Watermark Books & Cafe

Category:	Book Store
Address:	4701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218, USA
Phone:	+1 316-682-1181
Site:	watermarkbooks.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–8PM 8AM–5PM Closed

Location

Photos 61

Reviews 12

Rodney B

Watermark Books promoted the Stephen King event last night in Wichita, KS. I can some up the organizing result in one word: Horrible. We were told, only after the event was sold out, that the first 1700 people in line at the event would receive a wrist band that would allow them to sit in the main auditorium to grace the presence of the almighty Stephen King. They also said anyone past the 1700 mark would be moved into an overload room. Although we barely made the 1700, I can only imagine how irritated the unlucky ones were who were forced into an entirely different room. How rude, money grubbing at its worst. Why not just keep it to 1700 or rent a larger venue, its not rocket science! Upon arrival at 4:00 pm, 2 hrs before the event started, there was no one to direct traffic and extremely difficult to find any "allowable" parking spaces. I actually had to cheat on that. The line wrapped completely around the building and we all were forced to stand outside in the freezing cold for 2+ hrs. No portable bathrooms. After we finally entered the building and was seated, we got to listen to King for one hour and picked up our book on the way out, which if you were lucky (we werent), was randomly signed by King. So, although the King presentation was so so, what led up to it was horrible and this is why Watermark Books is receiving 1 star from us. Never again. **UPDATE** - From what Im seeing from others who have posted reviews on facebook and other sources, Watermark Books is a DISHONEST BUSINESS and is rumored to have scammed many in this event. They are rumored to have had their volunteers snag the randomly signed books out of the stacks of books that were for the people who paid good money to see King. Watermark Books oversold this event and shoved people in an overflow room with a freaking tv, at a LIVE EVENT! GREEDY AS YOU CAN GET. YOU DONT DO THAT, THAT IS WRONG!!

Mark Westbrook

Good coffee, good service, good choice of books that they have available on the shelves. Though it is still a little expensive. I just spent $20 bucks on a 400 page paper back, while the same book was available online for $15.00, and thats including shipping. I am also an independent author with a book on their shelves. There is a $50 stocking fee for three months, but thats not bad compared to two other books stores Ive worked with. Also, not only did Watermark put my book in the consignment section, but also in the fantasy section with the cover out. Some bookstores charge you extra for that. Also, I love that they have a local author book fest were we can get some marketing for the book. However, their last local author festival that I was hoping to showcase my book was cancelled because I was the only local author that had been planning on going to the meeting, and the lady on the phone said they liked to at least have 3 local authors for the festival. I totally understood, and I even got an email a few weeks later saying that even though my 3 months were up, they were going to go ahead and keep my book on the shelves for another 3 months, and I would NOT have to pay the fee. I havent seen any of the rude service that has been mentioned in the other reviews.

Aimee Moran

From the outside, Watermark looks like a crunchy-granola hippie hangout - credit the large 1960s-style artwork on the front. This isnt a bad thing. But once inside, the store reminds me strongly of Borders before it went corporate, or the old Jocundrys bookstore in East Lansing in the late 70s. Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff, nice depth of literary stock, interesting/amusing/fun trifles, flashes of humor, geeky without the "geek" label. Also, the chocolate chip-banana scone was good, the coffee was fresh, and the cafe was clean. It is clearly a local book-community hangout. I just wish the store was closer to where I live!

A Private User

I just happened to stop here for a quick lunch one day, and it was definitely one of my better decisions! The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable, and the food was absolutely delicious. I had the Lolita sandwich (all the sandwiches are named after books), which is a turkey sandwich with provalone and pesto on focaccia bread. Wonderful! The fruit parfait made with their special granola was also a pleasant treat. Reasonably priced and very kid friendly, this is a must for anyone looking for a local business to support.

A Private User

Great place, employees who love their jobs and seem to care. Also, well read employees, who are eager to make suggestions that arent just from the "average" best seller list. The cafe is equally as friendly and yummy, most menu items are made from scratch. The bookstore holds many wonderful author events and many others, including many book clubs. You can also support your local bookstore with E-Books! You can buy through them and they can still benefit if you are not into buying books anymore but read on your e-reader.

A Private User

This place is a jewel for Wichitans. I absolutely love the feeling of an independently owned bookstore/café. The café may almost be my favorite part of this place. I’ve tried several sandwiches and I’m NEVER let down. The tomato bisque soup is also a fave of mine and is almost always the special for the day. They sometimes have authors come in for book discussions and signings. The workers are pleasant and helpful, please check out this place!

Kathy Manweiler

Watermark Books and Cafe is a wonderful spot to find local books and get a delicious light meal or a beverage. While it doesnt have the big selection of books that Barnes & Noble does, Watermark often features cozy readings, Q&As and book signings with Kansas authors. Sometimes Watermark even features free local music acts such as the Crowsons one Friday evening every month. This bookworm says its the best local bookstore in town!

Tammy H.

The Espresso milkshake at the café is the best Ive ever had, not too sweet, and Im very picky when it comes to frozen coffee drinks. The black beans and corn salad, bruschetta, and house salad are okay-fresh ingredients in each. Stop in. Get a book, and then stop by the café. Dont go to Barnes and Noble. Support this local bookstore. VEGETARIAN.

Jenny Helms

Beautiful artwork, quirky, and a neat selection of books. I gave a presentation in their basement area and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. They have a smaller selection of books than your chain BNN, however, they seem selected and shown with care unlike your typical "chain" book stores. Supportive of local Kansas authors as well :)

Alden Wilner

Books live here. Five stars just for that. Try the strawberry fields salad. Read a magazine. Check out the Ukelele club, the book clubs, the author visits (which are incredibly hard to pull off perfectly and people who give the place one star for that should be ashamed), and know that you are patronizing a true local business.

Ivery Kaufman

Quaint, local bookstore with good help. They are great at suggesting new things for my kids, and I like their rewards card. I regularly get $10 to spend using the card, and I am not spending huge $$ there today get those. The rewards $$ can even be used on items from their cafe.

Guy Benshabat

Book Store IS Great, Cafe was not, i called and asked a simple question, the lady asked me to repeat myself a few times and said "oh my god" and hung up. I called back and she stated that she never spoke with me lol Poor customer service.