About Morgenstern Books
Our mission is to nurture connection, encourage learning, and inspire delight.
Morgenstern Books strives to offer opportunities for people to share experiences that help bring forth connection and a sense of unity.
We envision a world illuminated by the sharing of books, ideas, and understanding.
Morgenstern Books strives to offer opportunities for people to share experiences that help bring forth connection and a sense of unity.
We envision a world illuminated by the sharing of books, ideas, and understanding.
Our Story
In the 1990’s, the original Morgenstern’s was a beloved community bookstore in Bloomington, IN, home of Indiana University. It was forced to close its business due to national chain competition coming into town. Twenty-some years later the national chains have left, and Bloomington is starved for more local bookstores!
We're bringing Bloomington back to its roots and filling a longstanding void of local, community-driven bookstores in town. There couldn't be a better moment for Morgenstern's to step in as a shared community space to bring people together through books, art, coffee, and connection.
We're bringing Bloomington back to its roots and filling a longstanding void of local, community-driven bookstores in town. There couldn't be a better moment for Morgenstern's to step in as a shared community space to bring people together through books, art, coffee, and connection.
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After the original Morgensterns closed in 1996, a liquidation sale was held. The OPEN sign was purchased by a local couple, who were friends of my parents. When they heard the store was re-opening and that I was working there, they asked Rick if he wanted it back. Of course! |
Our team
Morgenstern's is made possible by a number of talented people who have come together and made this dream a reality.
Meet our team and don't hesitate to say hello when you see us in the store!
Meet our team and don't hesitate to say hello when you see us in the store!
Our Values
- Community & Connection
- We recognize that connection occurs on multiple levels and intend to foster connections within the self, among each other, and with the larger world.
- We provide an accessible and enjoyable gathering space for individuals and groups.
- We commit to fair trade practices & prioritize local artists and vendors.
- We host a variety of live events including author talks, poetry readings, story times, musical concerts, and other events.
- Equity & Inclusion
- We commit to serving as a welcoming organization that allows for the inclusion and representation of many different perspectives and ideas.
- We recognize that bias and racism exist and are harmful. We will purposefully strive to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of prejudice and inequity while doing our part to build a more just and inclusive world.
- We appreciate that each individual has unique strengths that will improve decision making within our organization. We recognize the collective power that comes with collaboration and will consciously distribute authority amongst our team.
- We regularly seek guidance from community members about best practice & ideas.
- Trust & Integrity
- We value our integrity and will engage with each other, our customers, and our community with transparency, accountability, and reflection.
- We recommend the books and products in which our community members have a genuine interest, regardless of their commercial appeal.
- We actively pursue partnerships with other locally owned bookstores to provide customers access to the items they request.
- Safety & Respect
- We honor each individual and assume best intention.
- We do what we say we will do. When we cannot, we will communicate with those who are depending on us and those who can help.
- We respond and adapt to individual needs in a compassionate and respectful manner.
- We maintain a safe and healthy place for everyone in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Contribution & Giving Back
- We understand that good stewardship includes giving back to the larger community.
- We align our charity work with the mission and values established by the organization. All donations are processed in a standardized and reviewable manner.
- We seek to develop an ongoing relationship with non-profits we help to support.