Downtown Books - Milwaukee, WI

Downtown Books, Milwaukee, WI

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I will continue to advocate and share the joy one can have at an independent bookstore ANYWHERE that will be more memorable than an online book purchase.  It’s always rewarding to meet so many kindred spirits when you visit a bookstore.  People like the elderly lady, a regular customer.  We didn’t trade book recommendations, we shared our common spring allergy symptoms.  And I learned about the Milwaukee Polish communities from decades ago.  Other customers shared various book suggestions, their educational backgrounds, and one customer, unprompted, proclaimed Downtown Books as the best bookstore in Milwaukee.  I don’t know if it’s the best but it’s sure in the conversation.  And of course there’s owner and manager Rebecca.  Technically, not the owner yet but will be someday when she takes it over from the current owner, her dad Keith.  Since Keith founded this store 34 years ago, the future is bright thanks to daughter Rebecca who will continue the smooth operation at Downtown Books.  And not only is the future bright but I was happy to hear that the store is doing very well today.  

This store is a book shopper’s delight.  Wall to wall books and shelved floor to ceiling throughout the store.  The organization is excellent and the shelves are arranged in a maze for a fun browsing experience.  Downtown Books offers all used books along with CDs and an excellent inventory of vinyl.  The high walls around the store display a wide variety of art and photographs, all available for purchase.  I thought the comic books were especially well organized and displayed, something I don’t always see.  Customers who bring their books in can receive store credit or cash in return.  They also check out local book sales in the community to beef up their inventory.  But honestly, I don’t’ know how much “beefing up” the inventory needs.  Rebecca estimates they have 1.5 million books, including many in warehouses in the area.  

The store location couldn’t be much better, in the heart of downtown Milwaukee.  They’re surrounded by frequent festivals, hotels, and the lake front which is a fantastic recipe for excellent foot traffic.  Best of all, they don’t have the burden of a lease for this perfect location.  

Readers, you know what I’m going to say.  Heck, even if you don’t buy anything, visit Downtown Books in-person for a great bookstore visit and take advantage of 34 successful years of experience in the bookstore business.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Christina and The Whitefish, Stephen Vittoria.  Alternately heart-breaking and heart-warming, Iraq war-vet Christina is drowning in prescriptions and VA rehab, attempting to help her PTSD but is going nowhere.  She embarks on a cross-country journey from California back to her home state of New Jersey and ends up in Asbury Park where she meets the Whitefish, a wounded vet from the Viet Nam war.  Their bond is instantaneous and they become each other's support group.  But can she convince her girlfriend that she's a different person and can regain her trust?  Special thanks to author Stephan Vittorino and his wife Ellen for this advanced reader's copy.  Watch for it and ask for it at your local indie.  Recommended.  

 CURRENTLY READING:  The Last Bookseller: A Life In The Rare Book Trade, Gary Goodman.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Good Omens, Terry Pritchett and Neil Gaiman.  

 

The only prompting I need. 

Here's one of the things I like about this storefront.  In most downtowns of large cities, the majority of buildings are variations of tans, khakis, and browns.  This bookstore's brightly painted building shines like a beacon making it an easy destination.

One of the large display windows on a beautiful reflective Milwaukee morning. 

Yeah, this is just about every bookstore I've been too!

Captain Obvious, but just in case you didn't know. 

Nice place to sit and try a book just outside the store. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  All of the artworks and photographs you see at the top of the wall and around the store are for sale. 

Looking directly left from the entrance and a nice assortment to browse right away. 

 

Yes, yes, and yes.  

I'm not much of a comic book guy but this organization and display was outstanding.  Much easier to browse when presented like this.  

A portion of the children's offerings.  

Keep in mind that the art work and photographs displayed throughout the store are available for purchase.  

One of the long book aisles.  

Just the beginning of the literary fiction genre.  

An excellent assortment of Erik Larson books.  If you enjoy narrative non-fiction, you should try this author.  

If you know any Shakespeare fans send them here.  

If you want answers, talk to Rebecca!

In addition to music on vinyl, they also offer a healthy variety of CDs.  

All aisles and shelves are clearly marked.  

A fun area for kids.  

A bathroom and an art museum.  You can't find this on Amazon.  

View looking into the back room.  In addition to books, you'll find a good inventory of music on vinyl.  

A partial view of the music on vinyl.  There's much more.  

Is this still a thing?  Kids, ask your parents or grandparents.  

Buy some books and buy an antique sewing machine.  

An attempt to look from the back of the store toward the front entrance.  

With Rebecca, the fine manager and future owner of Downtown Books.  Thanks for a great visit.