Not too long ago, one of my first clients (Naturally Niecy) launched their natural hair care product line in Kokomo Indiana. I love promoting independent businesses, especially when my art is on their labels he he. When I found out about her launch I just had to check it out, so I made the 1 ½ hour drive to Kokomo Indiana to support her. In the process I stumbled upon a treasure hiding in the form of Beyond Barcodes Bookstore or BBB.
As a person that loves to read, I am always willing to stop and browse with any Independent bookseller. I love the environment that it inspires (something that starbucks made popular). I love the light jazz music ( or silence), the smell of paper, the taste of tea, and of course the sight of people reading. Going out and seeing people educating themselves or getting lost in world of fiction outside of a college campus feels so rare to me now. I miss that a lot actually.
I think that’s what I like so much about BBB, it makes me remember when I was kid wanting to live in the downtown library. When you look on their Facebook Page, you see simply that they are “A Multicultural Bookstore selling a variety of books and learning materials. Fair Trade books are also available.” This book store is so much more than that. BBB sells local art, jewelry, and now hair care products. I just love that there are a host of books on prominent display that would normally be hidden on a shelf in any other store. From poetry and fiction, to non-fiction, to even children’s books, all the literature is diverse in its own way. The space is also large enough to hold events and a cafe.
DeAndra Beard, the owner of the bookstore, uses her bookstore as a space in inspire her local community. Not only does she run multiple book clubs including a “Read Around the World Book Club” where people gather around to read books translated into English, she also holds events for local authors and recently hosted a movie night addressing mental health in the African American community. Her bookstore is a local spot for school field trips and is a spot for the local chess club. Basically, her space is what I’ve dreamed of making “my spot” when it comes to just hanging out. I wish that there was a spot like hers in my local area. Tea’s Me Cafe ( another local shop that I might write about later) comes close, but they don’t have shelves of books for me to go (sigh).
And if the books, environment and Cafe don’t entice you to come in, DeAndra surely will! I only got to meet her for a short time during the First Friday this month, but she seems like just a ray of sunshine! This bookstore has been around now for around two years and it seems to be going strong. I hope DeAndra all the success in the world.
Beyond Borders Bookstore is located at 108 N. Main Street, Kokomo IN