This is the stuff dream bookstores are made of! Wow, what a gem. Discovering Village Lights Bookstore was a highlight of our recent day trip to Madison. This two-story shop has a well curated array of new and used books, as well as some books printed by an in-house publisher. It also had such interesting nooks and crannies to explore, like it's kids area with a fake fireplace and "room under the stairs" a la Harry Potter, Mark Twain room and closet-sized reading area dedicated to the late LGBTQ trailblazer Harvey Milk. The prices also seemed reasonable, and it had a large enough selection that you can find something good to read no matter your reading preferences. It was also fun to just peruse book covers post-COVID and post-way too much shopping online. Village Lights is such a special place! read more

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If ultra-charming bookstores are your thing, then you'll be in heaven here. I didn't even know about this place, but had to stop in after spotting it while walking around downtown Madison. The inside is cozy and feels like you're browsing someone's personal book collection in their home. If you're lucky, you might spot their 2 kitties hanging around! All of the books were well-organized and they have a lot of different categories to go through. There's even a cute little reading nook for kids. The bookstore shouldn't be missed whenever you find yourself in Madison! read more

Village Lights Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Madison, Indiana

A wonderful bookstore on Main street in Madison - there is a good selection of new as well as used books on a variety of topics. The owner who also runs the register is very friendly. Do not forget to check out the upstairs selection as well! read more

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Always find something wonderful at this bookstore. The owners are wonderful too! Visiting here is always a highlight of a trip to Madison. My partner watches the hydros, and I shop! read more

In addition to a fine book selection, this place offers plenty of fun gift items (mugs, mints) and excellent customer service. Plus there's a bookstore cat! Very cozy atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the used books upstairs. read more

The atmosphere was pleasant but the staff were unwelcoming. The overall experience was unsatisfactory.

Did not care for these people at all. I don't know if the woman was the owner or what, but she was super rude to me for not wearing a mask. This is two solid years after the pandemic and people are walking around downtown without masks everywhere. Their book selection was poor anyway. I left without buying anything. read more

This is such a wonderful, charming bookstore. As soon as you walk in, you feel the temptation to curl up in the corner with a good novel, a poetry compliation, or a set of stories by a regional author. Village Lights will order anything for you that you want, but the standing selection is excellent and progressive, with two floors of everything from local writing to African-American literature to collectible books. The Mark Twain room is just the cream on top of the interior, filled with old typewriters, a grand piano, and two cuddly cats. There are book nooks under staircases and ladders on wheels, exactly what every bookworm dreams of in a book store. It's stores like Village Lights that remind me why I'm going to keep buying books from local bookstores instead of ordering them on Amazon. read more

Books and cats - what more could you ask for? Kidding aside, the staff here is super friendly and knowledgable about books and the town. I enjoy spending a few hours here, searching for a book with kitties circling my feet. Every book is cataloged by genre and then, alphabetically by author. Upon leaving the store, and browsing their FB page, I realized that there is a second floor filled with books too! Whoops...guess I'll have to go back soon :) don't miss it! read more

With all of the electronic devices one can use to read...to me there is nothing quite like holding something tangible, and getting lost in a book. This bookstore is located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Madison and is owned by a couple, who also have two cats which may greet you upon your arrival. They have a nice selection of new and current bestsellers, a vast selection of gently used books, as well as a robust historical section on all things Indiana, from small river towns like Madison, haunted places across the state, info on the Underground Railroad, to many other state highlights. They often times are able to order a book, upon request, should they not have it. Additionally, they come across rare books which they keep in a case, for sale. They host regular activities which may range anywhere from book readings, signings, art exhibit, musician on a piano in their back room. This shop is definitely worth a visit whether you are local or just passing through. read more

Can I just say WOW! We are a family of avid and varied readers and this is the coolest book store I have been to in years. We only got to spend a few minutes there tonight but we are definatly going back! The feline employees are a little aloof but I might be too if I got to live in a bookstore! read more

I wish Indianapolis had a bookshop like this. The feel of having a local bookstore is so refreshing. There was such a huge selection of books and the staff was very friendly. There was such a homey feel about this location. There was a large sitting area for those wanting to have a book club or read. Of course there was also a bookstore cat and not to mention they had free coffee. Indianapolis does not have a book store that looks and feels like this one besides maybe Indy reads. Unfortunately we have far too many corporate businesses in Indianapolis and have hardly any bookstores. This was a treat on our trip here. read more

Village Lights is an independent bookstore with a wonderful selection of new and used books. I always find something great and the staff is always friendly and helpful. It's conveniently located on Main Street in historic downtown Madison. I've been stopping in for about 5 years and try to visit whenever I'm in town. read more

