Independent Bookstore Feature: Down the Barrel 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.

Fresh Water Press caught up with Tiffany Zalewski, owner of Down the Barrel Books, a used bookstore in Manitowoc. Used bookstores give second life to stories. She carries an extensive collection of affordable children’s literature on lower shelves for kids to easily peruse. Tiffany also carries new copies of all Fresh Water Press books.

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

Tiffany: I have always dreamed of opening a bookstore! Manitowoc already is rich in them and so I decided on a fun compliment—a used-book stall inside Gritty Lane Antique Mall. I had been the store manager for the local Book World at the time that they decided to close all stores in 2017/2018. It really felt like losing my dream job; I just wanted to be around books all day. I began this adventure in October 2024, and it has been an absolute blast to do this. I’ve regained some of that “dream job” feel. I’ve gotten to carve out this slice of what I love and have some creative freedom along the way!

FWP: Do you specialize in anything special or unique?

Tiffany: I strive to always have well-maintained books and price them out to rival big-box thrift stores. It’s a love letter to reading and to readers. I want people to enjoy a book that, while used, looks brand new and to feel great about how much they spent on it. There is plenty of previously loved goodies for bibliophiles to fall in love with. I am always on the hunt for bookends, bookmarks, collectibles, clothing, and anything else reading-related. My pride and joy is my Goosebumps section. I was a fan of Goosebumps growing up and finding the original covers is my favorite thing. I do my best to keep some on hand at all times. To sum up: being the go-to spot for bargain hunters who love reading really is the whole goal!

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

Tiffany: With the books being used, I always flip through to check for condition. I want to make sure someone is getting a “whole” book. No torn pages or anything that would destroy the ability to read the book. Another thing is being on the hunt for things that spark nostalgia. A large chunk of my children’s books are beloved titles that span multiple decades; people of all different ages can have that chance to feel that spark. It’s an opportunity to find a book you loved as a kid and pass it on to the children in your life. When it comes to novels for adults, I do my best to search for popular titles that span genres. Some readers are very dedicated (me included!) to certain genres, and I don’t want to exclude anyone. Oftentimes while restocking I will chat with people and if I don’t have something that would interest them, I will keep an eye out going forward. Recently, I had a kind woman who needed large-print books, and it immediately became a goal of mine to start a large-print section. Messing around and creating displays is one of my favorite parts of what I do! Being that I operate inside an antique mall, I really enjoy finding vintage items that I can pair along with books to create a display. I think it makes it feel very intentional. Holidays, book anniversaries, or Banned Book Week, for example, also play in to what I choose to face display.

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.