RJ Julia Booksellers — Local services in Madison

I recently ordered an autographed copy of Bill Clinton's new book Citizen from what I thought was a reputable seller. I came to find out that it was a total scam, which I am always very careful about. That being said, it was not a huge financial loss. However, I still wanted the autographed book. I typed in "independent bookseller selling bill clinton signed citizen book," and by the grace of the Google gods came across RJ Julia. It could not have been a smoother process. Jill and Julie A. were extremely professional, courteous, understanding, and very helpful. They tracked the book down, ensured that it was in excellent condition, and completed the order over the phone as I live in PA. It arrived two days early! In the course of this process, we got to chatting about coming to the store. I told them I would jump off I-95 on the way to visit family in Maine the next time I make the trip. I absolutely intend on doing so- with such a beautiful store (check out the pictures!), and professional and knowledgeable staff, this is a no brainer. As a bibliophile, I always strive to purchase my books through independent or other non-Amazon stores to keep them thriving and around for a long time. You can not go wrong here- RJ Julia Booksellers is simply the best, and I look forward to my first of what I know will be...

I have always enjoyed my trips to RJ Julia's and I go to the Middletown location frequently. Today however the cashier was beyond rude and needs a desperate refresher in customer service. When she asked if I had a customer account, I responded I have an account in Middletown. She snidely and condescendingly responded we aren't connected with them. Then, other staff again very rudely asked my party to move to the front of the store. I get there was a lot happening in the store, but the store staff was so rude. In Middletown the staff was always welcoming and helpful. Here I felt like the staff was aggravated by the crowd of customers.

Edit: I was surprised today to receive a call from the store manager, she was beyond accommodating and generous in her conversation with me. Her kindness and willingness to listen to my experience reminded me of why independent book stores are so vital for a thoughtful community. I'm amending my review. I understand they were having a hectic day and the fact the store manager took time to talk to me after leaving a less then stellar review is indicative of a store that really cares about...

Overall, it is a nice bookstore For a small town with I’m sure some good events. My low review is based on visiting the children’s department, which I was anticipating to be a delightful visit. Well, there were many, very unusual books it seemed the vast collection was geared to the older readers of graphic novel, and at the other end of the spectrum of the baby and tots. The picture book section seemed woefully short of the classic award-winning books. There were several I had hoped to purchase for a grandchild library. having been a school library media specialist, I had my favorites that I felt should be in the collection. I’m fully aware that a bookstore cannot carry everything, but it seem to focus on so many new things and so many things at the other ends of the age groups that I found it lacking. Some author illustrators who had more than one book winning medals could not be found. I was prepared to spend a couple hundred dollars for a gift and walked out with just a few board books. Unfortunately, I took my business to the well-known chain. I still prefer to spend dollars in a store locally then ordering...