Wild Geese Bookshop in Franklin, Ind., has been named the 2025 Great Lakes Bookstore of the Year, recognizing an independent bookstore that "embodies community impact, collaboration within the bookselling world, and a passion for connecting readers with books." The award will be presented October 15 to owner Tiffany Phillips at the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association's annual membership meeting during Heartland Fall Forum.
Wild Geese Bookshop "has become a cornerstone of Franklin's cultural and literary life, known for its welcoming spirit, carefully curated selection, and deep commitment to inclusivity. More than a bookstore, Wild Geese is a hub where readers, writers, and neighbors gather to share ideas, celebrate stories, and build connections that strengthen the community," GLIBA noted, adding that the indie "has established itself as a vital cultural space, hosting events that celebrate diverse voices, leading community wide reading initiatives, and fostering dialogue around literature and ideas. Its partnerships with schools, local businesses, and organizations have broadened access to books and literacy programs across Franklin. Above all, the Wild Geese team is a generous collaborator, supporting fellow independent booksellers with ideas, resources, and camaraderie. Their leadership and advocacy extend beyond their own walls, strengthening the independent bookselling network across the Great Lakes region."
Larry Law, GLIBA executive director, said, "Wild Geese Bookshop embodies everything this award represents. They are not only a beloved neighborhood bookstore but also a beacon of how independent bookstores can shape and enrich the cultural life of their communities."
GLIBA board member Laura Kendall of Second Flight Books and Main Street Books, Lafayette, Ind., commented: "You could talk about the amazing store merch that helps build Wild Geese's brand, or the delightful curation within a relatively small shop space, but where Wild Geese absolutely shines is in the way they build connections and community. Whether it's their annual week-long Wild Geese Summer Camp for Grown-Ups or their amazing string of often sold-out author events, they have made connections locally and statewide to build their community and shine a light on their home of Franklin, Indiana. Their partnership with The Historic Artcraft theater, their county library, and other local spots where they've hosted authors and events have brought thousands of people to their town, and they always work to make their community sparkle."