Independent bookstores are having a moment thanks to trends like #booktok and Indie Bookstore Day. In Madison, we've loved our indie bookstores long before it was cool.
Different pieces of Madison's identity collide in our indie bookstores. You can find hints of our academic culture, our thriving arts scene, our inclusive spirit and even our love for handcrafted beverages represented in the cozy corners of these local shops. And while we encourage you to check them all out, there might be one or two best suited for your style. The unique spirit of each shop creates a colorful tapestry of businesses that are complementary to, not competitive with, each other.
Independent bookstores are having a moment thanks to trends like #booktok and Indie Bookstore Day. In Madison, we've loved our indie bookstores long before it was cool.
Different pieces of Madison's identity collide in our indie bookstores. You can find hints of our academic culture, our thriving arts scene, our inclusive spirit and even our love for handcrafted beverages represented in the cozy corners of these local shops. And while we encourage you to check them all out, there might be one or two best suited for your style. The unique spirit of each shop creates a colorful tapestry of businesses that are complementary to, not competitive with, each other.
Creative and colorful
Kismet Books
Inside the oldest building in Verona is a bookstore that combines two passions: local art and books. Kismet Books is located in the historic Matts House built in 1848, the same year Wisconsin was granted statehood.
The second story of Kismet houses Brick House Studio where local artists can work and sell their art on consignment. The space rotates artists every few months. The downstairs bookstore has adult and children's sections spanning genres with special callouts celebrating trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming authors.
The vibe: Colorful and charming, great for people who love local art as much as they love diving into a great book.
