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.