Independent Bookstores in Milwaukee

Looking to expand beyond the local Borders? Tired of clicking through the Amazon jungle and waiting for your books to be shipped from a faraway land? Visit these independent Milwaukee bookstores. Not only will you find staff with specialized knowledge, you’ll also be supporting the local Wisconsin economy. Milwaukee is known for being a blue-collar, beer-drinking town, but these independent bookstores suggest that some cap-and-gown page turning happens here too.

Broad Vocabulary
2241 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Milwaukee WI 53207
414-744-8384
www.broadvocabulary.com

This pun-happy little bookstore in Bayview is playful and progressive: their specialty is feminist and other culturally expansive writing. They offer everything from heady intellectual books about activism to gender-unbiased children’s literature. If you’re looking for something that bucks social norms in the grand tradition of questioning authority, Broad Vocabulary is worth your time. Established in 2005 by three joint owners near the now-happening intersection of Kinnnickinnic and Lincoln, this shop is dedicated to being a safe place for women and other people whose voices are often quashed by the dominant paradigms. Non-whites and non-heterosexuals are welcomed. Broad Vocabulary also hosts events, displays local art, and offers space for community groups to meet. Accessible from MCTS Bus Routes 11, 15, and 53.

Outwords Books
2710 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53211
414-963-9089
www.outwordsbooks.com

Located just north of North Avenue, this East Side nook caters to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered patrons. They have a variety of queer literature and nonfiction, but they also sell magazines, cards, and gifts. Think of it as a “Hallmark for Homosexuals.” In addition to GLBT merchandise, Outwords is also an espresso bar. Their website displays their top the books, so you can see what the gay community in Milwaukee is reading. A glance at the titles indicates a trend toward literature for gay men, though material for women and transgendered persons is also available. Outwords lacks the intellectual, radical feel of Broad Vocabulary, but it’s been around since 1993, meaning that is has real staying power for an independent book store in Milwaukee. The website allows online ordering if privacy is a concern. Accessible from MCTS Bus Routes 15 and 22.

Mystery One Bookstore
2109 N. Prospect Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-347-4077
www.mysteryone.com

Glowing from the small Prospect Avenue storefront, a little neon gun lets you know you’re reached the right place. Mystery One is an independent book store featuring (you guessed it) mystery fiction. The folks who run this place are experts, well-versed in both current titles and out-of-print books. If you’re looking for something unusual, they will help you track it down. Mystery One hosts author signings from time to time and keeps its website updated with reviews of new titles. Accessible from MCTS Bus Route 30.

Bookseller
Milwaukee Public Library
814 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53233
414-286-3000 (library) or 414-286-2142 (book store)
www.mpl.org

Bookseller is the independent bookstore arm of the Milwaukee Public Library. Selling both new and previously read books, this shop touts a large selection of low-cost used books, especially for children. Proceeds support local library programs, so this is a socially responsible way to spend your money. A trip to Bookseller can also be a remarkable lesson for children, who may begin to see the value of re-use and community sharing: many items are less than a dollar! The store doubles as a coffeeshop, so be sure to grab a drink from “Coffee With a Conscience.” Accessible from MCTS Bus Routes serving downtown, including 10, 20, 30, 12, and 23.

Harry W. Schwartz Book Shops
See website for locations and contact information: www.schwartzbooks.com

For a strong, well-branded, and incredibly popular Milwaukee book store, try Harry W. Schwartz. With several locations in the Milwaukee area, a user-friendly website, and an excellent general selection of books, this is the independent rival to Borders and Amazon. The newest location is across the street from Broad Vocabulary in Bayview, though the Downer Avenue and Oakland Avenue locations are practically institutions on Milwaukee’s East Side. On any given week, Schwartz stores host multiple author events. And if you’re looking for local flavour, these stores have a solid selection of books about Milwaukee and Wisconsin. They also have a community benefit program called “Schwartz Gives Back” that allows you to designate a local charity to which a portion of your sale’s proceeds will be donated. Most Schwartz locations are accessible by MCTS Buses.