Madison, WI Bookstores
Madisonians love to read. And, they love their bookstores, if the number of cars parked out in front of Barnes & Noble or Borders is any indication. But those big chain stores are not the only show in town. Madison has a wonderful mix of large, intimate, specialty, rare, and used bookstores to choose from.
Barnes and Noble West Towne is my favorite. It's huge, great for browsing, studying, and just hanging out in. You can find it across from West Towne Mall at 7433 Mineral Point Rd. (608) 827-0809
Barnes and Noble East is connected to East Towne Mall, #1 East Towne Mall (6
241-4695 I'm sure it's just as nice, I just never get over there.
Borders Bookstore is always busy. The one on the westside is two stories tall and its cafe has outdoor seating: 3750 University Ave., Madison (6
Borders East is not far from I90: 2173 Zeier Road, Madison (6
Walden Books (a division of Borders) can be found inside West Towne Mall (near Sears) on the corner of Mineral Point & Gammon Rds. (6
The University Book Stores are where you can find everything Bucky. The campus store, of course, has textbooks, but also a wide selection of general and reference books, and loads of school and office supplies, as well as fine art and graphic supplies. Find it on the campus mall at 711 State St. (6
The University Bookstore at Hilldale Shopping Center is easy in, easy out, with parking right in the back. Loads of UW gift items. Oh, and books, too! 702 N. Midvale Blvd. (6
Booked for Murder is cozy, has tons of titles from floor to ceiling, and often sponsors mystery book author visits. Its genre, of course, is murder and mayhem. 2701 University Avenue (6
A Room of One's Own is a feminist bookstore with a long-standing, positive reputation--33 years! 307 W. Johnson St. (6
The Rainbow Bookstore Cooperative is a cooperatively owned and collectively managed bookstore. Staffed by volunteers but open to all, this shop appeals to scholars, activists, and book lovers in general. Supports small presses and alternative publishers. Provides the university with progressive textbooks. This store takes pride in offering a politically conscious alternative in bookselling. 426 W. Gilman St. (6
Avol's Books is a used-books store with a good-sized inventory, specializing in science fiction, fantasy, horror and mysteries. Also features academic, scholarly, and rare or out-of-print books. 315 West Gorham Street (608) 255-4730
Mimosa Books & Gifts describes itself as a metaphysical shop, "dedicated to embracing the global diversity of wisdom and belief." It's philosophy as supports "holistic, alternative healing paths, and the exploration of psychic and intuitive abilities." 260 West Gilman Street(608) 256-5432
Half-Price Book Stores Even the used book market has chains. If you are a fan of the Half-Price Book Store never fear, Madison has two: One on the west side at 626 S. Whitney Way, Madison(608) 274-1140 and one on the east side at 4250 East Towne Blvd., Madison (608) 244-1189 These stores are great for browsing; maybe not so much if you have a particular title in mind. Good prices, too.
Frugal Muse is a favorite of lots of my friends and family members. Must be the favorite of everyone else in town--it was voted Best Local Bookstore for 2008. Again, two locations: west in the High Point Center, 7475 Mineral Point Road (608) 833-8668 east in the Northgate Shopping Center, 1193 North Sherman Ave. (608) 242-0000
