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 was traveling through Rockford and stopped by this place to get some vinyl and books. Their…read moreonline store is generally good so I ordered for pickup there. They were actually out of the book I wanted so told me that I can get credit for a different book. I was looking for mystery and they told me it was "everywhere". The book portion of this place is a bit of a mess and it took me longer to find something that struck my fancy since there was no section devoted to mysteries (there was one for Sci Fi). They have a deal on comic books that was pretty nice so the visit was worth it. I liked it, even with its weirdness.

Great bookstore. Great politics. I appreciate the vibe in the store. I love my "Read books. Burn…read moreFascists" shirt and button. Got my dad a gift certificate because I want to support a great local business.

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.

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.

Nice bookstore. You'll probably find something perusing the aisles. I found a haunted book about…read morehaunted places in Aurora!

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.

I had an amazing experience at this store. The employees are very respectful and non-judgmental…read more The young man who helped me I think his name was Grayson was very attentive and welcoming he made sure I found the perfect book for my niece. This store is much better than Barnes and Noble except for the lack of coffee shop.

Riley was very helpful in helping me find an Orthodox Bible. I was looking for maybe 5 minutes and…read morehe came by and immediately jumped in to help me and looked diligently until we found. He was eager to help and I could tell he works very hard. Thank you Riley!