If you're looking for a bookstore that embodies Madison, Paul's is it.
I do like rambling bookstores with nooks and crannies, but Paul's stands out for needing a thorough cleaning. It's extremely dusty -- and that's without any car traffic on State St. A few of the sections could also use a purge and freshening. Still, the store had a nice vibe, with NPR blaring, people wandering in and out to say hi to staff and owners, and lots of wastrels killing time between coffees.