Reads by the River Books and Gifts

M!STER D

2024-05

We love coming into this store. The owners are absolutely great ! Super friendly & knowledgeable. Plus they have an awesome selection of non-book items/gifts you can purchase. We always start our holiday shopping here ! Adorable kids section !

Georgann Suszka

2024-03

If you are in the Waterford area, be sure to visit Reads By the River, our local indie bookseller. This tiny but mighty bookstore has something for everyone, making it a reader’s delight. If you are looking for the latest releases or a lovely gift, this is the place. Knowledgeable and friendly staff are always ready with a recommendation or two. I have found several new favorite books and authors based on their suggestions. The bookstore also offers a lot of wonderful events, such as their super fun Conversations and Cocktails every month in which you can meet authors in an intimate setting (in collaboration with The Waterford Stillhouse). I highly recommend a trip to Reads By the River!

Mary Miller

2024-03

Reads by the River Books and Gifts is an amazing little shop! It is filled with a wonderful selection of books, sure to delight readers of all ages. It also has a fantastic selection of book accessories, toys, puzzles, yummy treats, and so much more. Plus, Reads by the River Books and Gifts offers many special events such as author visits and book clubs. And, it has friendly, knowledgable staff always willing to help you in any way they can. If you haven't been to Reads by the River Books and Gifts yet, check it out!

grace bierer

2024-01

Love this little book store. It maybe small with tons selections for all types of genres. Kelley & staff are very helpful & friendly. And they also hold awesome events. If you are ever in Waterford you gotta make a stop @ Reads by the River😍

Sheryl Lamoureux

2024-02

When Kelly announced she wa opening a bookstore I was thrilled, unfortunately I became disabled soon after and was unable to visit the store. But I soon found out that the store participates in an audiobook subscription service through Libro.fm.I pay a set fee each month and I can choose any book which is immediately transferred to my iPhone. I've discovered some wonderful books there and definitely saved money.

Ryan Niblett

2023-06

Awesome bookshop with really friendly owner!Lots of selection and Gifts too. Great kids area so bring in the little ones.

Lindsay K

2023-05

One of my very favorite places! This little shop has stuffed itself with such a fantastic variety of books, with all the new releases of course, but also a very thoughtfully handpicked selection of all the older favorites and many books I’ve never even heard of until stumbling on it here. The owner, Kelly, is amazing! She not only remembers names, but even what kind of books I like to read and will show me something she just got in if she thinks I might like it. I don’t see her employees as often, but every time I do they’re super friendly, helpful, and happy to be there and talk books. You can’t get this kind of experience anywhere but an indie bookstore, and I’m so glad to have this one!

Andrea O'Loughlin

2023-06

I absolutely LOVE this bookstore. The owner Kelly greets people by name and engages them in conversation, suggesting books and asking what they’ve read. Great selection of books and other items. Welcoming “house” for children to browse. In short, this bookstore hits 100% for its attention to detail, extensive stock, and good vibes. Periodic author meet and greet events and monthly book discussions. Holiday events too. I’m picky, but Reads By the River is by far the BEST bookstore! Check it out!

Matthew Cade

2024-02

A truly special spot nestled on the banks of the Fox. Plan a visit and begin your next adventure through the many offered pages of the many beautiful books!

Ashley Lentz

2023-05

This sweet little gem is by far one of my most favorite places ever. My son loves coming here with me, and Kelly is just the sweetest. The Waterford area needed this store. Their commitment to the community, the thought and effort that goes into their events, it’s just such a special place. We love Reads by the River!

anne lorum

2024-03

Such a fun store. Many events to attend and a great selection of books (and more!).

Nicole Meulemans

2023-05

This is absolutely my favorite bookstore to visit whenever I am in the Milwaukee area. Kelly and her amazing team create a space that feels like home as soon as you walk in the door. The book and gift selection is AMAZING. As a bookstore owner myself, I have high expectations when I visit another store. Reads by the River is a gem and a haven not only for the local community, but for anyone passing by.

