Created by DeAndra Beard-Ingram, Beyond Barcodes Bookstore is a Black- and woman-owned bookstore, cafe and language learning center all under one roof. The business, which originally opened in Indianapolis but has since relocated to Kokomo, Indiana, is dedicated to building a space to “create common language, common ground and close-knit community,” according to the website.
Beyond Barcodes Bookstore is more than just a space for readers; it’s a venue for community connections and thoughtful conversations. The store offers a variety of adult and children’s selections, including middle-grade to young adult books, coloring books, cookbooks, travel and resource books. Guests are also welcome to enjoy a selection of stickers, gift cards or personalized reading lists and enjoy coffee, tea or Beard Crumb Cookies by Bind Cafe.
READ MORE: Minority Business Highlight: Salon Honey
The bookstore honors the legacy of Beard-Ingram’s late husband, Joe Louis Ingram, Jr, who was also the author of “Congratulations! 365 Declarations for Everyday Life.”
The store is also host to several community programs, including the Reading Beyond Racism book club, the Full Moon Book Club and the WHS Black Student Association book drive, where books can be donated to the local school with a purchase.
Beyond Barcodes is also gearing up to launch a new writing club for Black boys aged 10-21 called Black Scribble: Where Black Boys Write. Writer and filmmaker Darnell Lamont Walker will facilitate the club, and registration is open on the website.
Beyond Barcodes Bookstore is located at the Beyond Borders Language Center, 1507 N. Delphos St., Kokomo, Indiana.
The brick-and-mortar location is currently open only on Mondays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. However, the store also operates as an online storefront. For more information or to browse the selection, visit beyondbarcodesbookstore.square.site. To get in contact, call 765-201-0383 or email beyondborderslanguage@gmail.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. If you would like your business highlighted by the Indiana Minority Business Magazine, click here.
