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    The Whispering Shelf

    4.9 (23 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Antonia F.

    I went here for a book club one evening. I really like the space and they had a great selection of books. If I lived closer I'd always be here. My only complaint was actual book club event. While I made the most of it, I was not impressed by the person hosting the book club, as she admitted she hadn't even finished the book. I look forward to attending another book club event that will have more rich conversation.

    Abigail W.

    What a gem! I'm so thrilled to have found a new secondhand bookstore that actually has an exchange program (so rare, anymore). The staff here is just incredible, very knowledgeable, kind, generous. They have an amazing selection. Now I'm just trying to gather the courage to join one of their many book clubs!

    Soft Opening with Silent Book Club Indy
    Eddie C.

    Enjoyed my initial visit to The Whispering Shelf. The store feels spacious and airy and the aisles don't feel cramped. There is some sofa seating by the register and a garage door opening to bring in natural light and fresh air. A few seats are also available facing the street. The overall ambiance feels comfortable for the book browsing experience. During my soft opening visit, the store was still awaiting a book order to fill its shelves. Once they are fully stocked I would imagine they will have the titles you are looking for. It takes a minute to get yourself oriented and figure out where specific book subjects are located. But once you figure out the layout you should be able to finds things easier.

    Alesha M.

    The Whispering Shelf is a new little gem right outside downtown and just south of Mass Ave, tucked away in a magical brick road old neighborhood. The atmosphere is chill and you are allowed space to shop and browse. There are giant floor cushions to plop in front of a shelf to look at and dig. The service is chill but helpful. They have almost every book and genre you could imagine but also a free book bookshelf for those low on coin. They may not have the top deals for books but I prefer this as I like to know publishers and writers are getting appropriate funds for their hard work. The patio is outfitted with tables and umbrellas and all are welcome to sit and read and sip away. They also have an excellent children's section and plenty of space for kiddos to be active on their own.

    My book haul!
    Ashley G.

    Not only is this bookstore full of wondrous books, but it's also full of knowledgeable, personable employees who are passionate about reading. I was able to shop around, purchase, and even sit and read. I appreciate how there's every genre under the sun, and how they highlight Indiana authors. All of the books I purchased were regular prices, but that was expected and didn't stop me from purchasing 6. They also have free books outside of the store. It's a true gem for bookworms.

    Zsuzsa B.

    This is a beautiful, quiet space with a great selection of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books. There are a couple of inviting armchairs to sit down and read in while you sip some tea (self-service) in a beautifully lit spot. They mostly had new books, although I did see a few used ones as well.

    Book selection
    Megan B.

    The space is beautiful and the store houses a fantastic selection of books. Workers are super friendly and helpful with book suggestions .

    Outside seating area of the front of the store on N College Ave
    Grace F.

    I have been following the Whispering Shelf on social media and waiting for their brick and mortar to open. I was not disappointed. The bookstore has books for everyone even the little ones. The staff at the Whispering Shelf was very nice and helped me find a book I was looking for. The ambiance of the store is great and all of the shelves are green with so many colorful books. Not only do they sell books but also cards and other trinkets/gifts. The store offers seating areas both inside and outside. In addition they have an area for children to play and read. I would definitely recommend going to buy local and support Indy businesses.

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    4 months ago

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    Ask the Community - The Whispering Shelf

    What is the parking situation like?

    There is free parking all along College Avenue. There is additional free parking on Vermont Street just east of College Avenue. You’re also welcome to park on the apron of our building located on Vermont Street.… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - The Whispering Shelf

    I purchased 5 books from the Indy sections (fiction and non-fiction) because I couldn't settle on just one or two.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Indy Reads - Front entrance.

    Indy Reads

    4.8(127 reviews)
    1.4 miFountain Square
    $

    After parting with the vinyl shop we turn the corner and come across books outside noted FREE... we…read moreimmediately made a b-line over to take a look and see what they had to offer. There were alot of books to choose from. we were all able to find something . After which we went in to take a look around. They had a wonderful selection of childrens books, rare books as well. Its a medium sized spot but they fit a childrens corner in. I was pleased to find vintage Richie Rich and Sugar and Spike comic books for 1.00. This was certainly a wonderful place to stumble upon which had alot of gems inside. The vintage type writers were a really cool touch as well. Everything about this place was inviting and warm. At the cash register I came across an assortment of stickers and if you know me, you know I love stickers..Of course I grabbed a couple to complete my purchase. There is a space right by the door that has a sitting area, the leather chair was so comfortable but it was thw huge leather ottoman for me and the chess set that makes you wanna learn to play, if you do t already no how too. I could spend hours sitting and reading. Finally it was time to go but I will most certainly be back to see what other treasures I can find. Until next time Indy reads!!!

