Best bookstores in Indianapolis: find options near you

A wonderful little shop that is very carefully managed and always seems to have something we're looking for. We mostly come for DVDs because their selection is excellent and the organization is great but they also obviously excel at books too. A charming experience that is a refreshing breath of fresh air from a big box store or even some other local buy-and-sell shops where the worker apathy shows throughout. And the prices are great too! Will continue to support this business and would encourage you to do the same.

Came to the area just to visit the store, always worth a stopThey got a good selection of a lot of different things.Even vintage video games, which is just great, a good selection of stuff just that that special lady

An absolute adventure for readers as they travel through the forest of books. From classics to modern day reclaiming the lost art of reading is an amazing diversion from the distractions of this world.

None of the CDs have CDs in them… They are all empty… will never come back. I advise the same for all CD lovers. Also wouldn't be shocked if it was a worker. The pictures don't even cover just how many were missing.

The folks who work here are top notch. They will bend over backwards to help you find what you’re looking for. And the books are good quality at a great price.

such a great bookshop experience. The whole store was lined with books of every genera. the store even had a robust record selection. I was searching for something specific and the staff was super helpful! I wish i could’ve browsed for hours. I will definitely be returning

I sold off some of my books to make some extra cash, I came in with a huge box of books and games hoping to make enough just to pay off some bills and they offered me $9 when some of those games were still sealed and books brand new. If you’re gonna go the buying is good but the selling is awful.

Barnes & Noble at River Crossing in Indianapolis is hands down one of my favorite places to go when I need to unplug and completely transform my mindset. From the moment you walk in, the space just invites you to slow down and explore. The aisles are expansive, thoughtfully laid out, and the displays are incredibly easy to follow—you never feel overwhelmed, just inspired. The children’s section is absolutely magnificent, with so many inviting areas where kids (and adults!) can truly get lost in books. There are countless nooks throughout the store that encourage discovery, imagination, and quiet reflection. What truly elevates this location, though, is the staff. The store manager is consistently accommodating and genuinely eager to assist, which makes every visit feel welcoming and personal. And if you’re lucky enough to cross paths with Patrick—ask for him! He is the bomb. Knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about what he does, Patrick embodies everything great customer service should be. This Barnes & Noble isn’t just a bookstore—it’s an experience. Highly recommend.

Is there a better way to inspire your new grad than to stop at this beautiful knowledge outpost called Barnes and Noble? This place is massive, well-lit and very organized. Find interesting toys and board games here. Get a cup of coffee and some snacks at the embedded Starbucks. There is also a play area for junior explorers.

It was a super busy day in retail land today. I was greeted and asked if I needed any help. When I compliment the cashier on how well there were doing she was seemingly shocked that I had something nice to say. They were all hustling. Great experience.

Great bookstore. So many interesting books on every theme. Found many on spirituality, personal growth psychology for my taste.

Nice customer service. Their magazine section is large enough for every hobbies and interests. I just wish it were updated like most Barnes in big cities. Large book selection also.

Wonderful clean store! However 4 stars instead of 5 because I went there to buy a Needoh ( squishy) and they were out of stock by the time I got there!

I used Barnes and Noble Press, and I released my 2ND book: "The chaos of my life" September 12th, 2025. I hope y'all like it, and please give me your HONEST review about it. Thank you and Odin bless you. – Michael Pearce, Author.

Are you looking for a sweet bookstore in Indianapolis? I took a walk down the culture trail from the Hyatt place and the journey was well worth it. I found a wonderful used/new bookstore that has literacy programs. Feed my book addiction and help others? Pick me!!

Great selection of new and used books, set in an amazing setting that once housed a local library branch. This organization does amazing literacy work in the city as well, a real gem in Indy.

My husband and I are book lovers and collectors. We found the most beautiful copy of Wind in the Willows (vintage) and had to purchase it today. The store attendant was so pleasant to interact with and had several recommendations on where to find readings locally. The store was beautifully decorated (see my photos) and had a great selection of new and used books. We were also able to contribute to literacy when checking out. All in all a great experience. Stop in here if you're checking out Mass Ave!

