Paul’s Book Store, a beloved fixture at 670 State St. known for its vintage charm and atmosphere, announced on Instagram on Nov. 28 that it will close in early 2025 after 70 years in business.
The bookstore’s social media page posted a farewell statement on Thanksgiving, not specifying a reason for the closure but extending thanks to employees and customers.
“It’s been an adventure and a labor of love,” read the caption. “And now it’s time to say goodbye.”
The shop opened in 1954 by founder Paul Askins and was later taken over by his widow Caryl Askins following his passing in 1975, according to Channel3000. Despite her limited experience in the business of books, her stewardship helped establish the store as a cherished spot on State Street.
A short distance from campus, the small, independent bookstore held a place in the hearts of many UW-Madison students.
“It’s very different from a Barnes & Noble, it’s very mom-and-pop vibes,” said Avery Doemel, a UW-Madison junior.
Doemel remembers the first time she noticed the shop, prior to her first semester at UW.
“I was walking down State Street, and I noticed a really cute bookstore,” Doemel recalled. “I really liked the music that they played and how they used vinyls. It sets the mood and gives a whole new feel when you go inside.”
Sarah Kissel, a UW class of 1994 alum and current attorney at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, remembers buying books for her English literature classes at Paul’s Book Store during her time as a student.
Kissel expressed disappointment but said she understood the business’s decision.
“Part of the reason owning a bookstore is such a grind today is the obvious competition with Amazon,” said Kissel. “How do you compete with being able to open the computer that you keep in your pocket and, in under a minute, order something at a lesser price?”
As a Madison community member and mother of a current UW student, Kissel hopes that whatever business moves in to fill the spot on State Street maintains the area’s charm.
“I hope that whatever it is, it maintains the continuity of weirdness for State Street,” said Kissel, referring to the book store’s eclectic collection of books and other items. “I hope that it’s somebody new’s dream.”
