Online shopping has made buying books so simple.
Search, click, purchase, boom: a new book is yours. But did you know that shopping at an independent, brick-and-mortar bookstore is a much more enjoyable experience and helps keep local businesses afloat? That’s really the best of both worlds, in our humble opinion.
Indianapolis has quite a few locally-owned bookstores for you to peruse at your leisure. From shops with books covering every topic under the sun to more niche shops (even specifically for kids!), Indy’s got everything you could want. Use this guide to shop locally and find your next favorite book.
6 Independent Bookstores in Indianapolis:
Indy Reads Books
Address: 911 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis
Contact: 317-384-1496
Website
What’s special about it? Profits from this bookstore go directly to support Indy Reads, a nonprofit working to improve literacy and English language proficiency for adults in Central Indiana communities.
Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore
Address: 5619 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis
Contact: 317-255-2598
Website
What’s special about it? This bookstore is just for kids! Specializing in children’s books, games, puzzles, and creative-play toys, this is a great place to let your child’s imagination and curiosities run wild.
Books on Sale
Address: 4200 S East Street Ste 20, Indianapolis
Contact: 317-788-2667
Website
What’s special about it? Anyone who’s visited this shop will comment on how huge it is and how impressive of a selection it has. Tucked into a corner in a shopping center, it may not look like much from the outside, but don’t let that fool you!
Black Dog Books
Address: 115 S. Main Street, Zionsville
Contact: 317-733-1747
Website
What’s special about it? Located in historic downtown Zionsville, this shop always has top-quality used and rare books. And don’t miss the local authors section!
Irvington Vinyl & Books
Address: 9 Johnson Ave, Indianapolis
Contact: 317-375-3715
Website
What’s special about it? When two beloved Irvington shops, Bookmamas and Irvington Vinyl, announced their dual closing, a new spot opened up to fill the void. Now one shop, Irvington Vinyl & Books has all the new and used books and vinyl your heart desires.
Downtown Comics
Address: 5767 East 86th Street, Indianapolis
Contact: 317-845-9991
Website
What’s special about it? Founded in 1993 by two Purdue graduates, Downtown Comics has since expanded to three locations and is the comic book and graphic novel lover’s go-to spot.
But wait – there’s more!
At each of Books & Brews 9 Indy-area, kid-friendly locations, every book you see is on sale for $3. Plus, there’s beer.
With 25 locations and outreach services, including the Bookmobile, the library is a fabulous (and free!) resource for readers.
