I had never been to Boswell Books before, but I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd check it out. This bookstore is MASSIVE. They offer everything from the classics to stationery to a comic book section, which was a big win for me. If you're someone who prefers shopping online, they do have a website too. And if you're looking for a recommendation? It looked like there was plenty of kind and friendly staff to help you out. read more

So much fun. Staff knows their stuff and happy to help till you find what you want. I'm from Charlotte NC and collect ghost stories written by local authors and found me the perfect one. read more

Been here several times and it has always been good. A great location, with lots of parking spots out front. The store is spacious and well organized. It has a great "local" feel to it. As soon as you walk into the foyer, you can check out all the author/book discussion opportunities. Inside you are greeted by friendly staff that really seem to care about books and all the people that read. They have lots of interesting displays that showcase books and the staff picks. Looking for fun and interesting greeting cards? They have a nice collection of those too. read more

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A hidden gem for sure! Super cute vibes, great selections and service! They have a great ambiance and honestly something for everyone! Great location as well! read more

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Best independent bookstore in all of Wisconsin, dare I say. Their selection is immense, their staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and their frequent events are always enriching. I would go to the ends of the earth to ensure this bookstore continues to exist and thrive. read more

I absolutely adore this local, independent bookstore! First, the staff was so kind (and funny!). I loved that different sections had funny signs - like "made-up stories" in the fiction section. However, the staff recommendation plates are the true gem of this bookstore; they are truly works of art! They are detailed, well-written and just beautiful to look out. This place is also rather large, seems to host a lot of great events, and offers a wide selection. read more

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This is a happy place for me. I love the Eastside vibe, and this bookstore is the anchor of this community. They always have amazing ideas from Booksellers on their shelves, and you never leave with an unanswered question. This may be my favorite bookstore in the world. ( I've been to so, so many). read more

I like these guys! Always good to have a local version of a first-run bookstore, though they also have a few small sections for used books. They have a nice variety of books and manga, they're right next to a Starbucks, and they seem to hold a lot of events. I particularly enjoyed the number of staff recommendations they have spread throughout the shelves. Good service, as well! read more

My neighbors, also bookworms, visit Boswell on a monthly basis and recommended we try the store next time we were in Milwaukee. Absolute nirvana for book lovers! I wanted to buy everything. I neglected to take pictures because I kept finding more and more books I NEED. You can find interesting staff recommendations for any genre. And let me tell you there many genres. There's an entire section devoted to birding, which is near adventure, which is not to far from the fiction subsection which I remember as untrue stories (or facts?) . The staff are super helpful and personable and can definitely help find (or order) your book. Several recent best sellers contained 20% off bookmarks, which I didn't look at because I was focused on other titles. I will be back! read more

Visited for the first time on a Saturday afternoon strolling through the area. Was very impressed with the selection and organization of books Boswell had in stock. I'm personally not that much for a physical book reader, but the store had such a nice vibe and charm ambiance to it. The staff were helpful and attentive. I was most curious to check out the cook book selections and was amazed by the variety of books Boswell offered. The store had deals going on where books were heavily marked off. If you're in the area, it's a cool spot to check out! read more

Boswell Book Company - Bookstores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Fantastic "small" (non-chain) bookshop with an extensive collection and even more events!

This is a great bookstore to wander through and pursue whatever catches your eye. Fascinating selection and a good vibe.

It feels like years since I've wandered into a bookstore to just take a look. I've been to Boswell one time before and I love how everyone here just loves books. The staff literally goes out of their way to make recommendations based on what you ask for. I asked for some recommendations and the staff helped so much! They can also order books for you too! The shelves are stocked full of beautiful books and I love how you can flip through a book before buying it (which you can't do online). There's a Starbucks with yummy coffee next door. Love Bowell and would definitely spend more time here! read more

Boswell Book Company - Bookstores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love visiting Boswell. They have a huge range of titles whether you want fiction, or non fiction; classics or the latest bestsellers. Their staff are helpful and knowledgable and will always do their best to recommend books you'll love or special order a book you can't find. Most of all, there is a real sense of community. When you walk inside, the atmosphere is welcoming. They bring book lovers together for author talks and book clubs. I couldn't recommend them more! read more

Over the years, Boswell has kept its charm as a lovely neighborhood bookstore and I was able to reconfirm that this past week. If you don't already, do sign up for their newsletter and check their webpage for upcoming events. They usually have an impressive lineup of authors doing events both in-person and virtually. One of the few stand-alone bookstores in the area, so go check them out! read more

