’t walk out and take a stroll in downtown Sheboygan.  These two shop dogs are rescues and are the charmers that brighten the day for all who enter.  Heck, they even have kids read to them back in the children’s area, great for child and dog alike. 

WordHaven has been here now for three years and the good news is that their business is continuing to show growth.  Yet, I know there are some in Sheboygan who haven’t discovered it.  Wake-up and smell the coffee, Sheboygan!  You’re got a knowledgeable and friendly owner just waiting for you to pay a visit.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Last Days of Summer, Steve Kluger.  The 1940s in Brooklyn and Joey Margolis has no father figure in his life so he sets out on a crusade to convince New York Giants third baseman Charlie Banks to become his friend.  Their correspondence begins reluctantly for Charlie, and Joey spins many tall tales to convince Charlie to become his friend.  This book of their exchanged letters and newspaper articles slowly incorporates friends of Joey and Charlie into the letters.  A fun book and a bittersweet ending.  I enjoyed this one.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Mama, Terry McMillan.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Bean Trees, Barbara Kingsolver.  The Crumbling of A Nation, Ryan David Ginsberg.  Warm Breeze & Vitamin D soy candle.  

This beautiful building is the Children's Museum and it is this close to the bookstore.  Consider visiting them as well.  

Music to my ears.  

The bookstore is located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan.  

Expansive display window and a great place to have a seat outside on a beautiful day.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Just inside the entrance is this small wooden door.  An easy one for people to use but shop dogs Roo and Dahpne haven't figured it out yet.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Cozy setting in the front of the store.  

The display window offers a wonderful space to sample a book.  

This piece really caught my eye.  Just inside the store is this beautiful piece of artwork, constructed completely from cardboard.  I thought this was fabulous.  

 

Attractive table display, front and center.  

Section of memoirs on the right side of the store.  

The front of the store on the left side.  

Another unique and creative work of art by a local author.  All of the art you'll see in the store is outstanding.  

All genres are designated by these unique signs.  

Table display of dystopian novels.  

CJ is not only a bookseller of the year but also a former teacher of the year in Minnesota.  What will be next?!

Wall display of staff picks. 

This is Roo.  Who could resist this heart-warmer?!!

This is Daphne.  Both dogs were rescues.  Consider fostering or adopting in your community.  

My pictures don't do justice to the unique artwork you'll see around the store.  

This large table is located in the middle of the store.  Perfect for book clubs, meetings, seminars, and whatever your imagination creates.  

A few of the greeting cards offered.  

Be sure to check out all the unique stickers.  

Some of the most unique socks you can find are often at independent bookstores.  

If I'm not in one of the chairs in the front of the store, go a little further back and you might find me here.  

An overview of the back half of the store.  

Books in Spanish are available here.  

Nice variety of chocolate near the checkout counter.  

I always enjoy checking out the books of local and regional interest.  

Looking into the children's area.  

Overview of the children's area.  

Another view of the children's area.  

Overview of the long store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

If you're looking for a bargain, visit this room downstairs filled with all used books.  

Charlie Berens is a legendarily funny comedian from Wisconsin.  Check out his videos for a good laugh and a good-natured ribbing of all midwesterners.  

I always enjoy finding out what the book clubs are reading.  

With owner CJ and staffer Roo, two of the fine friends you'll meet at WordHaven BookHouse.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Big Hill Books - Minneapolis, MN

Big Hill Books, Minneapolis, MN

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In this case, you CAN judge a book by its cover.  We’ve all been drawn to a book by a beautiful cover only to be disappointed once we start reading to discover it’s a clunker.  That won’t happen at Big Hill books.  Owner Beth T. and her team have put in a lot of effort and planning with the exterior and the landscaping as well as the interior in this 100+ year old building (it looks like a house but has never been a private residence, originally a house of worship).  My pictures won’t do it justice but the results are a jaw-dropping bookstore with a fantastic location in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis.  Way to go Beth.

Big Hill Books offers all new books and an assortment of sidelines in a gorgeous one-level setting.  They also offer books online through bookshop.org.  Sidelines include store merch, book-related t-shirts, lip balm, and stickers to name a few.  Their greeting cards and t-shirts well particularly well.  On the weekday morning of my visit, the store was full with the energy of pre-schoolers for its weekly story time.  Cat lovers will also enjoy visiting since I can confirm the presence of two felines.  Although, be forewarned; as Beth told a few customers who brought in drinks be careful not to set them down.  It seems the cats sometimes like to knock them over.

I don’t know how the store location could be any better.  A neighborhood bookstore in an area surrounded by a community devoted to education and reading.  This is reflected in Beth’s comments that in its almost two years of existence, things are going very well.  The store location is also perfect for Beth who can simply walk to work.

The mystery for me was, how the heck did the store get its name?  It certainly isn’t on any kind of a hill.  The answer made perfect sense when Beth explained that the Bryn Mawr neighborhood name is Welsh for “big hill”, the description of the topography for this area.  Clever Beth, very clever.

If you live in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood and aren’t a regular at Big Hill Books, what gives?  This is the kind of bookstore that should be in EVERY neighborhood.  Pay them a visit and discover that beauty right under your nose.  In this case, you definitely can judge a book by its cover.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Last Bookseller: A Life in The Rare Book Trade, Gary Goodman.  The author’s memoir about the stark reality of opening a used book store in the 80s.  A great look at the bookstore business in the Twin Cities and the owners who were part of the scene at that time.  Also looks at the advent of the internet and the subsequent decline and failure of the book and mortar stores.  You’ll also learn about the criminals and book thieves that made their living at the expense of honest bookstores.  Anyone who enjoys visiting bookstores will enjoy this book.  I loved it.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Last Days of Summer, Steve Kluger.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Wisdom of Donkeys, Andy Merrifield.  

The beautiful Big Hill Books.  

The attractive front yard.  Get your book and enjoy it from a seat outside.  Very nice landscaping.  

Display windows with colorful flower boxes.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Just inside the store look for these great deals.  

One of the helpful cats, helping me sign the guest book.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Attractive table display just inside the the store.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  Attractive display with many of the staff picks.  

Beautiful and unique accessories.  If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, GET IT.  It will be difficult to find elsewhere.  

Another nice table display.  

One of my favorite views in any bookstore.  

Yes, and true at any independent bookstore.  

The only thing missing in this picture is you.  

In the front center of the store find a wide variety of t-shirts.  

Just a few of the greeting cards offered.  

An assortment of sidelines in the front of the store on the right side near the checkout counter.  

An easy way for regulars and Bryn Mawr neighbors to take advantage of attending events. 

Stroll to the right side of the store to browse this view.  

Written by a former bookstore owner in Kansas.  

Take a chance on the popular "Blind Date With a Book" promotion offered in many indies. 

An example of a blind date book.  

Peeking around a corner in case any of the story time toddlers are on the loose.  

Overview of the story time area.  

Overlooking the children's area and the back of the store.  

Visual confirmation.  You can't find this on Amazon.  

This dais remains from when the building was a house of worship.  It serves now as an option for guest speakers or simply a place to sit and sample a book.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Unique tree display where the "fruit" to be picked are Puzzles To Go.  

If you live in the neighborhood you should check out the Big Hill Books book club.  

Buy some coffee AND a Big Hill Books coffee mug.  A great gift idea.  

After you enter the store, take ten steps inside and then turn around to enjoy this incredible mural in front of the store.  Impressive.  

After you buy your books, head across the street to this hip coffee shop for a breakfast sandwich or a latte.  

With Beth, the fine owner at Big Hill Books.  Thanks for a great visit.