Abstract Books Monthly Newsletter
Volume I No. 3
October 2024
This month's focus is on Shirley Mullin of Kids Ink Children's Bookstore, Indiana Humanities' inaugural Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest Saturday, October 5th, and two new releases!
Meet Shirley Mullin, founder of Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore
5619 North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208 317-255-2598
Shirley Mullin, who started Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore at 56th & Illinois in Indianapolis 39 years ago, was kind enough to answer some questions about her experience as a bookstore owner. Shirley decided on the current location when she saw the space was open and in her neighborhood. Out of the mouths of babes, the store got its name from a friend’s 4-year-old who said call it Kids Ink…like book ink!!
Bookstores play a role in the surrounding community. For Kids Ink that role varies, but often it is a spot to meet up, and certainly a place for birthday gifts. (I can attest to finding many there myself!) A librarian by background, owning a bookstore wasn’t a lot different for Shirley who got her bachelor’s in education at Doane University in Nebraska and M.A. in Librarianship at the University of Denver.
Ever thought about starting a bookstore? Shirley advises going to the American Booksellers Association bookseller school ABA Education for Booksellers where “you can get the actual numbers… also know that you may not be able to pay yourself for a few years.”
One of many compelling reasons why we need bookstores with physical books: “I love what one child said to me while holding a book in front of her face, ‘Books smell so good!’” Testimony to having a book nearby, what is on her nightstand? “Popcorn by Harrell which I have finished but I want to re-read part of it again!” When asked about a favorite author/genre/series, Shirley replied, “Richard Peck, E.B. White (whom she would have loved to meet in person), Jean Fritz, Troy Cummings, Helen Frost, Rob Harrell, Mike Mullin, and Rebecca Mullin (my children!) plus many others.” Clearly literary talent runs in the Mullin family!
Where will Kids Ink be 5 - or even 10 - years from now? “I hope thriving with a new owner!” Best wishes for a wonderful retirement, Shirley and thank you for all you have done to promote a love of books and learning!
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Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest presented by Indiana Humanties Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10am-8pm at the Harrison Center 1505 N. Delaware St. Indianapolis, IN
Find Kids Ink, Abstract Books and many other other local bookstores at Harrison Center’s gymnasium as part of the Proof resource fair!
Indiana authors, writing workshops, storytime for young readers (10:30-12:30 on the lawn), and so much more!
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What's on your nightstand?
Currently reading:
"The Black Snowboarder" by Mike Fuller (North Haven, CT: 08/01/24; ISBN 979-8321653982) recommended for Ages 3-12. Mike contacted me via email to introduce himself and his first book, the purpose of which is to "bring diversity to the mountains"; make the mountain more inclusive. Proud to say his book is now available at the Indianapolis Public Library as well as on Bookshop.org.
Mike is a travel nurse, film set medic, musician, author and avid snowboarder from Nashville, TN. He has worked 11 movies and a season with Discovery Channel as a set medic/cco. Mike has also worked with New York Times bestselling author Karen Kingsbury on set with the movie based on her novel, "Someone Like You" (The Baxter Family).
AND
"Ara: The Life and Legacy of a Notre Dame Legend. The Authorized Biography of Coach Ara Parseghian" by Mark O. Hubbard; foreword by Rocky Bleier (South Bend, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 08/01/24; ISBN 9780268208516). Also available on Bookshop.org.
Incredibly detailed account of the Miami of Ohio and Notre Dame coach by close friend and Notre Dame alum, Mark Hubbard, who wrote with the encouragement of Ara's family and wife, Katie.
