About the Shop

WordHaven BookHouse is a queer-owned Independent BookShop and Writing Center located in the heart of downtown Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

  • We are a safe place for words where people can connect, grow, create, and thrive

  • We sell books (new and used), writing materials (journals, pens, markers, and color pencils), cards, local art, stickers, stuffed animals, candles, tote bags, candy, pop, and WordHaven Merchandise;

    • We also special order books and products for local customers

  • We host events that celebrate identities, promote healing, and create connections

  • We have an online BookShop, monthly subscriptions (Book of the Month Clubs), a partnership with Libro.FM, and multiple satellite shops across the city

  • We provide writing opportunities that evoke creativity 

  • We support folks who want to understand, learn, and/or heal from their experiences

BookShop Location

923 N 8th St, Sheboygan, WI, 53081

Writers Studio

921 N 8th St, Sheboygan, WI, 53081

Hours

Wednesdays-Fridays: 11-5 PM

Saturdays & Sundays: 9-3 PM

Contact

Email: wordhaven@kellydholstine.com
Phone: (920) 395-2375

My Why

As a tomboy in a small, rural Minnesota town, I often felt lonely and isolated. As a member of the rainbow community, it has sometimes been difficult for me to find spaces that make me feel like I belong so I have consistently tried to create safe spaces wherever I go. Books and writing have always provided both escape and connection for me; this is one of the reasons why I wanted to open WordHaven BookHouse.

I discovered Sheboygan 25 years ago and knew that someday I would live here. I moved here in July of 2022 and am committed to helping make it a more equitable place to live. My experiences as a high school English teacher, a TeamBuilder, an Equity 2.0 Consultant, a Minnesota State Teacher of the Year, and a writer/author have all helped me prepare for this new adventure. And my background in social services and nonprofit work has deeply impacted my approach.

I am so grateful to all of the wonderful volunteers and community members who have helped me create such a safe, creative, and thriving space. And I want to continue to have events and products that represent a myriad of identities so that people can both see themselves in our shop AND increase their empathy for others.