Jennifer Ridgway

2023-05

This is the bookstore that I always wished was open when I lived in Waterford! I make it a point to go every time I visit my parents. Kelly has created such a wonderful store that epitomizes what an Indie bookstore should be: wonderfully curated, fun sidelines, amazing community events, and a friendly atmosphere. If you find yourself nearby, I highly recommend stopping in!

Kimberly Austin

2023-05

My absolute favorite book store. Kelly is one of the kindest people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting & treats her customers like family. My kids adore their visits to Reads by the River & they always have an amazing selection of reads for them (& mom too!).

Emily Oschmann

2024-03

My favorite indie bookstore. Huge selection, wonderful owners, and great events.

Brenda Burns

2023-05

Reads by the River is a wonderful experience. From the minute you walk in you feel the magic of books. Kelly and staff are so friendly and helpful. The displays are great and updated regularly. The special events are always well attended and enjoyable. I always look forward to a visit to Reads on the River.

Elysia Chartier

2023-05

I started coming to reads by the river about 6 months ago. I just love the atmosphere and the selection! My kids (15+8) also love it! Everyone there is so helpful and kind, giving recommendations based on authors I like or the type of book I want to read at the time. If something isn't in stock they can order it! I would highly recommend this small local business!

Julie K

2023-05

What a find, delightful owner. Was fortunate to be there when some children came into the store and hear their excitement and joy. Children’s area is accessed through the doorway of a full size structure resembling a country cottage. Purchased numerous books to get through foot surgery and was given the opportunity to select a pre-release book complimentary. Great selection, and was given spot on recommendations for books. Treat yourself to a book!

Elizabeth Wellner

2023-05

It literally makes me giddy every time I have reason to go to Reads by the River.The store’s small physical size, in my opinion, gives it a strong aesthetic impact, because Kelly packs so many titles into the space that the colorful bindings are just all right in front of you, it’s kind of like walking into a rainbow that you get to pick up and handle and explore. And the store is so bright and fresh that everything visually pops.Kelly and her employees are warm and friendly, and can order in any book I’d like. Further, I don’t even have to call - I can Facebook messenger and they’ll respond and get a book ordered or put on hold for me.Their Facebook page is kept fresh and up-to-date with a regular selection of new titles, and it is not uncommon for me to quickly ask for one to be put on hold and then I’ll pick it up a day or two later. I look forward to those Facebook posts every week now!Kelly gets to know her regular customers so well, including their tastes. I can go in on a tough day for a pick-me-up, tell her I’m in the mood for some given theme or genre, and she can immediately pull half a dozen books for me to sift through that are likely to fit what I’m looking for. Other members of my family can also go to her for suggestions for me for gifts, and she has great recommendations that haven’t failed yet.The children’s area is absolutely adorable, whimsical for children, but also tall so adults can go right in and enjoy it too. I love sitting on the floor with my son browsing and reading books with him. And the store has a homeschool discount, so I love getting to use that!The store regularly holds fun and creative events for adults and for children, and it even pairs with other local businesses occasionally for some events, like when authors come to the distillery up the street for book signings.The store carries a variety of other items as well - coloring books, book lights, stuffed animals, bookmarks, and other rotating and new seasonal items covering such a range - candles, mugs, chocolates, coasters, coffee, bath bombs, seeds - there is always some cute or creative item exploring some literary theme.I cannot strongly enough emphasize the treasure that Reads by the River is for Waterford and for everyone.All this is special - but there is something that makes the store even more special for me, personally. Something big. Due to circumstances that are uncomfortable for me to talk about, I actually lost any love of reading by the time I was about 15; I was pressured right out of enjoying reading by what should have been positive influences in my life. I was basically guilted out of simply reading for enjoyment. I tried to start fixing the problem when I was about 30, but struggled and fumbled and never really found my footing. Kelly opening that store and just being so welcoming, with such variety, no pressure ever in any direction, making everything so personally nice - has ignited a love, a curiosity, frankly a safety, in reading for me that I have never had in my life. Without realizing it, she has become the supportive influence in reading that I should have had growing up.Result?That store has been open for about 18 months, and within that time I have probably pleasure-read at least three times as many books as what I had my entire life beforehand.Reads by the River has literally become part of my healing process.