    I have heard of indy reads, but had never had the chance to visit until recently, it is a well…read moreorganized space with an impressive selection of books! The shop embraces a cozy and welcoming feel, and the staff was very friendly! Can't wait to go back, check them out if you are in the area!

    Photos
    Indy Reads - New children's books at Indy Reads in Fountain Square!

    New children's books at Indy Reads in Fountain Square!

    Indy Reads
    Indy Reads - Inside

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    Inside

    Tomorrow Bookstore - Young adult shelves

    Tomorrow Bookstore

    4.9(30 reviews)
    0.5 miChatham Arch

    I love Tomorrow Bookstore. It's a small but mighty shop run by kind people. They host book clubs…read morefor fiction and non-fiction books, bring in local authors for signings on weekends, have art and literary pop ups, and do ticketed author events. Their collection blends books and zines you haven't heard of yet with popular titles you often see and ones in between. They have a good range for different ages, too, with a nice young adult section, children's books, and middle grade as well as the plentiful shelves for adults. There's a local author shelf and there's a fun mix of local talent there in a variety of genres and age categories--plus sometimes, signed copies. They do carry some gift items like candles, and their custom stickers and apparel make me smile. The little book guys are fun! Tomorrow is well worth a stop if you're downtown. Whether you're wanting a book haul or supporting local with a sticker purchase, you'll find something here. Parking on Mass Ave is metered, but free on Sundays! There's also a parking garage nearby, and if you don't mind a walk, you may find some of the limited free street parking.

    Stopped in here after having brunch at Love Handle across the street last weekend. It's a small,…read morebut mighty independent bookstore that has everything neatly organized and a decent selection of books in each category despite the size. I purchased a book that's been on my to-read list for some time (Nightbitch) and a new book that I've never heard of before, but was very intrigued by (Strange Pictures). Knocking 1 star off because there is a very bad odor, like something is wrong with the plumbing, inside the whole shop and it cut my visit way shorter than I had planned because I couldn't stand breathing it in any longer.

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    Tomorrow Bookstore - Outside

    Outside

    Tomorrow Bookstore
    Tomorrow Bookstore

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    Dream Palace Books + Coffee - Giddy that they carry Llama delicatessen salads!!

    Dream Palace Books + Coffee

    4.8(24 reviews)
    1.2 miHerron Morton Place, Old Northside

    I managed a trip in to Dream Palace Books and Coffee before they closed, which I hadn't even heard…read moreabout until it happened! They had a really nice collection of books across all genres, though I never bought any so I don't know how pricing was. The main seating area was also nice, with some bar seating, some smaller tables, and a larger meeting table. I think the pricing was reasonable. My only hiccup was not realizing they had a decent sized tea menu, because they didn't have tea listed on their wall menu, instead leaving it to a laminate on the counter which I didn't see until I already placed my order. I got a chai latte that was pretty good but I found it to be rather sweet. I can't say I'd come back again, mostly because I can't come back again. I suppose it's just an unfortunate timing on my part to have only made my first visit in their final week of operation.

    While attending the Talbot street art fair I happen to glance across the street to see what looked…read moreto be a very quaint venue. I decided then I wanted to visit and put it on my list of places to return to. I was quite intrigued by what all was next to Dream palace. There is a stationary spot as well as Liftoff creamery. I planned to visit all spots soon but I happen to be driving by and decided I wanted to pop in. I loved seeing that there was a cafe with a stage but as you look back, my mecca... BOOKS GALORE and to an avid reader, I instantly got excited. I found 2 of Pattern magazines previous issues I had been looking for, for a while and there were books for a while. Seating spread around as well as a long window seat with pillows to sit and enjoy.. it was a nice quiet cool spot on a scorching day. I didn't stay long but I grabbed a tangerine soda before departing. I'll be back as it is a venue I may use for an event or two in the future. If you've not had a chance to stop in. Do so, it deserves further scrutiny.

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    Dream Palace Books + Coffee
    Dream Palace Books + Coffee
    Dream Palace Books + Coffee

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    Barnes & Noble @ IUPUI Bookstore

    Barnes & Noble @ IUPUI Bookstore

    2.8(24 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    I was here for work, and it being my first visit to the campus I was very impressed!…read more A large part of my job is visiting campuses to check in and be a resource for former students. This location is clean, well maintained and was the perfect work space, I enjoyed coffee and got a good deal of work completed. I'll be back here in the coming months and am glad to know that I have a work space.

