Shopping in Brownsburg

When a Missouri high school banned Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five, the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library channeled the spirit of the rabblerousing author in protest. Since the school locked away copies of the book, the library staged "Locked Up With Vonnegut," where writer Corey Michael Dalton lived in the library's front window for an entire week. The library even sent free copies to any student from the high school that asked for one.

Championing free speech is an indispensable goal for the library. It strives to engage visitors with the written and visual arts through its museum, art gallery, and reading room. The same aim fuels the nonprofit's events, which include Night of Vonnegut, VonnegutFest, and programs for veterans and teachers

John Searcy started his battery business out of the back of his truck in spring 1950. He opened an official storefront in 1952, naming it Interstate Battery System after the new network of interstate highways that was under construction across the country. Over the next 60 years, his company expanded to all 50 states, as well as Australia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. Each Interstate All Battery Center location—as well as the company's online database—houses an extensive selection of batteries for cars, electronics, household items, and computers. They also collect power sources for security systems, medical equipment, and other niche devices. Many of their batteries come with a 45-day satisfaction warranty, though it doesn’t cover batteries stolen by siblings to power their Game Boys.

The screen printers at Vardagen create a rotating selection of custom-designed and hand-printed unisex American Apparel T-shirts and seasonal ugly-sweater T-shirts that blend fashion and function for all occasions. Local artists and time-traveling Neoclassicists draw up the quirky, charismatic shirt designs, which are then brought to life on the high-quality printing press. Beyond their surface appeal, Vardagen maintains a commitment to the environment by using organic materials, water-based inks, soy-based chemicals, and eco-friendly processes whenever possible.

Since 1979, the staff at Tiffany Lawn & Garden has outfitted residential and commercial landscapes with an array of bagged and bulk mulches, decorative stones, soils, and sands. To maintain appearances beyond worm’s-eye level, they also stock a line of outdoor-living products, such as fire pits and patio pergolas, along with understated retaining-wall blocks and a slew of landscaping tools and equipment. In addition to beautifying outdoor spaces, Tiffany Lawn & Garden supports charitable organizations, including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Wee Gnome Scouts.

Authorized DVDNow distributor In A Minute Games and Movies dispenses the latest Hollywood releases and video games via red kiosks. Patrons can rent or buy films ranging from horror flicks to romantic comedies, or opt for popular games such as Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, in which players guide their blood-spattered avatars through household chores. New releases grace the kiosk every Tuesday, arriving the same day they come out nationally, and patrons can reserve films renting like hotcakes once they register as members online, a process that takes roughly five minutes to confirm through email.

Since 1935, the hard-working staff of Jackson Oil & Solvents, Inc. has fueled the business through honest customer service and top-notch products. Today, they distribute a plethora of premium products, including Phillips 66 and Howes Lubricator fuels and Chevron industrial oils. To help speedy rides beat out top competitors and souped up tricycles, the 24-hour racing-fuel station pumps vehicles with VP Racing Fuels.

In addition to its fuel services, Jackson Oil & Solvents collects food for the Mary Rigg Center, sponsors youth sports teams, and stays engaged with other community-involvement efforts.