The Whispering Shelf, a new and used bookstore with a general-interest, all-ages inventory, opened last month in Indianapolis, Ind., the Indianapolis Recorder reported.
The 2,200-square-foot store has about 1,950 square feet of selling space divided into two rooms. Earlier this year, store owner Lena Burt told Shelf Awareness that accessibility and representation are very important goals for her. Customers should be able to find a book for themselves "no matter what your bank account says," and "see themselves" reflected in the titles on display.
The store had a soft opening on April 20, followed by a grand opening on Independent Bookstore Day. The store has plenty of seating for customers, and it has already held a few community events, including an appreciation sale for teachers. This Sunday, a florist will be on hand selling mini bouquets and leading a Mother's Day card crafting workshop.
Manager Marlowe Harp told the Recorder: "We really want to be a third space for people in the community."