Some places feel like they’ve always belonged in a neighborhood, even if they’re brand new. That’s exactly how HQ Books & Records feels.
Tucked inside CAMi (Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis) near Garfield Park, this independent bookstore and record shop is more than a place to browse shelves. It’s a creative space built by people who genuinely love music, books, local art, and Indiana’s creative community.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys spending an afternoon digging through vinyl, discovering an unexpected book, or finding something completely unique to take home, you’ll probably lose track of time here—and that’s part of the experience.
A bookstore, record shop, and creative space all in one
HQ Books & Records brings together everything we love about independent shops.
Inside you’ll find shelves filled with used books, vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, comics, zines, vintage collectibles, and plenty of unexpected treasures. The shop also hosts creative workshops throughout the year, making it much more than a bookstore or record shop.
One of our favorite things is that the inventory is constantly changing. Every visit feels a little different, giving you the chance to discover a rare record, a forgotten novel, or a piece of local music history you weren’t expecting to find.
Whether you’re a longtime collector or simply enjoy browsing unique local shops, this is the kind of place where it’s easy to spend more time than you planned.
Built by people who helped shape Indiana’s music scene
One of the coolest parts about HQ Books & Records is the story behind it.
Rather than being created by one owner, the shop is a collaboration between four local creative projects: AVANT NIGHT, Authentic Resource, Great Lemon!, and the Indiana Music History Project.
Together they’ve created a space that celebrates physical media, independent art, and Hoosier music history. Behind the shelves are former record store owners, artists, educators, label founders, and collectors who have spent decades supporting Indiana’s creative community.
That passion is evident throughout the store. Nothing feels random—every shelf has its own personality, making the experience feel more like exploring someone’s carefully curated collection than shopping in a traditional store.
Our visit
We recently stopped by HQ Books & Records while exploring CAMi and had the chance to chat with Kelsey, who welcomed us from the moment we walked in.
She shared the story behind how the shop came together, the people involved, and the vision of creating a place where books, music, art, and community could all exist under one roof.
You can immediately tell this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion project built by people who genuinely love what they do. Conversations like these are one of the reasons we enjoy visiting small local businesses throughout Indiana.
Make it part of your next CAMi visit
One of the best things about HQ Books & Records is that it’s located inside CAMi’s Creative Storefronts.
That means you can spend time exploring the museum’s contemporary art galleries before or after browsing the shop. It’s an easy way to turn a quick stop into a fun afternoon on the south side of Indianapolis.
If you’ve been meaning to visit CAMi, this is the perfect excuse. Explore the galleries, discover a new favorite artist, then take home a vinyl record, a book, or another unique find while supporting a local small business.
Store Hours
Thursday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Monday – Wednesday
The shop also opens for select Wednesday events and extends its hours during First Fridays.
Why We Like It
Independent bookstores and record shops are becoming harder to find, which makes places like HQ Books & Records even more special. They create spaces where art, music, stories, and community come together in a way that big retailers simply can’t replicate.
If you’re looking to support local businesses in Indiana, we’d definitely recommend adding HQ Books & Records to your list. And since you’re already there, take your time exploring CAMi—you’ll leave inspired, and probably with something unexpected tucked under your arm.
Leave a comment