Janke Book Store

great shop. a welcome port in the storm.

Book store? I suppose it is. But it’s more than that. It’s almost as though Jake’s is a children’s store/​book store because the toy, book and gifts selection is that big.
It takes a while to wander the aisles, both on the main level and downstairs. Although there are books, it feels more like a gift store and that’s not a bad thing. The non-​book items are different and would make for some unusual gifts. Some of the toys and puzzles are set up as displays to make it easy to see up close and try out. The kids in the store really seem to enjoy that.
The goodies on the main floor spill over to the downstairs, which I think is a clearance area. The aisles are wide enough for two and the books are easy to reach on the shelves.
Jake’s has a nice selection of local travel and history books. Although they do have the normal things, the selection of local authors and books focusing on the small towns and byways is outstanding. Those are the things hard to find in big retail places.
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Excellent bookstore in Wausau! They have a fantastic selection of children’s books, toys and gifts. We spent most of our time in that area but we did check out the bargains in the basement and there was quite an extensive selection of bargains for children and adults. Staff was very friendly and we look forward to coming back to Janke Book Store!

Overall the best secular bookstore in the Wausau area. It may not have a coffee shop right in the building (like Barnes and Noble) or part of a mall (like Waldenbooks) but it is the most cosmopolitan in that it is part of a small but varied pedestrian oriented downtown. Plus they are a block away from a used bookstore.
A focus is local history and geography.
Another focus is art supplies.
Excellent service if you are looking for something somewhat esoteric, e.g. Willa Cather books.
More later.