A bookstore is terrific, and Wichita has an excellent bookstore, the locally owned Watermark Books. They have a cafe, a great community, and, of course, all kinds of books for every age and interest.
One of the things that makes Watermark Books so special is its ability to bring authors and the community together. They regularly host author talks, which are usually free; simply purchase the featured book to participate, unless otherwise noted. Plus, they offer free story times every Saturday, making it a fantastic spot for book lovers of all ages. This independent bookstore is truly a local gem in Wichita!
You’ll find Watermark at the corner of Douglas and Oliver, just east of College Hill on Douglas Ave. You can’t miss it, and there’s plenty of parking for the store and its neighboring local businesses.
About Watermark Book Store: Watermark Books & Café has been a cornerstone of the Wichita community since 1977, when Bruce Jacobs and Carolyn Sakowski opened it downtown to bring readers together. In 1996, Sarah Bagby became the majority owner, relocating the store to Lincoln Heights Village and adding a made-from-scratch café, which helped revitalize the area.
Over the years, Watermark has welcomed thousands of authors, from Stephen King to Liane Moriarty, and continues to host engaging author events. The store has also expanded into publishing and distribution, with Watermark Press producing acclaimed books and shipping thousands of copies worldwide.
Dedicated to fostering literacy, Watermark launched the Authors in Schools Fund, providing author experiences and books to Title 1 schools in Wichita, ensuring children—many receiving their first book—can connect with authors.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect book, attending an author event, or enjoying the café, Watermark remains a beloved local treasure. Watermark Website
Watermark Books StoryTime:
Watermark Books & Café Presents “Storytime Saturdays” – A Free Weekly Event for Young Readers
Join us every Saturday for Storytime Saturdays at Watermark Books & Café! Designed for children ages 2-6, this engaging weekly event features the reading of two carefully selected books, followed by a fun, hands-on activity. Watermark’s Children’s Coordinator, Kassandra, curates seasonal and holiday-themed stories to create an enriching experience for young readers and their families.
Saturday Storytime at Watermark Books is a must-visit and a family favorite! We love this unique bookstore, and whenever we’re available, you can bet we’ll be there.
Watermark Bookstore Events
Watermark Books & Café is more than just a locally owned bookstore; its is known for hosting a variety of events that bring book lovers, writers, and families together year-round.
Here’s a general overview of the types of events you’ll typically find at Watermark Books:
- Author Events & Book Signings
Watermark regularly welcomes both local and nationally known authors for readings, Q&As, and signings. These events often include bestselling novelists, children’s book authors, cookbook creators, and even celebrity writers. Some events are free, while others include a ticket with book purchase. - Book Clubs
They host multiple book clubs, including fiction, nonfiction, mystery, and even a kids’ book club. Many meet monthly and are free to join—just show up ready to talk books with other readers. - Special Literary Events
Throughout the year, they also host special events like writing workshops, book launch parties, literary trivia nights, and poetry readings. These are great for anyone looking to dive deeper into Wichita’s creative scene. - Café Community Happenings
With a cozy in-house café, Watermark often combines food and literature in creative ways—from cookbook signings with tastings to casual meet-the-author coffee chats.
Watermark Address: 4701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS, United States, 67218
