Black Dog Books

This is such a nice little place, right on the main street in Zionsville. My fiancé and I spent around an hour perusing their selection of local, antique, and general interest books. The black dog in question regrettably slept in his crate the whole we were there, but hey, I would nap at work too if I could. They have a Keurig set up where you can put a $ 1 in the jar and make a coffee, which was nice. The atmosphere is relaxed. We were made to feel totally welcome and not pressured to buy — you never know when you go into a place like this.
The coolest thing about BDB is their selection of antique books. They had several huge bound books with engravings (illustrations) from the late 1800s. They were truly historical pieces. And they weren’t in a glass case, or even under the watchful eye of the owner as they would often be. So we very carefully paged through them and enjoyed them. If we had $ 600 to spend, my fiancé absolutely would have bought the series. Instead, he picked up a book written about Indiana flora and fauna which was cool because it was clearly written by a local author and self-​published. We chatted with the owner a bit; she was so sweet.

I have been to quite a number of used bookstores in my life. Black Dog Books has the best collection of antique books I have ever seen. Books that looked like they were sitting in someone’s library for over a hundred years, and indeed some of them had. The best thing about these old books was they were actually interesting to look through.
I asked the owner about her peculiar selection of books she had throughout her store. She said that she takes her time in collecting old books. She hand picks most of what she purchases, and avoids buying large masses of used books at once. She focuses on stocking quality not quantity. I told her it shows.
Give this place a shot, and say hello to the black lab on the way out.

A charming store with a charming owner and a charming black dog. Sophie is the gentle giant store mascot — a towering broad-​faced black Labrador that is all friendliness and belly-​rub begging. She slowly and calmly greets customers and is super kid friendly. «Black dog» is reflected in the numerous pictures, statues, and other shop décor. The shop itself reminds me of a movie bookstore. Jam packed and spilling over with books in a very small space, bright windows, and two red leather wing back chairs before a roaring fire. They specialize in antique and used books. Prices are slightly higher than you’d find at other used book stores, but they have a wonderful selection and the ambiance is so great, it’s worth paying a bit more. They have a great children’s section with books specifically devoted to education and home schooling. We picked up a book about dinosaurs and manners, LOL.
In the back of the store there is a little mini shop carrying clothing, which is also… yeah, charming.

The book store is just adorable. My husband and I were visiting out of town and had to stop in because of the cute name. He’s in to history and books so this place was right up his alley. The shop itself is small but very organized. They stock lots of old historical books.
While shopping around the owner was on the phone asking about an author’s signature. I thought that was awesome that she cared to get her historical facts straight. If you ever have a question about a book or author I’d go here first and if she doesn’t know it I’m sure she’ll know who to ask.
After purchasing a few things we had to meet The Black Dog. I cannot for the life of me remember her name but she was just the cutest thing! She walked over to us and immediately laid down for belly rubs.
I wish this cute shop was near us! Its a perfect addition to lovely downtown Zionsville.

Black Dog Books is a lovely, charming place to shop. The owner and the big sweet black dog greet you as soon as you walk in. The owner is so kind and helpful and will assist you in finding what you need. A great selection of books. And if it starts raining just settle down into the comfy chairs and read or chat with Tania. Highly recommend this shop. Call first to make sure she is open. Then walk around all the other shops on Main Street. Everyone is so kind and friendly.

A fireplace, comfortable chairs, coffee, tea, and books! This peaceful shop, is situated in a charming old house in the heart of the Village. It’s full of gently read books, some old and rare for collectors, some modern for readers and also
new books by local authors. Zionsville Travel and Kellar Mahaney Gallery are
located inside as well. One stop shopping for books, travel and art — wow!