This was my first time going to a non-chain bookstore and it was great! The atmosphere was very bookish, the place was nice and clean, and the displays were interesting. It had a very "come sit down and read or play some chess or do some homework" feel to it, which I loved. Wish I had one of these close to my house!!

Our absolute favorite book store, especially for childrens books! I can take my kids and those I watch and let them pick out what ever they would like since all used kids books are just $1. I love the fact that proceeds benefit literacy programs in our community as well!

Really great bookstore, with friendly staff and a great mission. Love their English language and literary community initiatives!

We share different moral values. Many will love this place for hosting Drag Story Hour. It’s not for us but I imagine it will be a big hit for the majority of the city.

Immaculate vibes all around! Taylor was incredible, so kind and helpful and understanding with our group. We brought our neurodivergent social group there to hang out for food and games. The board and card game selection is great, the chicken sandwich was on point and everyone was very happy. It is spacious and cozy, prices are very reasonable and the selection of books and games for sale was awesome! 10/10 highly recommend

Very cool place! With books, board games, RPGs (role-playing games) & beer, plus a stage for live acts (poetry, comedy, et cetera), you can geek out to your heart's content here. A caveat: under 21 are not allowed in the taproom. The house beers were decent, the names are well thought out puns & riffs on book titles. There are also several guest taps from breweries like Founder's & Avery. Ciders & non-alcoholic beverages are also available. The folks behind the bar are quite friendly.

This place has good staff and it's a good place to meet up with friends and their free events are fun. The food is really not the best (mostly microwaved and it's pricy) and the non-alcoholic drinks are all bottled, but the cider is good. Seating is uncomfortable and the lights are not very cozy. Otherwise, this is a decent place to hang out.

Great choice of brews and Lots of games/books to play & read! Only 4 ⭐️ because of first beertender-not quite as friendly as we’re used to, didn’t ask any questions -we had to ask since it was our first time here. Other beertender much more personable. I would definitely come again with friends & family! Active calendar of events as well!

We came for anime trivia on a Monday night! This is a great place to hangout and meet people, and they've got a whole schedule for events throughout the week. They've got boardgames, books (including manga) and trading card games for sale and a bar in the back. There is also a small stage area in the back room. Prices were reasonable and the food was perfect for snacking: we ordered chicken nuggets as well as pizza rolls 🍕

I went for open mic. It was awesome! The staff was also real friendly and helpful. Book prices can't be beat, and a great selection of wine and beer, if that's your thing. The bathrooms were beautiful. I felt like a part of a fabulous community, even if but for a short while. Nice art, too.

I fell in love with this place for the second I walked in. They have a gaming station as well as a lot of books to browse. The beer selection was not a lot in terms of quantity but the quality was great. I tried two IPA’s and both were superb. We bought 3 pop funkos, 2 books and many beers for under $100. I recommend a visit 10/10! We will be back. 👍🏼

Irvington Vinyl & Books is truly such a gem!! Elysia is a wonderful store owner – always so kind and informative! I love browsing through what all is new & seeing if I can find anything I may have my eye on, and never feel rushed. I don’t think I’ve ever been in and left empty handed! This particular visit I ended up scoring a 1975 reissue of Pink Floyd’s "Dark Side of The Moon"! 🌈 The shop kitties are so lovely and sweet, too, and I love seeing the altar for Miss Violet when I visit (sweetest girl ever, miss her always!). 10/10 overall!! Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the area, or if you just love vinyl and books, CDs, cassettes, or VHS tapes. 😄🎶

Very cute store! Has ton of records and also tons of prints and zines and things like that from small artists! Fair warning, they had incense burning in the store when I went in, if you're like me and being around that gives you migraines/nausea, wish I could have looked longer because it's a really neat place to go!

Tbh it's the best selection of books anywhere I've been aside from some shops in NYC. A gem of a store.

The lady did not even acknowledge we were in the store, spent 10-15 mins looking at records..No "HELLO," No" Welcome to the store," NOTHING. Instead she continued to talk to someone else, who seemed to be a regular and welcomed the people who came in after us. Planned on spending money for a knew collection, for a knew gift. Instead we left, feeling discriminated for being people of color. It's a shame when you want to spend money in your own niehborhood, but the people make you feel unwelcome.

Junk records. I went thru every single record here and every single record has issues. They have something wrong with them: from jacket rips, tears, split seems, punctures, stains, writing, marks, water damage, peeling, missing inner sleeves, old stickers. You name it, they have it. Of course the prices do not reflect that, even on the collectible section. The actual vinyl records themselves are not in good condition and it’s a real shame. I didn’t find a single record worth taking home, not one. A real shame. EDIT: this review is not "blatantly false." It is factual based on my recent experience. I didn’t say anything about expecting pristine condition, so referencing something I didn’t say is not applicable. Secondly, There is nothing fair about pricing used records for $15-$25 when they contain multiple issues that include but are not limited to: stains, writing (both pen and permanent marker) old stickers, residue of peeled off stickers, split seems, dog-eared edges, water stains, sun damage, rips, actual holes, carvings, scratches, missing original inner sleeves. Lastly, acting petulant and saying "I hope the rest of your record collecting journey is less stressful for you bud" isn’t the shady flex you think it is. That response is disingenuous and dirty, just like this store.

Best vintage store, period, in Indy. LP records, cassettes, paperbacks. All media tested for playback quality. Jewelry & candles & all kind of treasures to boot. Fun, friendly staff. Be sure to venture to the back rooms. Local art in the last room in a dresser. Plan to spend an hour — at the very least. (Cats are cuties.) 😍

This is the most delightful shop. I come here at least once a month to check things out and I almost never escape without finding a new treasure! ☺️ the staff and owners are helpful, thoughtful, and engaged with the community in ways I’d be thrilled to see other local stores do. They’re my go-to for local writer zines and great recommendations for any genre. Irvington Vinyl & Books has become a staple in my "Things to Do/Places to Visit in Indy" guide for when family and friends come to town. If IRV Vinyl & Books doesn’t have what you’re looking for, they can get it for you. Don’t miss a chance to shop here!

What a fantastic book shop! The vibes are immaculate of course, but the books are equally as glamorous. From old fan favorites to new novels, this place had everything. The shop is set up with ease and finding books was a breeze. They had lots of cute decor around, and some totes and stickers for purchase. The staff was really nice and they even have a book program you can sign up for if you’re local. They also had tables outside which was nice to see people reading at and enjoying their coffee. The area nearby is very walkable, with many locals stopping in. Definitely stop by if you get a chance, one of the best bookstores I’ve been to!

It was super friendly and cozy, had a great selection of books! Found some familiar titles and new ones that instantly got my attention. Love the accessories and trinkets. Calaveras stickers?? ICE whistles??? Let's go!

Easily the best selection in the area! I truly love all of Indys small bookstores but The Whispering Shelf is the one both my husband and I enjoy. A lot of other shops cater to a certain type of reader (ME!) but TWS has a more diverse selection including a great fantasy and nonfiction section too!

So amazing! Cute shop and a great selection of books. Loved the amount of diverse reads.

Driving in Indy when I randomly came across this gem and it is hands down one of the best bookshops I’ve ever been to. The shop itself is beautiful, bright, and inviting and the books are so organized that it makes browsing so peaceful. If you’re a book lover, this is a must visit!

I went here for the first time today and was quite impressed by this bookstore. The employees are super friendly. I end up buying a few books there today. The selections are abundant and every genre is well organized on the shelves. I’ll definitely have to make another visit here. I highly recommend this place.

Beautiful and cozy store! Fairly well stocked manga/graphics novel section and awesome kids area. I really love the note cards by the books with insights and staff favorites to help me find a new treasure. The staff is friendly and helpful. The woman who checked me out gave me a great recommendation about freebies on the author's website of the children's book I was buying. The only downside was I had trouble parking but I did visit on the Indy Indie Book Crawl so it may not be as hectic normally. I will definitely be back!

Books-A-Million is absolutely astounding! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the excitement of discovery. The store is bristling with new releases, and the overall layout makes it an incredible refuge for book lovers like me. The manga collection is especially wonderful—robust, well-curated, and clearly designed with true fans in mind. It’s the kind of section where you lose track of time because there’s always one more title to explore. Honestly, I could spend the entire day just browsing every aisle. Books-A-Million isn’t just a bookstore; it’s a sanctuary for readers, collectors, and anyone who loves getting lost in a good story. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates the joy of books.

