I’m a huge sucker for bookstores in Wisconsin, and throw in a bookstore that’s passionate about the community, sells second-hand books AND Legos, and also has a neat story behind their store name? I’m HOOKED (As the owner of Spinster Books, Jill would say!).
There’s some entertaining shopping in Ashland and a heck of a lot of bookstores in Wisconsin, and Spinster Books is that sweet bookish spot right in the middle of both of those ventures.
What I adore about Spinster Books is the commitment to the community and the mission of providing books to everyone. I saw a while back on Spinster Books Facebook Group that during 2020, story time videos would be posted so the love of books and stories could carry on even when people couldn’t physically gather for story time. How wholesome and community-driven is that?
I also had such a delightful time talking with the owner/creator of Spinster Books, Jill, and have been giddy and thrilled to share our conversation. It makes me want to have a reading marathon right in Spinster Books and then buy some more books while I’m at it!
The motto of Spinster Books on their website reads, “Passionate about books. Committed to you.” And that speaks more volumes to me than an Encyclopedia set! It’s extra special when a local business pours so much into their community, and the community shows their love and support in return. And you can be a part of that local magic by shopping in Ashland at Spinster Books and other local establishments when you’re on Lake Superior.
“We really enjoyed this eclectic little bookstore. There’s a surprisingly large amount of literature for a relatively small space – and a great balance: classics, oddballs, bestsellers; a wide array of genres; authors large and small. Great prices for used books in largely good+ condition. It was good fun to pick out a wacky handful of books for a trip to the Boundary Waters. Bill Bryson, Chuck Palahniuk, and some obscure, goofy sci-fi? Yes please – and they can all be found here – especially if you go in expecting to find something for which you weren’t looking.”
– Nicholas F ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where is Spinster Books?
You can get a quaint view on Lake Superior from Spinster Books, right on Main St West! Below I’ve listed the address for Spinster Books and a handy-dandy map to find your way. But that’s not all; take a peek at what’s below the map!
Spinster Books Address:
313 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806
Q & A With Spinster Books
Let’s hear directly from the creator of this quirky book oasis, the owner and showrunner herself, Jill! I had such a pleasant and lovely time communicating with Jill about this fantastic bookish gem in the heart of Ashland, WI. Each answer is full of passion, humor, insight, and a whole lot of book and community love.
When you’re book shopping in Ashland, you’ve got to come on down to Spinster Books! And with that being said, let’s get into this fabulous Q&A with Jill at Spinster Books.
Could you please tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to creating Spinster Books?
I worked in my college library for 3 1/2 years in various roles. I got bitten by the book bug.
I worked at a Waldenbooks for a while when I was living in Denver and got further hooked. After I moved back to Ashland, I volunteered at our local library’s Book Nook, where we sold used books at very affordable prices. I did that for about 6 years and decided to open my own store in town.
I guess I just needed more books in my life. I brought my mom along with me at the start and she still works at the store. 🙂
Spinster Books has a neat ring to it; how did that name come to you?
Spinster Books is exactly what you get when you come in.
I am the Spinster, an older, unmarried woman with no children and the books are the Books.
The history of the word Spinster intrigued me and I wanted to reclaim it in a positive way.
Spinster by choice, not by circumstance.
If someone would like to bring books into the store, how should they go about that process?
A phone call or message first is the best way to go.
I can save people time by letting them know if they should bring their books in to us before they actually haul them around. Many times, people just show up with books and that’s fine, too.
We can give store credit for books that we can sell in the store and people can either take the other books back with them, or they can put them in our covered entryway for people to take for free. Kind of an oversized Free Little Library.
We sometimes go to someone’s house if there are many books to look at, but being as The Spinster is getting older and has a tiny car, they oftentimes bring them into the bookstore anyway.
What do you love about being a local bookstore near Lake Superior?
You answered that question right there. Local, bookstore, Lake Superior.
Small business started this country, bookstores have endured when they were doomed to die in the electronic age and Lake Superior is the best of all bodies of water.
I can look out our back door and see the lake just across the street.
Can you name a few of your favorite things about running a bookstore?
I like the independence that I have. My mother is my business partner and handles the money part of the business, accounting, banking and also the preparation of books – all used books get cleaned before being put out for sale. This has been our policy from day one – almost 9 years ago.
I get to run the store as I see fit and get to make decisions without a boss. I never really worked well for other people, so owning my own business is a dream come true.
The best part, aside from all of the books, is the people. I have met so many people and made so many friends through the store that I can’t imagine life without them.
