Indy Reads, a nonprofit that runs adult literacy programs in Indianapolis, Ind., has opened a general-interest bookstore in downtown Indianapolis. While the store's inventory consists mainly of used books, there is an ample selection of new releases. Per Indianapolis Monthly, all proceeds from book sales go to funding the organization's literacy programs.
Located at 1066 Virginia Ave., the Indy Reads bookstore resides in a corner space that previously belonged to the Fountain Square Branch Libary. Bookstore program director Cat Cardwell manages the bookstore, which carries titles for all ages and across all genres. There is a children's area as well as a rare books section, and space for customers to sit and read. The store also features a digital kiosk near the counter that customers can use to order digital audiobooks and new titles that might not be on display.
"The online store allows for a more extensive catalogue and new releases," said v-p of programs Christina Binhack.
Indy Reads used to have a bookstore that opened on Massachusetts Avenue in 2012 and was separate from the nonprofit's headquarters. Now, the bookstore and the literacy organization are all in one building. Binhack added that Indy Reads "wanted to find a space to illustrate our mission as a whole. It's more than a store, it's an opportunity to create a community hub for families."
Over the coming months, the bookstore will start hosting events for children and adults.