Ink Cap Books - Stoughton, WI

Ink Cap Books, Stoughton, WI

 (Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

It’s always interesting to hear how new bookstore owners come to their business and what their background was.  It seems that many come from backgrounds other than retail or bookstores.  That’s not true with Ink Cap books where owner Sydne C. comes to this new business with years of bookstore experience that began in Michigan and also included time at A Room Of One’s Own, an iconic Wisconsin bookstore in nearby Madison.  Clearly, when you see this store and visit with Sydne you can tell that her experience has paid off and I can happily report that this 11-month old indie is off to a great start and business is going every well.  Congratulations Sydne!

Ink Cap is located on Main St. in downtown Stoughton along the Yahara River and surrounded by many other small businesses, a perfect location.  The store offers a combination of new and used books, all shelved together throughout the store.  Sydne does not have the used books on an inventory but may consider that in the future.  If you can’t visit in-person you can still support this store by ordering online. The sidelines are numerous and include greeting cards, candles (there’s an Uff Da Lutefisk candle that is extremely stinky and I’ve never smelled a candle this bad!), embroidered patches, puzzles, bookmarks, and many Norwegian themed items in a nod to the community’s heritage.  But the stickers, pastel-ink gel pens, and miniature knives/axes (think keychains) are the hottest.  There are also several works of art exhibited throughout the store that are for sale, all created by talented local artists.  Additionally, in their short few months of business they’ve already hosted several events.

The challenge for any indie when they open is getting the word out about their presence.  Ink Cap Books serves Stoughton (population approx, 13,000), the surrounding communities, and nearby Madison.  There are still people in the area who haven’t discovered this terrific new bookstore.  If you’re a regular, bring a friend, bring a relative.  Help spread the word that there is a well-curated bookstore in the heart of town with an experienced owner who exudes kindness and is ready to introduce you to your next great read.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Summer Book, Tove Jansson.  6-year-old Sophia and her grandmother spend the summer together on a remote island near Finland.  This delightful story shares their experiences with each other, the island, the sea, and occasional visitors.  A quick, fun read.  No mystery, no romance, nothing illegal, just a good story.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Orchardist, Amanda Coplin.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  We Begin at the End, Chris Whitaker.  James, Percival Everett.  Funny Because It's True, Christine Wenc.  Not purchased, but gifted: Ink Cap stickers.  Thanks Sydne.  

 

Walking on the bridge over the Yahara River, you'll see this incredible mural on the side of the bookstore building.  

Beautiful storefront of a historic building.  

A welcoming display window.  

A beautiful day to browse before you enter the store.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Immediately to the left after entering.  

Curl around to the left after entering for this display area.  

Variety of bookstore candles.  See the caution sign?  Take it seriously.  The Lutefisk candle is absolutely stinky beyond words.  In hindsight, I wish I would've got it for a Norwegian friend.  I may have to go back.  

Looking at the right side of the store after entering.  

 

Well done.  

This thing stinks to high heaven.  Might be a good idea for a gag gift.  

Staff picks.  

Another version of "blind date with a book."  Except you get three books instead of one.  

These pastel-ink gel pens have been popular sellers.  

Another popular sideline with a Norwegian-centric theme.  

Only in an independent bookstore.  I love it!

An overview of the back half of the store.  

Just a few of the cookbooks available.  

The perfect place to sit and sample a book.  

Find these shelves on the left side of the store.  

Overview looking into the children's area.  

A treasure closet of sidelines.  

Kids will love these.  

Novelty magnifying bookmark.  

Another partial view of the children's area and the wall is where you'll find some of the adult fiction.  

A most unique place to sit in the children's area.  

Bring a little reader to the store and help them with a book.  

View looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance.  

If you know any Wild Robot fans, send them here.  

Find these shelves for some great bargains.  

With Sydne, the fine owner at Ink Cap Books.  Thanks for a great visit.