The Book Teller

09/09/2026

The new candles from Bookend Candle Co. (Michigan-made) just landed at the shop and I'm so happy with them! And honestly, don't we all need a win right now?
If you're prone to olfactory overload (who, me ?) you just might love these gentle, nature- inspired candles. I brought in Birch Forest, Rare Book Room, Bayberry, Winter Garden, and Petrichor — plus pretty little sample tins if you're not ready to commit.
We can't promise these candles will fix the world. We can promise your space will smell like Birch Forest or Rare Book Room, and that's a win we'll gladly take! Pop in and let us know what you think!

09/08/2026

Let's hear it for the original data centers!
Data storage: bookshelves. Cooling: one tired AC unit that's seen things and a desk fan doing its best. Water usage: the tea kettle and subsequently, the toilet. Noise level: the turning of pages, some laughter, and the occasional gasp-inducing plot twist.
No constant noise, no draining natural resources, no fighting city hall. Just books, local art, and friendly people. So stop on in and get your analong on at The Book Teller! Because sometimes, the best upgrade is knowing when to disconnect.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day to everyone who's ever been expected to work for "exposure," passion, or love of the craft instead of a paycheck. 📚
Today's for the labor movement — and it's worth noting: nearly 70% of Americans now approve of labor unions, one of the highest marks in over 60 years. Even right here in publishing, workers are organizing. This year, employees at Hachette Book Group formed the largest union in trade publishing history. Workers at the University of Chicago Press just won their own election too — the first union in the Press's 130-year history.
We see you. And we're done accepting the "passion tax" — the idea that if you love your work, you should be paid less for it. Loving what you do, whether its books, teaching, farming, nursing, etc doesn't mean we should do it for less.
Happy Labor Day. Rest up. Fight on. 🛠️📖

09/04/2026

Some weeks call for a book that steadies, rather than stirs. This week's pick is A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft, mother of Mary Shelley, and a force, in her own right. Writing her seminal piece in 1782 amid political upheaval and revolution, Wollstonecraft arose as one of the earliest feminist voices to insist, in writing, that reason and dignity are especially critical in times of chaos. Her wisdom and clarity still hold up, more than 230 years later.
With silver-sprayed edges and a decorative cover, this beautiful hardbound edition will make an impressive addition to your bookshelf. Pop in today for your copy. $12.99

09/03/2026

Yesterday morning, just moments after I opened the shop, I watched a seemingly endless wave of police vehicles race up Main Street - lights, sirens, and some kind of low, unsettling tone I'd never heard before. Your heart just sinks in that moment, as you know something terrible might be happening.

So grateful it resolved within the hour— no weapon, and everyone safe. Whoever reported it did exactly the right thing; if you see something, you say something, and yesterday that system worked, and perhaps better prepared us if something similar ever happens again.

My heart goes out to everyone affected, those on campus, and their loved ones, but especially the new students, just days into their first week on campus. This is not how anyone should start their college experience, and it's totally understandable if you feel shook. Please know this community cares about you and is so glad you're safe.

Thank you to UW-Whitewater Police, Whitewater PD, and Walworth County Sheriff's Office for the speed and coordination of that response. It's a strange kind of comfort knowing how fast our community can mobilize when it matters. Grateful for all of them.

08/05/2026

🚨This is Guy Montag 20-alarm-fire scary 🚨

Will AI be the sole purveyors of human knowledge? Not if we can help it. Please treasure your books, and if you donate, do your due diligence and know to whom you donate.

AI developers are quietly buying physical books by the millions, slicing them apart, scanning every page into AI training datasets, and discarding the originals.

07/31/2026

We're not going to complain about this rain — Whitewater needs it, and honestly, so do our to-be-read piles 📚 🌧️ There's something about a dark and stormy night that makes a good mystery feel just right. Choosing your next read is the easy part — we have the cozy classics like Christie and Holmes, and new favorites like Louise Penny, Rita Mae Browne, and Elly Griffiths, as well as some darker and stormier selections. Cozy up, this weekend's for reading!

07/11/2026

**Last night's event was really one for the books! 📚✨**

Huge thanks to Katie Childs for sharing her beautiful photography and for being such an important part of the shop. We're going to miss having you around Whitewater, Katie — but we cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes you. Go be brilliant at grad school!

And to those who stepped up to the mic — thank you for trusting us with your words and for making the night feel so special! Come back soon 🎤

To everyone who came out, listened, laughed, and lingered — thank you for making this little bookstore feel exactly like what it's supposed to be: a gathering place.

More open mics to come. Stay tuned.

07/08/2026

Join us for Open Mic and a Book Launch to celebrate Katie Childs, our first employee, without whom we never would have had that first open mic back in 2021! All are welcome to celebrate with us, so grab your guitar and a friend, and join us at 6:30 for an unforgettable night with friends! Open mic sign up upon arrival. Light refreshments. Suggested donation $5.