Great selection on hand and can get you book you want fast. Great staff, knowledgeable and friendly. The store is a true community member and hosts/sponsors menu enriching community events and programs. read more

This bookstore is an oasis of culture. If I didn't live in this town, I would travel to visit a bookstore like this. Nathan & Anne have literally thought of everything that a customer could want from a small town bookstore. The space is airy and light. It is the kind of physical environment that will kindly remove any stress that you have been carrying with you. The wood on the shelves and the trim is exactly what any bibliophile would want in the reading room of their dreams. The smell of coffee and books linger and invite you to linger as well. The music is always a perfect soundtrack for browsing through a book collection that has been picked with consideration for all readers while maintaining the ability to accommodate all budgets. Additionally, the books have been carefully categorized into genres and are arranged alphabetically by author and title. The children's section is the loveliest I have seen and includes a custom built, child-sized house tucked into the niche under the stairs. The regional section has been stocked with books that make great keepsakes and mementos for any visitor. Also in this section is a selection of exquisite handmade letterpress books by Larkspur Press, recipient of the Kentucky Governor's Artist Award in 2012. The illustrations are wood etchings and the type has been set by hand. What this means, is that each book offered for sale by Village Lights Bookstore from Larkspur Press is a unique piece of art that is, by its very nature, a limited edition. A quick trip up the stairs reveals the "Atrium Room" which houses more books as well as a glass case that protects collectible and antiquarian items. Comfy chairs throughout the store, two wandering bookstore kitties, Oscar Wilde and Grrrtrude Stein, smiling and incredibly helpful proprietors, Nathan and Anne, all combine to provide a welcoming and homelike atmosphere in which to enjoy the art of the written word. In addition to their superlative inventory, Village Lights offers many events throughout the year. They host a yearly "Poetpalooza," which is a tri-state gathering graced with readings by numerous poets laureate, as well as poets who have become known and admired regionally as well as nationally. It encompasses most of a weekend and also includes live music, signings, and an open mic poetry slam. They also host an annual charity book drive dubbed "Rock 'n' Read Around the Clock," numerous musical events - some of which incorporate the Steinway grand piano in their "Twain Room," author events, art openings utilizing their two gallery walls, and kids' storytime. All events are held within the bookstore that is surrounded on all sides by downtown Madison, Indiana, a National Historic Landmark District. The owners of this unparalleled establishment have clearly done their best to provide a haven for all who seek to spend their free time in a creative manner as well as an excellent place to browse and find a new favorite piece of literature. read more

Well, 5 stars for having a cat-in-residence sitting by the front door like a sentry. Make the kitty purr and you may enter. Well, I didn't make the cat purr but apparently I was okay enough to get past the feline inspection to investigate the bookshop. It is so nice to see an independent bookseller with new and used books and none of the junk you see at the alleged bookstores at the mall. You can tell the owners love books and have probably read every book in the store as well as countless others. Low key and personable and tucked on Main Street along with a lot of other independently owned shops, cafes and boutiques. This is a small town with a vibrant downtown area and totally unexpected. if you find yourself in the area, it is worth a visit to Madison to spend an afternoon. Say hi to the kitty for me. read more

I stopped in with some co-workers while we were waiting on our burgers around the corner from Shipley's Tavern. This bookstore has something for everyone, new books, old books, used books, children's books, and the list goes on. Also...there are cats! I saw three cats while I was there. Two were sleeping in the window and one was napping so comfortably on the tiny couch in the children's play area. (Oh yeah, they have that too!) This is a gem and the owner will help you out with anything, including hunting down that special book you've been looking for. Great location, great selection, great prices! read more

Wonderful bookstore! The owners are knowledgable, friendly, and helpful! A beautiful space which sometimes has complementary coffee. Definitely a must-see when visiting Madison! read more

Great locally owned bookstore! Nathan and Anne have a wonderful selection of used and new books, and between the cats and the grand piano in the back, you'll feel welcome. Watch for special events like poetry readings. (PoetryPalooza!!) read more

This bookstore is really cool. It seems like it has a great selection of classic and contemporary books, and with a super cool building to boot! A great place to browse. I also met a friendly cat there who sat down in front of the Wendell Berry books I was trying to look at until he fell off the counter and held on with one paw, which was rather impressive as well. read more

Cute bookstore. My 2 yr old loved it, shes a bookworm. She loved the kids reading nook. She also like the chapter books, and the cats! We loved the store! read more