I ordered a book online for a friends birthday from Brain Lair Books last month and requested they include a note from me along with it. Brain Lair Books went through the time and effort to both ensure that the book was shipped in time to arrive for my friends birthday, and sent my note along with a handwritten card separately. I really appreciate the extra effort they put in, and will definitely be ordering again from them in the future. I look forward to visiting them in person if Im ever in South Bend!

This is my new go-to place for books. I love being able to support an independent Hoosier business, but especially a Black- and woman-owned business. They have a huge selection, the prices are solid, and shipping has so far been speedy (a miracle during the strange times of COVID). I recommend also signing up for their emails - lots of informative and engaging events and resources in there!

I havent had the joy or pleasure to come to the actual store, but Ive been lucky enough to order online and get everything I need in a timely manner. The website is great, the selection is huge, the ordering process has been easy. I got my limited time signed book quicker than I expected! This is a great bookshop.

Speedy, breezy customer experience! I was looking for a Black-owned bookstore (ideally womxn-owned) which carried the title I was looking for and this was just the ticket! The site is super easy to navigate and I ordered the book I wanted from San Francisco because she ships to wherever you are in the continental US. Ordered late at night on Saturday, was happy to only pay media mail shipping ($3.95 I think - she doesn’t gauge you on shipping fees) and it shipped on Monday. I received multiple email communications during that time to let me know where in the process my order was which was very thoughtful. Definitely will shop here again!

I was about to order a book online from Amazon and in the reviews it suggested black owned bookstores. I saw that there was one in South Bend, close but I decided to order online. I received the book in about a week! I would love to visit the store once the world is better.Bought the book GLORY Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt. I love this book! I love that it was easy to order and that it was from a Black owned/small business! I’ll be ordering from this store again.

Quaint little bookstore got everything I need

Love it!!!! Kathy is so nice and I bought a few books and I read hem all in like 4 days! Shes so kind to everyone no matter what!! Its small and the amazing thing is that Kathy has read all the books that she sells!!!!!

Good place to get good books - some not readily available anywhere else.

We found the perfect birthday book for my daughter here! Great selection of books and cozy atmosphere! We will definitely be back!

Good selection of graphic novels. Looked like they were not quite entirely set up when I was there (the back room was empty) but definitely worth checking out.

THE place to go for books in South Bend. The shop is a fun, warm environment with a collection of carefully chosen books.

The Brain Lair Bookstore is such an incredible addition to what is becoming a great rejuvenated area near downtown South Bend.The owner knows books and will always have great suggestions for specific reading levels of any child.I could bore you with a longer review, but you just need to go and see how great it is for yourself.

Such a great selection of unique children’s books. i love that there’s something new every time

Wonderful place for kids to explore their imaginations and get lost in every book they read. The owner does different themes for story time with snacks etc.

A more knowledgeable bookstore owner you will not find.

I love the selection of diverse books. It’s like the Shop around the Corner landed in South Bend!

Local bookstore with passionate bookseller. Cute setting.

Love the variety of books they offer

Great selection and the owner is super helpful and friendly

It is a breath of fresh air I needed