    Gotta love the IUPUI B&N! The lower floor has textbooks but up above there is clothing, typical B&N…read morebooks (including the discount books) so you can enjoy nonfiction, fiction...even graphic novels! There's a B&N cafe as well. They have your standard Starbucks items (but not everything - Barnes & Noble Starbucks are different when it comes to some items. Your Starbucks gift card won't work here and some of the fancy items aren't sold here. However, the snacks/lunches are good. There's personal pizzas, bagels, Cheesecake Factory items, and then a rack of snacks/treats. I love the feta stuffed pretzels. Check out their specials as well. They'll change, but some current examples are $4 for an any-size ice coffee or iced tea + pretzel/bagel; Thursdays are half-off pizzas, and one day a week the sandwiches are half-off as well. I also appreciate that the bookstore supports the campus community. The manager is very supportive of Paws Pantry and other philanthropic activities. At first when I came to campus I winced at another corporation clawing into a university campus...so it's good that the bookstore is supportive of students. Also, the textbooks are fair priced. Textbooks are just so expensive in general because the publishing companies are awful, and then force bookstores to pay top dollar as well. Sigh. Location: B&N is located in the Campus Center and if you're visiting campus, you'll need a parking pass or park in the Vermont Street Garage. The latter is an expensive option, so...

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    Barnes & Noble @ IUPUI Bookstore
    Barnes & Noble @ IUPUI Bookstore - I love that the IUPUI B&N has more than just textbooks. Woohoo at the Harry Potter love!

    I love that the IUPUI B&N has more than just textbooks. Woohoo at the Harry Potter love!

    Barnes & Noble @ IUPUI Bookstore - Barnes & Noble at IUPUI is closing soon. It's the end of an era!

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    Barnes & Noble at IUPUI is closing soon. It's the end of an era!

    Irvington Lodge - Masonic Lodge 666 est. 1922

    Irvington Lodge

    5.0(4 reviews)
    3.9 mi
    $

    For a wheelchair user, I seem to have a weird fascination with everything in the world that's not…read moreparticularly accessible. Case in point? The Irvington Lodge. I love this building. I would never really recommend the building for wheelchair users, though I've managed to get around it fairly well. The building began development in 1921 and was completed in 1922. Like many Masonic Lodges, the ground floor was intentionally designed to allow for retail spaces as this would help support the Lodge. If you're familiar with the Irvington Lodge, then you know that it bears on it the rather ominous "Lodge #666" marking. It seems fitting to have this be in a neighborhood recognized for its many haunted locations, but there's no denying it even creeps me out a bit. The building was rumored to be the host of Ku Klux Klan meetings in the 1920s - KKK Grand Dragon D.C. Stephenson lived only a few blocks away in a mansion on University Avenue. Until 1950, the Lodge also hosted the Irvington Post Office. The Irvington Lodge continues to be an actively utilized building. Retail spaces are taken by Irvington Vinyl & Books, Hampton Designs Studio & Shop, and LVLUP Gaming Lounge. Additionally, Mosaic Church uses the Lodge's entire 3rd floor. Accessibility is most challenging in the 1st floor retail spots, though I noticed during my recent visit that Irvington Vinyl & Books had installed a bit of a ramp trying to help the situation. It's certainly not ADA, though it is an improvement. You can get into the first floor of the lodge. There is an elevator to the 2nd and 3rd floors. The 2nd floor includes a theatre room, reception room, a fully functioning kitchen, and a buffet area. You can rent these facilities and the rates are pretty market friendly. The Theatre Room has over 2300 square feet and many period touches still in place. It's rather stunning. The Reception Room is right about 1400 square feet. The 3rd floor has a couple of large main rooms. Hardwood floors are in place throughout and there's a stunning balcony that would be great for a wedding (unless you're in a wheelchair - then it would suck). This is one of those buildings I can't help but love. I'd give almost anything to have an office here, though it would inherently be a not particularly wheelchair friendly one. You also have close proximity to the Irving and nearby Irvington area businesses. Renting the facilities requires the usual liability insurance in place and a deposit, though rates are pretty friendly. They don't have preferred vendors - so, it offers flexibility that some venues don't. The Irvington Lodge was acquired, I believe, around late 2017-2018 by longtime Eastside resident Yasha Persson and a team. Given the pandemic was right around the corner, it was a challenging time to acquire such a beautiful building. However, here's hoping it continues to be such a beautiful, vibrant part of Irvington.

    3rd floor gallery in the Irvington Lodge is a beautiful space! Great light for the artwork and just…read morea gorgeous venue all around. The pinball room is also amazing and a great way to get the whole family out to experience art and entertainment without breaking the bank! It is also perfect for weddings, parties and pop up markets. A true Irvington and Indianapolis gem!!!

    Photos
    Irvington Lodge - Beautiful Zircus!

    Beautiful Zircus!

    Irvington Lodge - Irvington Lodge - Upper Exterior

    Irvington Lodge - Upper Exterior

    Irvington Lodge - Gorgeous 1920s architecture!

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    Gorgeous 1920s architecture!

    The Whispering Shelf - bookstores - Updated May 2026

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