About Our Inventory
Our collection
Redbud Books offers a thoughtfully curated, ever‑evolving collection that reflects both local sensibilities and broader intellectual and creative conversations. Drawing on the passion and expertise of Bloomington’s readers, scholars, and makers, we stock an eclectic mix—new and used—of fiction, poetry, literary criticism, philosophy, and critical and cultural theory, alongside editions of radical magazines and regional essays.
Our selections are intentionally non-commercial and community‑driven; rather than chasing bestsellers, Redbud emphasizes works that provoke dialogue, expand perspectives, and connect readers with emergent or underrepresented voices. From university press releases to independent small‑press gems, each acquisition reflects our collective curiosity and commitment to social, political, and aesthetic inquiry.
As demand and community interests shift, our shelves shift too. We replenish titles from presses like Duke University Press, carry issues of new radical publications such as Heatwave, and regularly update our collection to include timely contributions in social theory and cultural commentary as well as new and classic works of literature and poetry.
In essence, Redbud’s inventory is not just a bookstore—it’s a living archive of conversation, curated through sustained engagement with local readers, community partners, and shifting currents of public thought.
Curation
At Redbud Books, curation is a community-driven, thoughtful, and locally engaged endeavor. Our selections emerge from the collective intelligence and curiosity of volunteers, scholars, artists, and readers across Bloomington who suggest new titles to our collections. Rather than chasing trends, we focus on works that spark reflection, conversation, and deeper understanding—with an emphasis on new and used titles in fiction, poetry, literary criticism, philosophy, and critical and cultural theory.
Our inventory is intentionally eclectic and idiosyncratic—guided not by bestseller lists but by the interests and insights of local experts and passionate readers. We regularly feature titles from university presses, small independent publishers, radical magazines, and emerging voices in social thought, all selected to provoke inquiry and nurture possibility.
Books are grouped into evolving thematic categories—curated by those with deep familiarity in pivotal areas of inquiry. This ensures the store’s offerings remain responsive to community needs and ongoing public conversations, and reflect both regional interests and broader intellectual and cultural dialogues. In this way, our collections will shift and expand as our community and world change around us.
Course Readings Program
We offer instructors the opportunity to order books for their courses, and students can purchase them directly from us in-store. Visit our course readings program page for more details.
Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Visit our special orders & affiliate store page for more information about requesting or ordering titles we don’t carry or that aren’t currently in stock.
