Black Dog Books - Zionsville, IN

Black Dog Books, Zionsville, IN

 (Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

Black Dog Books is located on Main St. in Zionsville, IN, not far from Indianapolis.  Talking to Rebecca, a bookseller, she said the area very much reminds her of being in a European town.  Historical buildings, narrow brick main street, and lots of small independent businesses.  I think this vibe matches the store perfectly, a structure built in the mid 1800s as a private residence.  A historical house that 10 years ago was condemned to death row and was going to be bulldozed in order to install a parking lot.  That is, until Tania R. came to the rescue and said, hold on.  You're not going to destroy this house and I'm going to turn it into a bookstore (this is what bookstore people do, the only thing missing was a cape and an "S" on her shirt).  So Tania, and her black dog Chloe, birthed this beautiful store and the business continues to grow and succeed, even through a 12+ month pandemic.  

If you know someone who is a reader and a history buff, bring them here.  This is a wonderful bookstore that anyone would enjoy, but I think history fans could spend hours here.  The store offers new, used, and rare and collectible editions.  For example, they have an autographed 1st edition of Bleak House autographed by Charles Dickens, available for $4500.  This is just the tip of the iceberg of the rare editions offered.  Black Dog sells some of these rare volumes on consignment, as items purchased at estate sales, or simply brought in by customers.  

There were some store events before the pandemic and there may be more in the future but are in no rush to do so.  They do enjoy hosting an annual story time on Oct 31 of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe.  My one regret on this visit was not meeting Tania and current shop dog Sophie.  The original black dog that the store was named after was Chloe.

The fun thing about meeting so many bookstore people on my journey is finding more book suggestions.  But on this visit, Rebecca gave me more BOOKSTORE suggestions.  In Scotland!  She's originally from England and very familiar with the bookstores to visit in Scotland.  Needless to say, I left the store doing cartwheels.  Stay tuned readers, you never know.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Cimarron, Edna Ferber.  I struggled with this.  Family moves from Wichita to Oklahoma and joins the land rush, late 1800s western.  Not much action but this book has received lots of publicity over the years as has the author.  Originally published 1929 and made into two movies. 

CURRENTLY READING:  American Dirt, Jeanine Cummins.

The beautiful historic exterior of Black Dog Books. 

A wonderful setting outside the store. 

Beautiful view along the front of the store.  My guess is that later in the spring when everything is blooming this will be very attractive. 

View looking into the store and slightly right. 

View looking to the left as you enter the store. 

A portion of the store to the left is dedicated to this art shop. 

If you're a medieval history buff, you'll enjoy seeing copies of these prints. 

The store offers a variety of maps, very unique. 

I love this picture.  This is Chloe, the original black dog in the name of the shop. 

Two really comfy chairs in the front room to enjoy sampling a book. 

Many independent bookstores embrace social causes in their communities.  It's no different at Black Dog. 

Found inside Bleak House by Charles Dickens, historical autograph. 

Here you go Dickens fans. 

Behind the counter you'll find many collectible and vintage editions. 

Another great picture.  Current shop dog, Sophie. 

Proceed to the right through the bookstore to the Indiana Room for local subjects and authors. 

After the Indiana Room you'll enter the children's room and this view of Pooh Corner. 

A comfy place to sit in the children's room and share a seat with a little reader. 

Get a black dog of Sophie at Black Dog. 

Continue through the house after the children's room and enter the the Bookstore Annex. 

If you know any Balzac fans, send them here. 

I don't think you can be a Lincoln scholar without this set. 

Visit this room and follow the arrows on the left side of the bookstore. 

An overview of the room on the left side of the bookstore. 

Always, always, always, ask about gift certificates. 

An overview of the main front room. 

With Rebecca, one of the fine booksellers at Black Dog Books.  Thanks for a great visit.