A new business has moved onto E 10th, and this time it’s Black-owned, women-owned bookstore Beyond Barcodes. The business previously was located in Kokomo but has recently found its way to the near eastside of Indianapolis. Owner DeAndra Beard-Ingram recently held an opening celebration that included writing events, cupcakes, and local artisans to celebrate the bookstore’s new location.
Since the opening of Beyond Barcodes, Beard-Ingram has been consistently hosting literature-centered community events, including a writing workshop created for young Black boys and men ages 10-21 called Black Scribble: Where Black Boys Write. Proving to be a force for good in our community, Beard-Ingram has created a safe space where people of all backgrounds can participate in the beautiful world of books.
In regards to the bookstore itself, there really is something for everybody. Every section seems to be curated with great intention, so whether you are in the mood for a good old-fashioned mystery or to learn something about the world and society around us, you are in luck! The children’s section’s display in particular stood out from other chain bookstores, in that the children on the covers of the books represented different races, ethnicities, and creeds. There is something so special about children being able to see themselves represented in a book, and at Beyond Barcodes that has been made intentionally possible for all children.
To learn more about Beyond Barcodes, or to catch their next event, you can visit their website: https://beyondbarcodesbookstore.square.site/, or follow them on Instagram: @beyondbarcodesbooks