I've lived in Milwaukee for nine years now, and even went to school up the street, but SOMEHOW had never made it into this adorable independent bookstore, until now. This place is so big, with a massive selection of books, in every category you can imagine. Plenty of other trinkets as well such as stationary, calendars, puzzles, bookmarks, and more. The shop is very well kept, clean and neat and even has couches near the back where you can relax and read. It's a great overall atmosphere with such friendly and conversational staff. You can tell literature and this bookstore matters to the employees and the community. Looking forward to coming back for my next bookclub selection! read more

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We were on the hunt for some Milwaukee postcards and lucked out here!! What a cute shop! It looks small from the front, but is actually quite large!! They had everything we needed, including a big children's section, magazines, games, puzzles, and postcards, too. Cool vintage-loo king ones. Scored a beautiful journal, too. Great staff, very pleasant and helpful. read more

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Best bookstore in Milwaukee. Great selection of books. Support your independent bookstore and shop here first!

A close, neighborhood bookstore which is nicely located on Downer Ave. I appreciate the number of book displays and knowledgable staff that they have at Boswell. I'm a regular customer as I live nearby and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere. They have a fantastic rewards program which I very much take advantage of for savings. They generally have the books that I would like or they are more than willing to order them for me. I enjoy the different sections of the bookstore from the staff favorites to the new releases. Very much a place to easily spend an hour or two while on Downer. read more

Boswell Book Company - Bookstores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Boswell's is an amazing independent book store powerhouse on the East Side of Milwaukee. They've got a great selection of new books, kid's books, and I love the staff picks. I can always find way more than I need, and recently had a staff member help me find a book that I had no idea what the title was. My guess was way out in left field, and not only did they find the book, they had other books similar to it. Boswell's has a ton of author visits and talks. Join their free member program and you get discounts after reaching easily reached levels. There's a Starbucks attached to the store, or a nice section of couches in the center of Boswell's. This independent bookstore is truly a boon to the neighborhood and to the community. read more

Expansive book store! Best in MKE! One of the best things about Boswell besides the extensive collection is that they offer tons of book readings and events. If you become a member and get on their email lists, they send out event details every so often and they can be really good! Support this local independent bookstore! read more

I've visited Boswell Books a few times over the years, either to buy books, browse, or listen to one of their guest speakers, usually an author. It is a good example of what I picture, when I think of a locally owned, independent book store. There is a ton of inventory, so chances that they have the book you want are good. They provide excellent service and have a helpful and knowledgeable staff. Last night, I called to check if they had the book I was looking for. They checked, confirmed, and offered to set it aside for me, so I could pick it up later. Visit them soon and often! read more

Boswell Book Company is the sort of spot where you can get lost wandering the shelves. In a good way. Their books are well organized and clearly labeled. I've come here looking for a specific book as well as looking for inspiration for my next read. It's great for both. In addition to the stellar collection of literature, they regularly have authors in the store for signings and readings. They also co-sponsor such events at other locales around town. They also have a few in-house book clubs if you're looking to join. They'll also help support your own book club (if you register it with them), by offering shelf space to feature your monthly selection. Throughout the store you'll find descriptive tags on certain selections, naming them a staff recommendation. Because the only one better at hunting down your next amazing read than you? Your bookseller. (Seriously. They know their stuff.) Get to it! read more

I love Boswell's! Extensive selection, wonderful staff that will help you find exactly what you need (and even a few extra books that you didn't know you needed!), and great value. Their events are a can't-miss as well--from reading to author signings and more. Such a fun bookstore! read more

Every time i walk by there is always something that catches my eye and the window seats they have just makes you want to get comfortable. And having the Starbucks next door helps even more :), always a pleasant experience with the workers here. I especially love the reviews about the book on the shelf which helps narrow down which ones I want to start first. Did I mention it has such a cozy feeling about this bookstore read more

How this bookstore is different from Borders: Their employees read books. A lot. The employees can help you find a specific book without a computer. The employees can make informed suggestions. They know which books and authors won which literary awards. They sort and divide the books up into sensible categories and genres. They have a wide variety of talented authors visit for book signings, these authors don't seem to be chosen by Oprah or the Satanic mass media mega-corporations. Whoever orders the books must listen to NPR frequently and regularly. They have various interesting book clubs meeting there. The interior is inviting, comfortable, and not identical to any other store. There isn't a lot of parking around the store. How this store is similar to Borders: It has a Starbucks. read more

Mmmm... books. I love 'em. I love reading them, I love putting them on my shelf when I've finished reading them, I love the smell of bookstores. Especially the ones with lots of pulp paperbacks. It's awesome. Boswell isn't the typical bookstore. I didn't see nearly as many "used" books as new ones. And as I was shopping, a book reading was getting underway in the back but I didn't let that disturb my browsing. Well organized and easy to shop, I can't say enough about this wonderful little store. Shop local, my friends! read more

Boswell Book Company - Bookstores Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My favorite bookshop in Milwaukee! In the summer I'll bike down from Shorewood and stop by to browse for a new read! Highly recommend!!

