Independent Bookstore Feature: Arnett and Son Books

Independent booksellers are the bloodline of stories, bringing them from warehouses to shelves right in your neighborhood. More than that, they become community centers where like-minded folks gather at bookish events.

All booksellers carry the common theme—literacy is good for the community.

Fresh Water Press caught up with Jon Arnett, owner of Arnett and Son Books, an independent bookstore in Racine, Wisconsin.

FWP: Why did you decide to open a bookstore? How long have you been in business?

Jon: I have been in the book industry for about twenty-five years. I ran a bookstore with my brother for a number of years. After that one closed, I started teaching. During that time, I have been buying books for my brother’s store Book Marx in Springfield, Missouri. Last year, I was downsized from my teaching job after the budget resolution was not passed. By that point I was pretty burned out on the politics of education anyway, so I planned my escape to the only other profession I am qualified for.

We just finished our seventh month in business.

FWP: Do you specialize in anything special or unique?

Jon: I don’t have a specialty; we carry a little bit of everything. I would say our history, philosophy, and poetry sections are probably bigger than the average bookstore. I also have a few sections that most stores don’t, such as Japanese literature, conspiracy theories, and stigmata.

FWP: What are the top things you look at when deciding what books to stock, which to face display?

Jon: Whenever I am stocking books, I select some of the things that I think are interesting, things I think the general public will enjoy, and things that are unique. So, for instance, I will buy a million copies of a book I love, say anything by Kurt Vonnegut or Wisconsin history; they may never sell, but I don’t care, I will buy books that I like. Group two are books I know will sell and that people want. Kristen Hannah and Sarah J. Maas are good as gold. I personally may not have interest in hockey romance, but I will joyously snatch up any I can find because I know that is what the people want. Lastly, I love odd things, and I think a lot of people do too. If I find a book about how Elvis is still alive or how the Clinton and Bush families are secretly lizard people, I will always try to keep those stocked.

When I put things on display, I try to find the type of book you don’t know exists but will just have to buy when you discover it.

Are you a bookstore owner? Fresh Water Press would love to feature your story. Do you have a favorite bookstore you’d like to learn more about? Let us know at contact@freshwaterpressllc.com, and we’ll reach out to request an interview.