Downtown Whitewater Bookstore An Art and Book Lover's Haven
The Bookstore
On a cozy corner of Main St. in an old bank rests The Book Teller-- a gently used bookstore and artisan shop filled to the brim with everything a gift giver and book lover could imagine. Complete with historic teller windows and a walk-in vault (now the bookstore's Horror/Mystery/Sci-fi section), The Book Teller prides itself on its wide variety of genres and unique handcrafted gifts made by local artisans with care, attention, and intention.
"It’s about community and providing the people who walk through our doors a warm, welcoming place to sit, have a cup of tea, and read a book without pressure to buy. It’s a place where our artists can have a spot to show/sell their work. A place where books can have a new life. It’s about giving back. We receive so many books given to us by generous community members. It’s fun to pass those along."
Proprietor, Karen McCulloch
Proprietor, Karen, at the checkout counter behind The Book Teller's local authors and crafts.
The Wares
The (mostly) volunteer-staffed shop is friendly and quaint with nooks and crannies to discover around ever corner. They offer locally created photographs, collages, stained glass, jewelry, handcrafted soap, scarves, and pottery, coffee beans, granola and so much more. And of course, shelves upon shelves of gently used books.
"We thought the name The Book Teller was so appropriate because it's reflective of those historic teller windows, the stories we tell, and the stories in our art and the books on our shelves. And when we opened, everything magically fell into place. The store took on a life of its own and is now writing its own story.”
Proprietor, Karen McCulloch
The Events
The bookstore, at its core, stands for community and supporting local. Karen shares, "We wanted to open a store on Main St. to help drive traffic and make downtown a thriving destination." This is beginning to come to fruition for The Book Teller. They've offered jewelry, personal empowerment, and journal-making workshops. Authors have read from their books or given poetry readings. They've offered tarot readings, storytime for kids and adults, and open mic nights. They even have a book club!
The Experience
Whether you seek gifts (or something to spoil yourself!) or a good book, you'll find it at The Book Teller.
"So many people have said how brave we are for opening a bookstore in this age of digitization, but even more people have commented that they love to hold a book, they love the smell of a book, it never needs to be plugged in. It’s always mobile. There’s nothing like browsing a used bookshop. It’s an experience. It’s the thrill of a find. You can find something historic or brand new."
Proprietor, Karen McCulloch
