There are hundreds of businesses along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail that have helped transform our downtown, including Indy Reads Books, one of the few bookstores located within the downtown Indianapolis area. Beyond the initial warm feelings that bookstores evoke, Indy Reads Books goes even further, instilling a sense of solidarity within the community as a result of the honorable mission their work helps fund. Take a look!
Tell us about the business.
Indy Reads Books was formed as a nonprofit social venture that provides literacy experiences for thousands of readers each year.
What motivated you to start your business?
Our store is a source of revenue for the not-for-profit organization Indy Reads whose mission is to promote and improve adult and family literacy in Central Indiana.
What has being on the Cultural Trail done for the business?
The Cultural Trail runs very close to Indy Reads Books so when weather permits, we put out our decorated sign board to attract walkers and bikers. We often have people come in and browse who happen to be using the trail and might not have heard of us and our mission.
Being close to the Cultural Trail has helped our community outreach since the trail promotes the interconnectedness of downtown. One of our fundraisers, Scavenge the Ave, is greatly helped by our position on the trail.
What is your favorite thing about Indianapolis?
There is so much to love about Indianapolis. I have lived here most of my life and am proud of the way downtown is growing and changing. I also love that our store is listed in the top things to do in Indianapolis!
What does “community” mean to you?
At the end of the day, we don’t judge our life by how much money we make or how many things we collect. Satisfaction comes from knowing we have affected another person positively by contributing to our own community.
Contribute to our community and enjoy the pleasures of one Indy’s hidden gems all in one trip at 911 Massachusetts Avenue.