Carmel’s newest independent bookstore hits the road

Local Books celebrates grand opening at Indy Indie Book Crawl

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Local Books, a newly launched mobile independent bookstore championing Midwestern authors and regional subject matter, officially rolled into the local literary scene this past weekend.

Co-owned by Carmel residents Ryan Fields and Charlene Cruz, the unique mobile shop celebrated its grand opening on March 19 during Indy Indie Book Crawl, held at the historic Stutz Building in Indianapolis.

Operating out of a custom-built mini truck, Local Books bypasses the traditional brick-and-mortar model to bring the joy of reading directly to the community. The store’s curated inventory focuses on authors and subjects native to Indiana and the broader Midwest, aiming to spotlight regional voices and foster a deeper connection to local culture.

Fields

“We wanted to create a bookstore experience that literally meets people where they are,” Co-Owner Ryan Fields said. “By transforming a tiny Japanese mini truck into a mobile shop, we can bring the bookstore experience right to local neighborhoods, markets, and festivals.”

Following a successful debut during the Indy Indie Book Crawl, Local Books is hitting the road for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. In addition to attending community pop-ups and festivals, the mobile bookstore will be available for personal gatherings and corporate events, offering a unique, interactive experience for book lovers across Indiana.

For more information, visit getlocalbooks.com or follow along on Instagram at @getlocalbooks.