Brilliant staff that have great recommendations. This city wouldn't be the same without this place. A true passion for books. Also, non-stop author events! read more

I love this bookstore. It's so cozy and it's great that they support indie authors with their own section. Customer service is always great.

Shhh...Can I let you in on a secret?... I've always wanted to own and operate my own independent bookstore. And, let me tell you, it would be just like Boswell Book Company. So, when I stepped inside for the first time a few weeks ago, you can imagine that it felt just like coming home. Seriously, this place makes me so happy. The store is well-organized and there are plenty of super comfy spots to relax while reading. Staff recommendations? They're written everywhere, on most shelves, and they're all amazing. Super helpful when you're looking for your next great read. Boswell very often hosts authors for book signings and talks. I mean, what's better than chatting with your favorite author about their latest work? Might be the bibliophile in me, but I'm going to say it doesn't get much better than that. My daughter and I also love the game selection, and the random fun items like bookmarks, pins/buttons, and plush finger puppets. If you love to read, make this place a must stop--you won't regret it. read more

My favorite book store in Milwaukee! I love Powell's in Portland and this definitely makes me feel like I'm in a small version of it here in Milwaukee. There are so many great staff picks, a huge variety of books, and they host readings. I'm a fan of the music they play, their knowledgable staff and the comfy couches in the back of the store. I'm so grateful to have such a lovely book store so close to home, especially one that makes coming to such a joy! read more

Wonderful independent book store that takes great care of all of my book buying needs. The store is very warm and welcoming with a great selection of titles and gift items. The children section is really nice. Staff is so friendly and helpful. If they don't have what you are looking for they will order it. I don't live in the neighborhood so I use the online system to hold the books I want. Conrad is always helpful & quick to respond when my order is ready for pick up. The store hosts a lot of great events, authors, and a few book clubs. I only wish I lived closer. This store is a treasure to book lovers and the neighborhood. I highly recommend supporting it whenever possible. read more

My all-time favorite bookstore. I used to live right behind this place and would come in on days I had nothing going on and get lost looking through everything. For a smaller space I was surprised constantly as I have found what I was looking for every single time I've been. While their selection is awesome, my favorite part is the speaker series they have. Phenomenal authors are invited to speak. One example was Andre Aciman, author of a favorite book of mine. They provide a unique experience that you can't find everywhere. Prices are a little higher than you may find elsewhere as they are an independently owned company, but I'd support them over others 100x over. Happy to have found this gem in Milwaukee! read more

This is the kind of place I want to champion, all the time. In an era of Kindles and Barnes and Borders, Boswell Book Company carries (valiantly) the torch of the independent neighborhood bookstore in Milwaukee. And they don't just carry it, they *own* it! The employees are all extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They're intelligent and well-versed in whatever you're looking for. (see also: everything! They read books!) And a selection galore that spans genre...there's honestly something for everyone here. I'm guilty of not stopping in here enough. I was last in just before the holidays in a last-ditch effort to find the elusive Mark Twain autobiography. While it was sold out everywhere else, Boswell had it. They even held it for me! And the lady who helped me was so so sweet. Others may be closer or more convenient (depending on your location), but Boswell is better. I promise. read more

The Boswell Book Company is a great bookstore. The inventory of new books is impressive. The customer service is courteous and precise.

An East Side staple! I'm a slow reader and have never quite enjoyed reading as much as my bookworm friends, but I can drop some serious dough here. The selection is amazing. It's surprising how much you can pack into the space. I'm all about buying local, and Boswell is the perfect alternative to the big chain book sellers. You're not paying more and you're still able to find what you need. Win/win. What puts Boswell above-and-beyond for me (can I give it 6 stars?) is the book talks. The variety of authors they bring in is astounding. I have very esoteric, niche interests and can always find something that tickles my fancy. And they're mostly free, unless they bring in a bigger name but then it's usually at a different venue anyway. Helpful, friendly staff too! Love love love. read more

Great place, has a lot of the poetry I'm looking for in stock. They also are handling socially distanced purchases really well

I am an avid reader, to date I have read close to 55 books for the year. There are many indie books out in Chicago, where I am from! When I have a hankering for a different landscape, we cross the border into Milwaukee, an easy hour long trip! Boswell's has it all! They have new and used books that are all in pristine condition! The store is clean, very well organized, and the selection is massive! I cannot say more about this establishment! They also have a fabulous selection of books you can get ( brand new) for as little as 6.00! Whether you are down the street, across town, or across state lines, stop in to Boswell's to find your new book friend!! read more

Fantastic bookstore! Welcoming atmosphere, great section, nice people. Will make sure to visit here again next time I'm in Milwaukee!