Lake City Books - Madison, WI

Lake City Books, Madison, WI

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Owner Molly F. Shared with me the two words that I absolutely loved hearing and I only wish I'd hear it on every bookstore visit.  Lake City Books has only been open a little over a month, a true baby.  When I asked her how things are going, without hesitating she offered two words, "wildly successful."  What a joy to hear this from a newbie and I really think this indie will have success for years to come and a positive impact on this city and community.

Of course, it must be stated that this bookstore comes with some advantages that may not be available to others.  It has a perfect location just off the square and one block from the state capital, a very busy and vibrant area.  Madison is also home to the University of Wisconsin and the bookstore is very close to campus.  Additionally, Lake City is the only bookstore downtown since A Room Of One's Own, another indie has relocated from its downtown location.  The downtown area is thick with housing, providing Lake City with many nearby customers.  And finally I'm happy to say that the store has a very reasonable lease which is a BIG DEAL for any indie.

This bookstore offers new and used books all shelved together.  And let me tell you, the used books I saw look good as new.  Look for the yellow dots on the spines for the used ones.  Molly is particular about the books she accepts from customers but offers store credit for the ones she takes.  Any books she can't use are donated to local organizations.  Can't make it to the store in person?  Place your order on the store website and you might even have the book the same day.  The store has a variety of sidelines and the popular ones so far are the journals, Tarot cards, and the rubber ducks to name a few.

With all these advantages for a successful bookstore launch the one that stands out above all else is Molly herself.  She has a background that meant she wasn't going into this blindly.  Originally from Madison, she majored in business and finance, gained experience leading teams of 20 in Epic Systems, a healthcare software company that really advanced her tech skills, and finally work experience in bookstores.  This is the kind of "internship" that's now paying dividends for her and everyone in Madison.  Congratulations Molly.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Reckoning, John Grisham.  Grisham is a palate cleanser for me and I haven't read any of his that I didn't like.  His books always hold my interest.  This one is about a WWII vet who unexpectedly and without reason, murders the small town's beloved Methodist minister.  The minister leaves behind a wife and three small children and even though Army veteran Pete Banning is a small town hero, nobody can understand why he committed this crime.  This story also spends a good deal of time reliving his army service in the Philippines and the Bataan Death March.  Very readable.  

Assume The Worst, Carl Hiaasen, Roz Chast.  Very short book you can read over your two cups of morning coffee.  Humorous look at graduation and the speeches you'll never hear.  The Roz Chast illustrations alone make this book worth it. 

CURRENTLY READING: Fathers, Sons, and the Holy Ghosts of Baseball, Tommy Murray.  

 

Look for this sign which will help identify the store. 

This is the very unassuming store exterior and all of the lower level windows belong to the bookstore.  Rest assured, when you enter the store the interior is nothing like the "cover of the book." 

You're steps away from magic. 

This bookstore sells new and used books. 

View looking into the store from the entrance. 

Looking over to the left from the store entrance.  Very neat. 

Go to the right side of the store and start browsing. 

Attractive table display near the front of the store. 

Display of non-fiction. 

Table display of used best sellers.  The used books here are like new.  

This author is a bookstore owner in Wigtown, Scotland and he has written several books about his experiences.  They're all hilarious and I highly recommend them.  Happy to see this one displayed in the store. 

I always enjoy books about books. 

A few of the greeting cards available.

Display of new releases. 

 A few of the sidelines available. 

Two very comfy seats to sample a book. 

Your guide for finding used books.  They're shelved together with new. 

A good assortment of gift ideas. 

Closer look at the back half of the store and heading into the children's area. 

A long wall of books. 

This store has much to offer children of all ages.   

Lots of book ideas for kids. 

Wacky bookstore socks found here. 

Come on!  They're only $2.  Pick one up for bath time! 

Some of my recent bookstore visits have indicated Tarot cards are selling well. 

With Molly, the fine owner at Lake City Books.  Thanks for a great visit.