Northwest Indiana is full of stories just waiting to be heard. Even better, many of these can be found in any Region city, or town at a nearby bookstore. With plenty scattered throughout the area, it’s easier than ever to find your newest read today!
Visiting a bookstore is also a wonderful experience in and of itself, even in today’s very digital landscape. The calm and cozy atmosphere makes it a great place to unwind after a stressful day, and you never know who you may meet as you’re asking for recommendations or chatting with others while browsing through the aisles. Bookstores can also offer the perfect escape from reality and make a great “third place” to get work done or catch up with friends.
Whether you’re looking for a familiar favorite or to get lost in a new adventure, it’s time to find a new bookstore to visit. The adventure awaits, so let’s get started today!
The Press
Address: 9 Lincolnway, Valparaiso
The Press joined the vibrant downtown Valpo scene almost a year ago and has taken off since then. The shop offers a large variety of brand new books to choose from with tons of adorable knick-knacks lining the shelves in between. Additionally, The Press is not just a bookstore. It’s also a coffee shop during the day and a wine bar during select evenings, so you can grab a quick sip if book shopping just so happens to quench your thirst.
Its cozy and quaint sitting areas make The Press a great place for events. From book-themed costume parties to crafts to monthly book clubs and much, much more, The Press is sure to have something in store for every avid reader and community member alike.
Green Door
Address: 325 Main St., Hobart
Green Door is home to thousands of used books, making it a great place to visit if you’re shopping for a new read on a budget. The space welcomes crafters and artists of all kinds for various events each month, so be sure to bring your friends along next time you stop by for a fun time!
Nestled right in historic Downtown Hobart, Green Door can make for the perfect stop while out on the town. Lake George is also just steps away, creating ample opportunities for a peaceful reading spot once you find your next story to dive right into.
Miles Books
Address: 2819 Jewett Ave, Highland
Miles Books is also shelved with tons of used books just waiting for a new home. With over 85,000 titles to choose from, there’s sure to be something for everyone throughout the shop, no matter your taste in genre.
Additionally, Miles Books offers new and gently used collectibles, making it a full-on shopping experience when visiting. Can’t find what you’re looking for while browsing the aisles? No worries — orders can be placed if you’re looking for something specific that’s not in store. With so many options available, it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed!
Books and Whimsy
Address: 516 Lincolnway, La Porte
As the name suggests, Books and Whimsy offers a whimsical and enchanted experience for all who enter. The downtown La Porte bookstore has an array of used books of many genres and even has options to recommend on its website if you’re in the market for a newer read.
While Books and Whimsy is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it has a long lineup of frequent and magical book-related events each month. The shop also employs two very special staff members — beloved cats Booksie and Melisandre — to keep shoppers company as they browse the shelves. Be sure to give them a pat to say hello when you visit!
O’Gara & Wilson Antiquarian Booksellers
Address: 223 Broadway, Chesterton
O’Gara & Wilson Antiquarian Booksellers began back in the late 1800s in Hyde Park, Chicago. Since then, the shop has acquired a rich history, becoming a very popular place for students and professors at the University of Chicago to purchase books. It’s seen a handful of owners who each brought something special to the establishment over the years.
In the late 1990s, this classic bookshop made its move to Chesterton and has hundreds upon hundreds of stories to share with the Northwest Indiana community. The shop has enjoyed becoming a part of the Region culture and is excited to continue being a part of the area’s history for many years to come.
Barnes & Noble
Address: Marketplace, 150 Silhavy Rd #120, Valparaiso; Coming fall 2024 - Schererville
Barnes & Noble is a bookseller chain beloved by many on a national level with good reason! The store houses tons of new books for people of all ages for purchase, ranging from classic series to children's books to the newest novels right off the press. In addition, Barnes & Noble has an entire section dedicated to book accessories, games, toys, and other fun items to buy once you’re done book shopping.
It was also just announced that a second Barnes & Noble will be making its way to the Region later this year! A Schererville location is expected to open this fall and will be located at the Town Square Shopping Center at the corner of Indianapolis Avenue and Main Street which was previously a Bed, Bath, and Beyond store.
Books-A-Million
Address: 2060 Southlake Mall #704, Merrillville
Books-A-Million (BAM) has been a staple in the Southlake Mall for many years now. The store offers a unique selection of new books to choose from, and many neat book accessories, too!
BAM additionally hosts exciting book-related events from time to time, so be sure to stay updated on its social media to join in on the fun!
Brain Lair Books
Address: 1005 Portage Ave, South Bend
While just a little off-course from the Northwest Indiana region, Brain Lair Books is a perfect treat if you’re in the South Bend area. The store has plenty of new books available to buy and a fun atmosphere along with it, so be sure to stop by if you can!
Check out its website from time to time for more info on upcoming events, how to pre-order some of the up-and-coming popular reads, and even some staff picks if you’re looking for some recommendations on what to read next.
Your local library!
What would an article about books be without mentioning the library?! If you do not want to buy something new, the library is always a great alternative to find your next read. Libraries also offer so much more in addition to a world of books. They can be great spaces for community events and provide many public resources including computers, printers, etc. for people who may not have access to them otherwise. Our towns and cities wouldn’t be what they are today without our libraries.
As the famous saying from the TV show “Arthur” goes: “Having fun isn’t hard when you have a library card!”
Click on the links below to learn more about your local library: