Indy’s Biggest Used Bookstore with the Smallest Prices
I was back in town for the weekend visiting my parents when I heard about a new(ish) used bookstore that had popped up nearby. Since I can’t resist checking out any place with shelves full of books, I made a quick detour to see what Red Dog Books was all about. Let’s just say, it turned out to be the kind of place that makes you glad you “just happened” to be in the neighborhood.
Red Dog Books
📍 7115 E 46th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226
Open 7 days a week
www.facebook.com/RedDogBooks
Red Dog Books is a charming used bookstore in the Indianapolis area that claims the title of Indy’s largest independently owned bookstore. After stepping inside, it’s easy to believe. They also boast the lowest prices in the city, and from what I saw, that’s no exaggeration. During my visit, most books were priced at $3 or less, making it a dream for bargain hunters and voracious readers alike.
I believe the store recently transitioned into a nonprofit, meaning that almost all of their inventory comes from donations. This is part of what allows them to keep prices so low, and it also gives the selection a wonderful unpredictability. Every visit holds the possibility of uncovering a hidden gem.
Their shelves cover a wide range of genres, from an impressively large children’s section to mystery, science fiction, romance, history, and more. Beyond books, Red Dog also carries records, CDs, and DVDs, so there’s something for every kind of media collector.
Red Dog Books has a bit of a history in the area: they were originally located in Greenwood, on the south side of Indianapolis, but recently moved to Lawrence, on the northeast side. When I visited, the move was still fresh—boxes were stacked, and some sections were in the process of being unpacked—so browsing was a bit of an adventure. Now that they’ve had more time to settle in, I imagine the store feels even more open and easy to explore.
What really sets Red Dog apart, though, is the atmosphere. The staff were incredibly welcoming and happy to chat about the store’s history and mission. And they have a store dog. As far as I’m concerned, a resident bookstore pet is always a sign you’ve found a place worth lingering in.
If you’re in the Indy area and love books, Red Dog Books is well worth the trip. Whether you leave with an armful of paperbacks or just enjoy the friendly vibe, it’s the kind of store that reminds you why used bookstores are such special places.
Love what you’re reading here? Support the blog and fuel my next cozy reading session by buying me a coffee.
Notes from the Shelf 
Leave a comment