Dotty Klein

2023-05

What a wonderfully charming store. It is a fabulous place to browse for the latest best seller, how to book or children’s book. The unique gift ideas are so much fun to check out. The Kid’s Cottage is an adorable place for the little ones to hang while Mom and Dad are shopping.Reads by the River has been a great addition to Waterford Main Street.

April Ryan

2023-05

Absolutely love this bookstore! The owners are incredibly nice and it's the perfect cozy shop to find your next great read. They also offer so many fun events to attend!

Christine Logslett

2023-05

Great little shop in our little town. Kelly makes helpful suggestions for gifts for both kids and adults. I love her book club. So nice to be able to browse a real book store & if she doesn’t have what you’re looking for she’ll go the extra mile to order it for you. Support small businesses & visit Reads by the River!

Layne Van Boxtel

2022-05

This is a wonderful independent bookstore and gift shop in Waterford, WI. For those of us who truly love a good bookshop this is one of the best. They have a diverse selection of books that is a combination of new releases, old favorites and books that haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve, with many genres represented. They have an excellent kids section. They also have curated a great selection of non-book items; games, puzzles, some food items, greeting cards, and vinyl stickers to name just a few. The atmosphere is so inviting. Definitely make your way here!

Maggie Titze

2023-05

Nice book store with a great selection of reads for every age. Small little cove like area for kids books that my grandaughter Ariyana loves. Unique gifts on hand also. Make the trip and see for yourself, staff is very nice and really to assist you.

Megan Levas

2022-05

I absolutely love this book store! It is so cute and inviting inside, and the owners are incredibly nice. I love that they have something for everyone in my family, and they have new arrivals all the time. My kids beg me to go weekly. They also make it so easy to order books they don’t have in stock. I place the order on their website and pick it up in store and you don’t even have to pay until you pick it up (which is super helpful when multi tasking while ordering with kids at home and not able to find your wallet…but your kids are saying “did you order my book yet, did you order my book yet?!”) Support local you won’t regret it!

Jennifer Klemp

2022-05

Reads by the River is a delightful addition to Waterford's downtown. The store offers a wide variety of books and specialty gifts with something new each time I visit. The owners are always friendly and knowledgeable. The location is ideal with views of the river and Main St. I look forward to seeing what future events the bookstore will host in the future! I highly recommend visiting Reads by the River anytime you are in Waterford!

Taryn Jensen

2023-05

Best Bookstore ever! Great selection of fantasy and Science fiction. All the books the owner has recommended I love, not to mention the owner is kind and very welcoming. Whenever I’m looking for new books, I only go to Reads by the River!

Nancy Dziedzic

2023-05

Best indie bookstore! Lots of selections and unique gifts. Best of all, the owners have a distinct passion for their business and getting the community involved.

Mary Falbo

2023-05

Great little book store. It has a nice selection of books and unique gifts. Personnel are very friendly. Have always had a good experience shopping there.

Alex Buschmann

2022-05

Over the past decade it has been decided by my wife that I am not to be allowed in bookstores alone. Honestly, probably not a bad policy. So when sending me off for Christmas shopping, my wife knew I needed supervision. She seemed to think my 2 year old daughter would encourage a quick shopping trip. Little did she know that Reads by the River is equally as wonderful and magical of a place for 2 year olds as it is for a 30-something year old bibliophile. The book store is small enough as to not be overwhelming but every single shelf and table is brilliantly displayed and it is all to easy to get lost browsing. Searching for kids? Go here. Shopping for adult non fiction? There. Best sellers? Over there. Stocking stuffers? Well look at that little display right there. It is an absolute gem! Cannot recommend enough!