Dotters Books - Eau Claire, WI

Dotters Books, Eau Claire, WI

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What can one do to break the winter doldrums?  If you're in or near Eau Claire, WI, this is your answer.  And even if there's too much snow to navigate, Dotters Books is poised perfectly as a true neighborhood bookstore (shouldn't this neighborhood location raise nearby home values?!).  This store is perfect for foot traffic from the neighborhood and I would think this would be a great escape for kids living nearby who are at home for a snow day.  Dotters also continues to be part of a trend.  The trend of new indies, making a resurgence all across the country.  This baby is only about six months old and already off to a great start, seeing numerous regular customers, hosting its own book clubs, and offering a weekly children's story time.  All signs that point to a successful present and future.

This small, one-level store offers a very well-curated inventory of new books and a few sidelines.  All of the books are displayed covers out, something that few indies are able to do but I sure do enjoy it when I visit one that is able to do this.  Dotters emphasizes offering books written by women and people of color, something I find equally impressive in this area.  They also offer titles by local authors Nickolas Butler, Michael Perry, and B. J. Hollars, all of whom I can heartily recommend.  Even though the store is only a few months old, its business roots were planted earlier as a pop-up store.  Dotters was already laying the ground work for its brick and mortar by appearing in different businesses and neighborhoods, generating a customer base.  

I would be very surprised if any readers would know the origins of the store's name, Dotters.  My guess was it had to do with another title for a female, daughter, but this was only partially correct.  Dotters is the Swedish word for daughters, giving it a unique name among the independent bookstore community.

I had a great time meeting Margaret L., the co-owner of the store along with Jill.  As with most owners I meet, she has a true passion for her store and what has become her dream job.

Eau Claire has been blessed with this terrific new bookstore and its owners.  Regular customers, I encourage you on your next visit to bring someone who hasn't been here yet.  They'll enjoy seeing  a very comfortable store that's sure to keep them coming back.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Becoming, Michelle Obama.  Even before reading this book most people understood Michelle's education background and early career.  After reading this, you'll have a better understanding of her growth through various schools, Chicago neighborhoods, and meeting her future husband, the president of the United States.  This woman is absolutely brilliant as well as genuinely nice and this book is a breath of fresh air.  I thoroughly enjoyed this.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  A Meal In Winter, Hubert Mingarelli.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Sightings, B. J. Hollars.  

There was a light snow on the day of my visit.  This is Wisconsin, this IS a light snow.  

Another exterior view.  This front patio has some great possibilities during the summer season.  

Wonderfully creative art work on the front window displays.  

View looking into the store and to the left.  Notice all books on the tables and shelves are displayed with the cover out.  I love this but also understand that it is not practical to do in many bookstores.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance and a few of the sidelines available.  

A wonderful place to sit in the front of the store and sample a book.  Lots of natural light and just the place to be on a winter day.  

Wall display of current and popular fiction.  

Nickolas Butler is a popular author from Eau Claire and the store offers his books as well as other local authors.  I've read this one and thoroughly enjoyed it.  If you look for this book, don't be confused by the cover.  The hardback has a different cover than this paperback edition.  

An assortment of journals and greeting cards.  

The offerings here are outstanding.  

I get to hear lots of great background music in all the bookstores I visit.  Here at Dotters, they roll old-school style with vinyl on a classroom player.  This is so indie!

Lots of "souper" cooking books.

Looking into the children's section and its own little room in the back of the store.  

This is a really cool nook in the children's room.

Overview of a beautiful store.  

Looking from the children's room toward the front entrance.  

Score a cup of coffee as you browse the store.

Consider some Dotters swag to go with your book.  

Get a deal on a 2019 calendar.  

View outside the front entrance.

With Margaret, the fine co-owner at Dotters Books.  Thanks for a great visit.