These people also get me involved in other community things that are now part of my life. Our locals are nice people who appreciate what we do for them, and in return, we appreciate their business and friendship.
The tourists who are awed at our store still crack me up. A cool bookstore? Here? Yup, here. We have many return customers that are not from the area.
Do you have books or authors that are your comfort reads?
I read mainly non-fiction – it’s a bit of a joke in the store with so many fiction readers and me struggling to stay knowledgeable about what is hot and new.
My favorites are books about books, bookstores, book history, book making, etc.
On the fiction side, depressing German and Russian authors have my heart. LOL
If Spinster Books had a theme song, which catchy tune would it be and why?
Interesting question but one easily answered this GenX person: The theme song to the TV show “One Day At A Time” …
Can you share more with us about your inspiration for providing Loose/Bulk Legos at Spinster Books?
I just got into LEGO® about 7 years ago. I didn’t have any as a kid – I was a goofy outdoor type – and I got hooked.
It’s a common story among AFOLS (Adult Fans of LEGO®). When I realized that there was nowhere to buy LEGO® in the area, and most certainly nowhere to buy “loose” LEGO ® for an even farther area, I decided to do what I could to have some at the store.
I don’t sell enough new sets to qualify as an official LEGO® retailer, but I do what I can to offer what the community needs… some new sets, some used sets, some exclusive sets and bulk/loose pieces.
The LEGO® part of the business is definitely NOT a money maker, but then I never claimed to be a smart businessperson.
What’s one of your favorite memories to look back on at Spinster Books?
Opening day, May 1st, 2015, without a doubt.
My mom and I had already decided that this was a risky venture and were fully prepared to close in 6 months when it all failed.
That first day, with a store full of happy customers, gave us a feeling of “maybe this will work”. I still feel that every day, almost 9 years later.
I’m never quite sure that we are a success, despite still being in business. LOL We don’t advertise and rely on word-of-mouth. It’s working so far.
There are over 230 Indie Bookstores throughout the Midwest, and they’re waiting to be explored and supported! Check out this Indie Bookstore Directory or the Indie Bookstore Road Map to get your bookish adventure trip rocking and rolling!
A huge and gratitude-filled thank you to Jill for taking the time and energy to tell us about the journey of Spinster Books and the heart, passion, and bookish dedication that’s gone into it from 2015 to the present. If you want to be involved in the groovy bookworm world of Spinster Books, I’d encourage you to join their Facebook Group, Spinster Books. I know I did!
I can’t say my thank yous without saying thank you to you, wonderful On Lake Superior reader. We want to see you over on our Facebook Group: Loving Life “On Lake Superior” to continue this delightful exchange of local support, adventure, and enjoying our beautiful time on Lake Superior.
Other Ashland, WI Main Street Establishments Near Spinster Books
After you’ve done your book shopping in Ashland and got to experience one of the most down-to-earth and awesome bookstores in Wisconsin, you can do some more shopping and exploring on Lake Superior! There are quite a few neat establishments near Spinster Books that are definitely worth checking out. Take a peek below to see for yourself!
“Awesome museum! Found a lot of interesting information about my family with the help of the curator 😊👍” – Patrick P ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Memorial Medical Center Thrift Shop
“Excellent. Workers. Great place to shop. Clean and organized.” – Merel K ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Oooh…the smell and ambiance of this gift shop is spectacular! Looking for something special for someone? This is the place! I could spend hours in here looking at everything they have to offer. I think it’s the best gift shop in Ashland…go check it out!” – Lana A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love this place. We find many items every time we come in. My children love to shop here. I love the variety of items. Always something new to look at.” -LL ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I love this place! I’d buy everything if I could haha! The owner is so nice and friendly. I was traveling so couldn’t get too much but will definitely stop in here again next time I’m in Ashland. Can’t wait to try the blooming tea! And my husband loves the chocolate.” – Nicky ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Absolutely awesome. Classic old-school theater. A hold over from a different era when concessions were affordable and seats didn’t recline. Come say hi to Andrew, these guys do it for passion not profit.” – Andy B ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Such friendly folks working here! I never leave this place without having a great interaction with the employees.” – Sara M ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Best place to shop in Ashland for gifts, home decor, women’s clothing and ANYTHING baby! 😍 Tons of adorable items, both handmade and wholesale! If you’re looking for a unique, modern, quality store, THIS IS IT! 😍” – Kallie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a wonderful, totally accurate, story of you, Jill and your sweet business. Being not only a native of Ashland, but a close personal friend of the family, I am so proud of you and your creative mind and personality that pulls it all together to make it a success! Congratulations!