Fireside Books in Monroe, Wisconsin, is a little treasure. Owner Kathi Spaeth offers a wonderful…read moreassortment of current, recent and vintage/collectible books in all subject areas. She is a gifted craftsperson; a quilter, rugmaker and fiber artist who also teaches at some regional and national craft schools. Her shop is charming and cozy and a perfect place to spend a few hours browsing the book selection and chatting with one of the most interesting and engaging shopkeepers you'll ever meet.

This place is filled top to bottom with stuff almost like a step back in time with the records…read more it's multiple floors plan on spending some time to explore

I love this place. Nick and team are great to work with, prices are reasonable and the selection…read morehas to be the best on the planet.

Quick stop before closing up a trip to Rockford. It's a beauty of a two-story bookshop,…read morebeautifully decorated. Selection was mid, would have liked to see a romance section. Sounds like they will be moving locations soon so hopefully the collection will expand. Nice stop for bookworms visiting Rockford.

Had a horrible experience setting foot in Maze Books. The manager/owner was not very…read morehospitable--and was delusional--thinking I'd set foot in the shop multiple times--when in fact I'd only ventured in once. Would not recommend purchasing books from them.

This was the only place that came up for coffee in Dixon, nearest Starbucks is an hour away so I…read morethought I'd give it a try, crossing my fingers that they have espresso and not just some lukewarm coffee in the corner for the book customers. They definitely make an outstanding Americano and for only a 1.50! While I was at the counter I overheard the locals talking about planting trees and high school sports. The shop owner asked me if I was from around here and when I said I was from Oklahoma, he told me about his trip down Route 66. Eventually, I told him I was a poet doing shows in the area and he got on the computer right then and ordered my books for the store! I snagged a book while I was there and left with my morning dose of small town charm. FYI, Dixon is Ronald Reagon's hometown + has a really pretty arch going into downtown. Definitely worth checking out this shop.

Great independent book store and cafe I luckily came across while passing through downtown Dixon…read more Friendly staff and a nice selection of books to go with the good coffee. Would happily stop in again.

Tip: Online orders are available for pick up at CUSTOMER SERVICE; straight back from front doors…read more NOT at the check out. (They should maybe consider putting a sign up, eh?) Picked up my online order, for which I had been emailed a receipt, and was then offered a printed receipt in store.... Stop it. Stop the insanity. Save the paper for books, and toilet paper. Everything else can be digital.

I love this store and I have been there several times, but checkout is sometimes difficult. At my…read morefirst visit to the store, the clerk asked if I had a rewards membership. I told her I once had a premium account but I thought it had lapsed and I might need to renew. She asked which kind of membership I had and I told her I wasn't sure. She told me I had to know or she couldn't process it. She entered my phone number and rang up the order as a basic membership. I let it go and shopped there a few more times without being asked which type of membership I had. Last Friday, I was waiting to check out, and the woman ahead of me was asked for her phone number to enter for rewards. When I checked out, I wasn't asked so I asked the clerk if she didn't want to enter my phone number for rewards. She was generally kind of rude but did enter the numbee and didn't ask about a membership type. When I got out to my car, I logged into my account. It indicated that I had a basic membership but listed the differences between the basic and premium and allowed me to upgrade. I upgraded without incident. I think the staff should know how to access the membership type and should be able to upgrade for you if you are willing to pay the cost of a premium account. The staff on the floor seem nice and helpful but checking out could be a more pleasant experience.

This is DeKalb's only independent bookstore other than the adult one. It's run out of what used to…read morebe a garage in back of the main building at 115 N. 1st Street; hours are limited and the stock doesn't rotate much. Still, they have an awful lot of books packed into a small space, and the proprietor - a retired professor who's just looking to break even - is very helpful. He'll help you find what you're looking for, and if you're interested in something there isn't much demand for - such as books in French - he may be able, if you call ahead, to grab some out of storage for you. Prices are reasonable.

Wonderful treasure in downtown Dekalb. A very eclectic assortment of used and rare books. The owner…read morehimself is a gem and will be happy to talk about a variety of subjects as you explore the shelves searching for that book you didn't know you wanted. A great way to spend an afternoon!

An adorable shop that has far more than books run by lovely ladies. We managed to find some books…read moreand some souvenirs on this trip! Do plan to stop by if you are passing through!

Nestled along the Mississippi River in Bellevue is a terrific bookstore run by a wonderful owner,…read moreSheila! Street parking available, and the interior just act and feels like a neighborhood bookstore, but the warmth of the store a what separates it from most others. That begins with Sheila and her dog Buster, as they specialize in books but elevate the whole experience with personality. I went inside for an atlas, and discovered a great place! A Chicago native, Sheila is a treat. She knows her store and her town, and is helpful as can be. Kind, aware, and vibrant, what a fun person.

Do you love a well curated bookstore? Kismet is for you! Do you have kids who could use an outing?…read moreKismet is for you! (They have a whole playroom with lovely wood and fabric toys upstairs.) Are you looking for a really wide array of fiction for adults or books for kids? Kismet is for you! Want locally sourced gifts like jewelry, soap, cards, bags and toys? Kismet is for you! Want to check out a brood of backyard chickens from the comfort of indoors? Kismet is for you! This is a GEM of an independent bookstore - check it out!

I love Kismet Books in Verona. Friendly, helpful staff with an excellent selection of books and…read morecute gifts. Adorable space with a homey feel. Prefer to support local book stores and feel the value and prices are good. Excellent kids selection as well. Highly recommend.

Amazing selection, great staff very clean and organized by selection of great books and action…read morefigures!

BAM!!! BAM! BAM!…read moreBAM! Did that make you think of Emeril? Or the Barney and Betty Rubble's precocious brat? It's just my nickname for this really cool bookstore (an acronym and making up cutesy slang for things- bless my heart). Bookstores seem to be passé since most use devices to read or go online. A lot of them seem to be a dying species- Wah! Something can be said browsing around leisurely and finding gems among the stacks. Then taking your find home and spending a few hours in that world. The store has great variety of books and print publications. There's an attached coffee shop. Free parking. One thing you might not expect is theres a lot of unique and silly gifts and merchandise. You know pens that have buttons that play sound clips from hit tv shows or comedy movies. Or bobble head dolls. Quirky magnets. Gag gifts. I liked tv show themed stuff. Fun place. BAM! BAM! BAM!