R J Julia's is the local bookstore of choice for the intellectuals on the shoreline. They have a great selection, and are always up on their recommendations for adults and children alike. I had a boss who shopped for christmas presents there - he told them who he needed presents for, and they picked out reading material that was always well recieved. (I wouldn't have read a biography of John Adams on my own, but wound up loving it, as just one example) They also do a great job of bringing in authors for booksignings and lectures. It's a hike from New Haven (not literally - literally, it's a long drive!), but Madison in general is worth it, and I'd rather spend my money at a great old-fashioned bookstore than a chain like Barnes and Noble any day.
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