Midwest Bookseller of the Year: CJ Arthur, Owner of WordHaven BookHouse
The 2025 Midwest Bookseller of the Year honoree is CJ Arthur, owner of WordHaven BookHouse in Sheboygan, Wis. The award, sponsored by the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, honored Arthur as "more than a bookseller and bookstore and writing center owner; they are a teacher, trainer of teachers, public speaker, writer/author, and equity consultant.... This honor is just one of many CJ has been awarded, including Minnesota State Teacher of the Year." The award was presented to Arthur recently by board president Melissa McAllister during MIBA's annual Spring Road Trip in Mineral Point, Wis.
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CJ Arthur, Wordhaven BookHouse |
Poet Emalie Kamin, who nominated Arthur, noted that they have "faced harassment, death threats, and picketers outside and inside the shop--especially when there are events that include drag queens--but that doesn't stop them from continuing to support their queer community and people with identities that are historically marginalized and oppressed. They do numerous book clubs, including a banned book club and a TreeHouse Bookclub, in addition to Tarot Clubs, author events, workshops, retreats, classes, night markets, and writing circles. They have continuously spoken up against prejudice and discrimination and in support of equity and inclusivity in a town that includes some people who don't always appreciate their advocacy. They have made WordHaven one of the only safe spaces in Sheboygan. They are truly an incredible human and bookstore owner."
MIBA executive director Grace Hagen said, "CJ is brave. Their bravery is particularly remarkable given how many examples we currently see of people in power choosing cowardice and self-interest over telling the truth without anonymity. CJ is steadfast in their commitment to their values. From giving a TED-Ed talk on the importance of being an advocate, to continuing to provide inclusive programming at WordHaven in spite of harassment and threats, to kneeling on the football field with President Trump only feet away during the national anthem at the College Football Championship--a game at which they were being honored as Teacher of the Year--to declining an invitation to visit the White House due to President Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ choices.... Their everyday choices are examples for all of us on how to advocate, to call ourselves and others in, and to be courageous in the face of power and pressure."
In accepting the award, Arthur told booksellers in the audience that "we are a force for equity and democracy, and it is an honor to be amongst you. I am confident that we will make John Lewis proud and continue to get in 'good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America.' Please, lean on the characters who help you endure, because, booksellers, there is still so much work for us to do and this country needs us."