Words of Hope bookstore at 4112 Monona Drive has "Going Out of Business" signs in the windows. Owner Al Huizenga says he’ll be open for another week and a half and then the doors will close for good.
In 1981, just out of seminary, Huizenga moved to Madison and purchased the One Way Bookstore on Monroe Street, a few blocks from Camp Randall stadium.
The store had been operated by the founders of Shalom Christian Center, a charismatic congregation that blossomed in the neighborhood and then moved to a suburban location off Fish Hatchery Road. He changed the name to The Carpenter Shop. Ten years later he expanded to Words of Hope on Monona Drive and operated both stores for seven years. Then he closed the west side store to concentrate his business at Words of Hope.
Known for its diverse selection of books and personal service, Words of Hope is a victim of increased competition. "Twenty five years ago, just about the only place a person could find a selection of Christian books for sale, was a store like Words of Hope," Huizenga said. Today, Christian books and Bibles are also on sale at big box stores such as Borders, Barnes and Noble, and even Walmart.
And then there’s the internet. Online services like Amazon and CBD have a broader selection than Words of Hope could ever have. Plus, online customers don’t have to pay sales tax. In recent months Huizenga hasn’t taken a paycheck from the store. His staff and MG&E had to be paid first.
But the closing of Words of Hope means not just another empty storefront on Monona Drive. It means the loss of a store where personal service was a hallmark and personal ministry to customers was a priority. Today, the number of Bible translations and versions available is mind numbing. Someone shopping for a new Bible, or their first Bible, could find expert advice at Words of Hope on which version might serve them best. The same for those who might be looking for a book on a certain topic. If Words of Hope didn’t have the book, they could get it for you in just a few days.
Al Huizenga says he’s not sure about what he’ll do next. He’ll cross that bridge after the store closes.