Voyageur Book Shop - Milwaukee, WI

Voyageur Book Shop, Milwaukee, WI

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I’ve learned along this journey that bookstore owners come to their business from various backgrounds that encompass a broad spectrum.  Everything from medicine and law to education and retirees.  Rarely do I meet the owners who come from, well, a bookstore background.  But that’s exactly the case here at Voyageur Book Shop.  Co-owners Jeremy M. and Blaine W. created Voyageur with the knowledge and valuable experience as booksellers at Renaissance Books.  I could tell when I met Jeremy that he knew his stuff and their experience has really helped to propel them forward through a successful 9 years (and counting) of bookstore ownership.

The impressive thing about Voyageur’s success is they’ve done it all by just simply selling used books.  They do have a small assortment of vinyl and some prints but that’s it.  They also have a healthy inventory of vintage and collectible editions, enough so that collectors have discovered this bookstore.  These books as well as others can be purchased in-person or online where they have an active presence.  In fact, Jeremy told me that 25% of their sales are made online.  If you’re a collector, I would strongly encourage you to visit here in-person or online. 

Voyageur Book Shop acquires their books via several different options.  Of course, they accept books from customers who can receive store credit or cash in return.  They also keep their eyes open for book sales, garage sales, and the occasional estate sale.  But as Jeremy said, a good death or divorce are successful ways to get good used books!

The advantage at Voyageur is that Jeremy owns the building.  The one “sideline” is the rent they receive from the apartment above the store.  The two-level store is located in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee, on a busy street with lots of businesses and the area is rapidly developing, a great boost for the store.  If you haven’t visited this historic 1890s building, don’t delay.  I could’ve talked books all day with Jeremy and you can too.  Pay them a visit and enjoy a fabulous bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Mad Honey, Jodi Picoult.  This book would make a great teaching tool but it probably would be banned.  Two high school kids in Adams, NH fall in love, both from broken homes.  She's an accomplished cellist and he's a rising hockey player and artist.  But Lily carries an explosive and surprising secret that she refuses to reveal which may jeopardize the relationship.  I liked the book but I thought it was a little drawn out. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Christina and the Whitefish, Stephen Vittoria. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Three Men In A Boat & Three Men on the Bummel, Jerome K. Jerome.  Mama, Terry McMillan.  Is Your Pet Psychic, Richard Webster. 

 

If you find yourself near Zillman Park, you're less than half a block away from the Voyageur Book Shop. 

The Voyageur storefront located on the very busy Kinnickick Ave in the Bay View neighborhood of Milwaukee. 

This 1890s building has an apartment above the book shop. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the right from the front entrance and the creative book display you'll see there. 

Cat lovers will enjoy this store.  This is one of the two friendly felines I discovered. 

Head over to the right side of the store and let the browsing begin. 

Walking to the back along the right side of the store you'll see the doorway that will lead you downstairs to the basement of books. 

ALWAYS consider a gift card at any indie that offers them. 

Waiting for the next customer. 

Overview of the main room looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

A portion of the children's books available, located at the back of the main room. 

If you know any Tom Swift fans, send them here. 

Overview of the basement space. 

If I were a regular, I would find a couple of books to check out and take them to this comfy looking couch in the basement. 

Public Service Announcement for the Bay View neighborhood. 

One of the nooks in the basement. 

An attractive long wall of books. 

Another comfy seat downstairs. 

Another overview of the basement level. 

I love this mirror, framed by book titles. 

With Jeremy on the left, one of the fine co-owners at Voyageur Book Shop.  Thanks for a great visit.