The tiled entry to Pearl Street Books reveals its history as the home of Arenz Shoe Company, founded in La Crosse and once housed at 323 – 327 Pearl Street. The La Crosse shoe store once boasted eight stores in Wisconsin and Iowa. Today only one, a fifth generation family-owned Arenz Shoes, remains open in nearby Sparta, Wisconsin.
FIRST I NOTICED the sprawling oak and the organic shoe store message of Quality to the Roots embedded in the entry way tile.
Then I glanced to the window display and the heart shaped note of appreciation purposely placed among earthy books.
Both drew me inside Pearl Street Books as if I really need anything to get me inside a bookstore. I don’t.
An overview of the bookstore taken from the second floor and looking toward the front.
Ladders slide along the built-in towering shelves allowing access to the books.
Chairs scattered between shelves invite shoppers to sit and peruse books.
But I’ve never been in a book shop like Pearl Street Books in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. I walked inside and then just stood there for a minute taking in the scene before me.
The wood floor lends a signature vintage look to Pearl Street Books.
A Minnesota mom snapped a photo of her daughter and I asked to do likewise. Shortly thereafter the daughter climbed much higher and was kindly asked to come down for safety reasons.
This inviting section houses kids’ books, new and used.
From the worn wood floor that speaks of age and history to the ladders that slide along side shelves packed with books to the massive quantity of books, this place impresses. The shopkeeper working the day I visited said 55,000 volumes fill this store. Now I don’t know how that compares to your average mass market book retailer. But for an indie bookstore, I’d guess that’s a significant number beyond the norm.
Just another overview from upstairs.
This beautiful stairway leads to the upper floors, including a lounge space on the second floor for book groups or just a spot to hang out.
You could spend hours here…
Pearl Street Books, on its Facebook page, bills itself as a specialty used, new, collectible and antique bookstore that “can procure almost anything.”
My husband purchased this updated adult version of the Dick and Jane books.
Pearl Street Books offers some additional merchandise such as these bumper stickers.
Based on the extensive inventory, I believe that statement. And, yes, I bought a book and so did my husband.
TELL ME: Have you ever visited Pearl Street Books or a similar bookstore?
FYI: Please check back for more stories as I continue my series from La Crosse, Wisconsin. Click here to read my first story.
© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
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