Who We Are
Redbud Books is a bookstore and community space dedicated to shared thought in Bloomington. Through our thoughtfully curated collections, engaging programming, and a welcoming space, we hope to bring people and books together in dialogue with contemporary debates and struggles over the future of our city and our world. As a community-led non-profit, we are also a hub for exchanging ideas and building newfound connections: we host themed reading groups, a speaker series, and international film screenings. Redbud isn’t just a bookstore—it’s a place where books enable other worlds to bloom.
Redbud opened its doors in early 2024 and is collectively managed by a group of local readers, organizers, and creatives. Without a single owner or profit motive, we exist to serve as a cultural and intellectual hub, bringing people and books together through shared curiosity and care. Our bookstore is built around the belief in the world-making magic of the written word, and is guided by principles of collaboration, inclusion, and mutual respect.
Mission and Values
At its core, Redbud Books is committed to creating a vibrant public space where dialogue, imagination, and collective inquiry thrive. We believe books can anchor deep conversation and community transformation. Rather than prioritizing commercial success, we aim to cultivate a space for expansive thought, civic engagement, and joyful discovery. Our curated collection reflects timely conversations, critical perspectives, and community needs—inviting readers to encounter ideas that challenge, affirm, and inspire.
Community Role
Redbud serves as a gathering space for the Bloomington community—a place to linger, think, and connect. We host readings, workshops, discussions, and community meetings that center a wide range of voices and concerns. As a “third space” beyond work or home, the bookstore welcomes everyone to participate in open, generous dialogue and to contribute to a shared culture of learning and imagination. Our storefront is a refuge for creativity and collective reflection, committed to accessibility, free expression, and the ongoing exchange of ideas.
Volunteering at Redbud Books
We are entirely volunteer-run and operated, and our volunteers are the lifeblood of Redbud. We are always welcome to more folks helping out whether through staffing shifts in-store, taking on special projects, assisting with events, or any number of other ways. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, please fill out this quick interest form.