A nice selection of books in every aspect and genre. Unfortunately it didn’t have the particular study Bible I was looking for but the front desk lady was really kind and helpful. This particular store didn’t have a coffee shop or much else for sale unlike other Books A Million locations I’ve been to (such as portable writing tables) but it’s a really good store nonetheless.

I love their clearance section, this is why I visited this store tonight. I do like how they break down the book genres so you can easily find what you are looking for. I would suggest a separate Historical Fiction section. They may have one, but I did not see it. Sadly I am $80 poorer.

Small but mighty! I was surprised at how much smaller this was than other BAM locations I had been in. After a few minutes in though I realized it didn’t matter because they still had the great variety of books and other merchandise that makes the store so fun. I spent over an hour browsing in there and then was dragged out by my partner.

Quick trip in, but I can tell im going to love coming here. It's so organized and so much space to! I didnt get the chance to take more pictures cause I was distracted. 😅

Update: I went to the store in person to place a book order and was pleased when I was told it would arrive in 3 to 5 days. A surprise that should have been delivered a few days prior to my wife’s birthday. How disappointing that the package tracker on my phone informed me that instead of 3 to 5 days it would be 10. This was the main gift and it arrived later than I expected, which was AFTER her birthday. We didn’t buy today, but there are affordable items. There are less in selections, but it’s stretched out more. Surprised that the magazine area is smaller.

Uses the old bait and switch. Big sale Buy 1 get one 50% off then everything rings up full price and we get told oh these are not part of the sale. Go to Barnes and Noble if you buy books

My favorite bookstore! If they don’t have a book they can order it for you, but they have a great selection for the size of the store. They also have rotating art, book clubs, and host/support community initiatives. I’m happy to have them on the east side! (Also bonus points for sweet potato the bookstore cat)

TL;DR: It's a great bookstore. A must visit if you are around Indy. Tomorrow is an absolute gem and has truly become a second home for me. The owners are some of the kindest people I've ever met. One of my favorite things is one of the many book clubs they hosts— it’s been the highlight of my year! It’s not just about the books (though they always pick great ones😉); it’s about the wonderful community and the friends I’ve made along the way. Their membership program is fantastic—it gives me great discounts on books and other perks that make it even easier to keep coming back. They special member events (like the advanced reader copy auction) is one of my favorites! This isn’t just a place to buy books; it’s a place to feel at home, meet amazing people, and just be part of the community that will help you get through the year. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you’re missing out!

Favorite bookstore in Indy! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tomorrow is not just a bookstore, it’s a community. I can rant so much about the weekly book clubs, an annual membership (with exclusive events and so many discounts!), activities with other local businesses/bookshops and so much more. Julia and Jake are amazing, but did you also know about the bookstore’s cat Sweet Potato?🥹 In summary, Tomorrow is one of my most favorite parts about Indy. Ps: I also LOVE all their gay stuff ✨🥰

A charming bookstore with an incredible selection and an even more outstanding staff. Bea has helped me on numerous occasions and is extremely knowledgeable about many genres. I went in looking for a book I saw months prior, didn't know the title, and could only give a vague description of the cover and story. She picked it off the shelf in a matter of moments. I absolutely love Tomorrow Bookstore and you should too.

Tomorrow Bookstore is a VIBE! They always have what I’m looking for, but if they don’t, they are more than happy to order it for me. They put on amazing events with local authors and community businesses. I have the yearly membership and am a proud book club member of CPP. Make sure you check them out on your next visit to Mass Ave!

Jake and Julia opened Tomorrow Bookstore early this year in April with a vision to bring international perspectives and diverse writing to Indiana readers. What struck to me is the personalized thought and concept that went into the cute store. There’s a wall dedicated to the owner’s recommendation as well as book publishers suggestions. A very thought out space with exactly the amount of books I need and could peruse through. I picked a book close to my current liking and I also saw some more for next visits. The store has upcoming book clubs and a variety of poet and author visits at the store. A daily schedule is usually published on insta which I thought was pretty neat compared to the regular email updates. The one and only around Mass Ave, definitely a keeper!

