Curious Squirrel Bookshop - Zionsville, IN

Curious Squirrel Bookshop, Zionsville, IN

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I’ve learned that bookstore owners have busy lives and many irons in the fire.  But I must say owner Aubrey A. at the Curious Squirrel Bookshop deserves a medal for successfully navigating her demanding schedule.  She’s a devoted one-person staff at this bookstore since opening over a year ago.  Before this she persevered through a busy stretch of law school.  And now, in addition to the bookstore she has a packed family schedule as a mother to five children (and all of these are only the things I know about.  I’m sure there’s even more.).  But as owner of Curious Squirrel, she’s dedicated herself to provide a safe space, a third place, where under represented people can visit, gather, and know that they can find their voices in the books offered in this store.  Most bookstores do this but Aubrey wears this mission on her sleeve.  For these people, Aubrey is that person; advocating for all and providing a place where they know they can belong.  You see, in addition to everything else I’ve mentioned, in Zionsville IN she’s a hero to minorities who are always in need of a voice.  Way to go, Aubrey.  

Curious Squirrel carries all new books with a strong representation for ALL minorities.  The sidelines also reflect this idea with their stickers, buttons, and unique greeting cards to name a few.  Their occasional story times promote these values for example, by hosting a Juneteenth story time this year.  Their location is Main St. Zionsville, a quaint, bricked street with many shopping opportunities and is excellent for foot traffic.  They are also right across the street from Black Dog Books, another terrific indie that I’ve visited previously.  The store’s location is very close to the weekly farmer’s markets which brings in throngs of people from many surrounding communities.  Thanks to visitors from these other areas, the Curious Squirrel is slowly raising its visibility to more and more under represented people.  

You really need to visit this indie, check out their inventory of subjects and genres, and meet Aubrey.  Bring in a skeptical relative or friend, after all, everyone is welcome here.  And as Aubrey said, “we don’t know what we don’t know.”  At this indie, you’ll find out.  This bookstore and its owner have big things ahead and you need to visit and see for yourself.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Everything Is An Emergency, Jason Adam Katzenstein.  The author is a cartoonist and he brings that talent to this book to tell the story of his struggles and challenges coping with OCD.  Compulsions that deal with hand-washing and other rituals which interfere with childhood, dating, finding a job, and all other life challenges.  I love the graphic novel form for this.  Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Saboteur, Paul Kix. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  An Unkindness of Ghosts, Rivers Solomon. 

Sidewalk chalk-board signs outside of many bookstores can teach us many things.  It never dawned on me until now that bookstores are excellent natural sunblock! 

Beautiful storefront in the heart of downtown Zionsville. 

One of the large display windows. 

View looking directly into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the left from the front entrance. 

Of course they have banned books.  Find out what "they" don't want you to read. 

Book display of Palestinian voices. 

Attractive display just inside the front door. 

Tote bags for social advocacy. 

View along the left side of the store. 

The best place to get comfy and try out a book. 

Stickers are huge everywhere I go and these are just a few of the ones available here. 

Another angle of this comfy area, right in the center of the store. 

A few of the non-fiction books offered. 

It's not too late to get involved with the store book club.  Give it a try. 

A few of the greeting cards available, many with snarky content. 

Did I mention they have stickers?

Below these stickers you can find a variety of puzzles. 

A portion of the children's area.

Overview of the inviting children's area. 

Bring your child here.  Sit with them.  Read to them. 

WOW!  The children's area has a kitchen service!

Many kids will find this to be the perfect hiding place. 

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

This is a wonderful promotion and a great tool to learn about authors of all stripes.  Impressive. 

With Aubrey, the fine owner at Curious Squirrel Bookshop.  Thanks for a great visit.