Secondhand Stories: Kokomo’s Cozy Book Haven
In this week’s episode of Kokomo Uncovered, partnered with Community First Bank of Indiana, we highlighted one of downtown Kokomo’s newest hidden gems, Secondhand Stories. You might be wondering why a bank would be talking about a bookstore. The answer is simple. Community First Bank believes in supporting local, and so do we. Pretty unbanklike, right?
If you love the smell of old books, the charm of a good story, and that small-town sense of belonging, there is a place waiting for you in the heart of downtown Kokomo. Tucked away at 107 West Mulberry Street, Secondhand Stories is the kind of shop that makes you slow down the moment you walk in. The air smells faintly of coffee and paperbacks, sunlight filters softly through the front windows, and if you are lucky, you will be greeted by owner Sarah Janssen with a warm smile and maybe even a cookie from a local bakery.
Sarah opened Secondhand Stories with a simple but meaningful mission: to keep books out of landfills and make reading accessible to everyone. What started as an idea to give stories a second life has quickly become one of the coziest, most welcoming spots in Kokomo.
Every shelf is filled with books waiting to be rediscovered. You will find thrillers, memoirs, children’s stories, romance novels, self-help books, and even the occasional rare find that feels like a little treasure hunt. And the best part is that the selection is always changing, so each visit feels like a new adventure.
But Secondhand Stories is about more than books. Sarah has turned the shop into a true community space. Locals often stop by not just to browse, but to chat, sip a cup of coffee, or settle into the store’s cozy reading nook lovingly nicknamed “Husband Parking.” It is a space that encourages you to linger, connect, and be present.
The boutique side of the shop is just as charming. Sarah curates a beautiful collection of locally made items like candles, keychains, bookmarks, and book-themed gifts that are perfect for the readers in your life. She even offers free gift wrapping, making it easy to grab something thoughtful for any occasion.
What makes this place so special is the feeling it gives you. It is a reminder that stories are meant to be shared and that community can thrive in the quiet corners of a small bookstore. In a world where everything moves fast and most reading happens on screens, Secondhand Stories invites you to slow down, breathe, and rediscover the simple joy of turning real pages.
Whether you are a lifelong book lover or just someone looking for a peaceful place to unwind, make sure to stop by Secondhand Stories the next time you are in downtown Kokomo. You just might leave with a new favorite book, a new friend, and a full heart.
Secondhand Stories truly lives up to its tagline: More Than a Bookstore.