Love this bookstore on mass ave! It’s small but they have a good selection of new releases, sci-fi and suspense. There’s young adult section too. The workers are super friendly and helpful, you’re guaranteed to find a book you will like! Plus a couple chairs to sit and enjoy your afternoon reading a little before you buy!

LOVE LOVE LOVE the reasons for opening this bookstore!!!! Leah an author herself is very knowledgeable in many different areas, and provides a safe place for all minorities! They are inspired by black history and will gladly guide you to more information on black history or authors who inspire from that! But there is so much more! They were inviting and beautiful souls! Thank you so much for ending our day with so much awesomeness and love!

Visited Indy over the weekend and visited this bookstore. LOVED! While I love their mission it's also a well curated space for all booklovers. The individuals working were so helpful. Make this a stop if you're in town!

Debuting my first novel, Living Life in Reverse, at Loudmouth Books was nothing short of magical. Words will never be enough to express how honored and grateful I feel to have partnered with such an extraordinary cornerstone of our community. Loudmouth Books welcomed me with open arms, championed my voice, and turned a once-distant dream into reality. I am endlessly thankful for this opportunity — and for the love, support, and encouragement that filled the room and lifted my spirit that day.

The staff member that I met was awesome and super friendly! I also went in not looking for anything particular, but found a huge stack of things that were on my TBR. I also found some unique finds and they have an awesome T-shirts, stickers, and totes that are supportive of social movements.

Giving my appreciation to Krissy for all their knowledge and giving us such a great first impression of the place. Love the book collection, and the staff! Will return next time in in Indy.

Spending Black History Month being intentional about seeking out and patronizing black-owned businesses. Loudmouth Books is a warm & cozy space nestled just north of downtown Indy. My goal was to secure a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird & ended up also grabbing another great book too! The man behind the counter was kind and courteous and helped me locate the now "banned" book I was seeking. I appreciated the children's book nook which was also warm and inviting for children of all ages! If you find yourself in this area, be sure to stop in and shop this fantastic addition to the city!

Lovely small bookshop. Amy was a delight and helped my partner and I find a few good books. They even ordered in a book for my partner cheaper than off Amazon and faster too. 10/10

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE! Especially this one, which is perfectly located next to Luna. They have something for everyone- literary fiction and non fiction, featured titles, and a great children’s selection & area. They do special events sometimes, like bookswaps that are super fun. The owner and associates are so pleasant and helpful! I love shopping here- there is always something new that catches my eye, because they organize the books slightly differently than other shops. The bookshelves feature and point you to titles that will peak your interest. The vibes are on point!

Well-curated selection of books that goes beyond standard bestsellers and leans towards book advocating for a more just, less racist, and more fairly balanced world. They have a cutie pie kids room and canned drinks to buy so you can sit for a spell. There was a helpful and nice staff member, as well. Happy my friend asked to stop in. Will visit again on my next trip into town.

Highly recommend supporting this wonderful book store! Staff is excellent and has great recommendations. They have a wide selection of books for adults and children, plus a great game and gift section. Definitely a must stop for books and gifts!

I visited Grand Books at their grand opening today. A woman owned business very close to downtown and right on the main street of College avenue was a perfect location! I reached at 10:30 and expected no customers but the place was buzzing with people of all ages and walks of life. With a kid friendly zone and books of different genres the store was a pretty picture of knowledge and learning! The owner Sara Somers has chosen different books which showcase not so famous author and pretty covers, so don’t be surprised if you don’t find your book selling titles in there. I personally loved the choices I was given and absolutely enjoyed my visit today!

A fabulously curated bookstore with options for everyone!! The space is warm and inviting, kid friendly, and has every genre you can think of. The employees are kind and always willing to give you a good recommendation

The owner is very welcoming and provided some good suggestions for me when I was picking out a gift for someone. There's also a good selection of logic puzzle and word game books!

I love me a local bookstore. What a terrific and distinct new addition to the SoBro area. I've always like the businesses on at the intersections in this part of town. The addition of this bookstore fits in perfectly. the owner was quite nice. loved the kids section and will be bringing my family back very soon.