Indie Bookstore in Indiana Issues Call to Action: Help Save Your Brother’s Bookstore
With uncertainties looming, one local Indiana bookstore is calling on the community to rally in support of their small business.
Family-Owned, Disabled-Veteran-Owned, Brother-Owned
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Evansville's Main Street, sits a wonderful little indie bookstore run by brothers Adam and Sam Morris. They first opened their doors on Your Brother's Bookstore, or YBB as it is affectionately known, in the fall of 2021.
An Eclectic Experience for Book, Music, and Art Lovers
Since opening its doors and making the first sale, the Morris brothers have been working tirelessly to bring a friendly and eclectic experience for book, music, and art lovers in the community. They regularly host author readings, chess club meetings, and even musical performances in the space. There is a dedicated section in the store for local authors too.
We carry new and used books, board games and gear, and specialize in works from local authors. We focus heavily on genre fiction, and we love our manga. We also have a focus on family, with our kid's section nestled in a giant blanket fort! We're also heavily invested in our community, working with organizations like the Literacy Center, the Midwest Writer's Guild, and River City Pride. We're family-owned, disabled veteran-owned, brother-owned. We're Your Brother's Bookstore.
A Continuous Uphill Battle
Of course, any small business is going to face its setbacks, but YBB has been taking what certainly seems like more than its fair share. Just a month or so after opening its doors at 504 Main Street, a massive building occupying the next block, known as the 420 Main Building, was demolished leaving behind a heap of rubble, an empty lot, and fencing to keep people out.
420 Main Has Become a Pain for Downtown Businesses
Now, nearly three years later, construction is well underway on the property in the 400 block where an underground parking garage and apartment building are being built, but that work is causing headaches for neighboring businesses like Your Brothers Book Store. In a post to Facebook, they shared in exasperation that the noise, and the shaking as a result of the progress in the next block, isn't exactly creating a welcoming atmosphere in the bookstore, and is driving customers away.
Construction, Closures, and Limited Parking
Pair that headache with the fact that since opening, the store was up against road closures in 2023 as part of a "Main Street Reconstruction Project," that closed the 200 and 300 blocks of Main Street. Additionally, there have been other road closure and construction projects in and around the downtown area for watermain replacements making it difficult, if not almost impossible, for motorists to access local businesses. Additionally, there is repaving planned for the 400 block of Main Street in 2025. Add in a show at one of the nearby venues, and parking for the shop is non-existent.
Holding on Hope and Doing It Empty Handed
Despite all of the challenges, the little indie bookstore is trying to hold on. In hopes of keeping the business floating, which is a challenge in this economy even without the added pressures of navigating never-ending construction, Adam and Sam haven't taken as single paycheck. The duo have been very transparent about their struggles, even sharing on social media that Sam has taken more of a part-time weekend role at the store because he had to take on a full-time job elsewhere.
What's Next for Your Brother's Bookstore?
The struggles have left the Morris brothers wondering what's next for the store. Do they move locations, fold and close up shop all together, or is there a way to ride out the (construction) storm? The answers are not clear, but one thing is for sure - they are not giving up yet. The pair are asking for the help of the community to rally around them.
If you like what we’re doing and want us to keep doing it, we’re going to need some help to continue. We have several activities and events planned, so stay tuned for those. We have different price point goals that, as we hit them, will add many new things to our store. (i.e. coffee bar and treats, vinyl records new and used, better equipment for our BOOKED! shows, outside seating, etc). Stay tuned...- Adam Morris via Facebook
How Can You Help Your Brothers Bookstore?
If you're wondering how you can help a struggling bookstore, the easy answer is to stop in for a visit and make a purchase. If you're not sure what you might like to read, I promise Adam or Sam can help you pick out something perfect, or you can try your luck with a "Blind Date with a Book" and take home a book without seeing the cover at all.
Pass on Prime and Shop Local Online
Another way to help is to skip the big box online retailer - you know the one - and order from Your Brothers Bookstore instead. You get the convenience of shopping from home and a small, local business gets a little of the profits. It's a win-win.
Support Businesses That Support Our Community
When it comes down to it, if we want small, local businesses in our community, then we have to support small, local businesses in our community - whether its books, coffee, or anything else. We have the power to choose how and where we spend our hard-earned money. Follow YBB on Facebook to keep up to date on planned events and latest news, or stop by and visit them in-person at 504 Main Street, in Evansville. I promise you it's worth the visit.
LOOK: Books set in Indiana
Gallery Credit: Stacker