Piebald Shark Books: Fort Wayne’s Rolling Bookstore Is Turning Pages and Heads

The Origin: Where the Story Begins

 

Piebald Shark Books was launched in fall 2023 by Fort Wayne residents Nick Tash and Sarah Suraci, rooted in their shared fascination with printmaking and the printed word. They envisioned a nimble, community‑oriented way to deliver bold, eclectic reading experiences beyond the conventional bookstore. The mobile book cart itself was custom‑built by Sarah’s father, combining functionality with visual flair, designed to move easily and set up wherever curious readers gather.

 

The “Why”: What Sets Them Apart

 

Their mission is to bring the unexpected. Rather than chasing the mainstream, they curate a selection that includes oddball scientific tomes, cult cinema and horror art books, quirkily historical volumes, children’s books from vibrant indie presses like Enchanted Lion Books. They lean into the strange and beautiful, each volume is chosen to surprise and delight. The name “Piebald Shark” comes from a colorful reference in Titus Groan by Mervyn Peake; an embodiment of oddity and literary whimsy.

 

Growth: From Cart to Community Icon

 

Since launching, they have set up regular weekend pop‑ups at Firefly Coffee House and Conjure Coffee’s  flagship location, becoming a familiar fixture in those creative spaces. In early 2024, they established a long‑term pop‑up at Chapman’s Brewing Company inside Electric Works, giving them a semi‑permanent footprint where indie readers and brewery‑goers collide. They’ve also appeared as a vendor at the Fort Wayne Village Marketplace, further integrating into the local artisan and maker scene. Nick and Sarah even shared their story on the “Holding Down the Fort” podcast, describing the cart as a weekend must‑see for locals.

 

Behind the Books: Who They Are & What They Select

 

Nick Tash & Sarah Suraci are driven by creativity, curation, and community spirit. Their book selections focus on niche interests; each title is chosen for its uniqueness and capacity to surprise. Nick curates the stock, while Sarah serves as art director, designing the brand, painting the cart, and creating risograph‑printed bookmarks that are distributed free of charge. They have a large children’s section, especially books from Enchanted Lion Books (translated works from Japan, Italy, etc.), inspired by Nick’s twins and found through personal library discoveries. They aim to integrate local zines into their collection, too, and invite artists to contribute.

 

Strategy: Where to Set Up Shop

 

Their strategy for choosing locations is guided by a few principles. They look for places where foot traffic meets creative atmosphere; like cozy coffee shops and craft‑centric venues, so patrons can pair their drink with a curated book find. The mobile cart keeps overhead low and allows flexibility, moving where the crowd is. Participating in community markets and pop-ups helps boost visibility and engagement. Their focus is on building meaningful connections, not just sales.

 

Narrative Summary

 

Origin: Autumn 2023, sparked by print and book passions, tangible made possible by a family‑built cart.
Why: To bring beautifully odd, thoughtfully curated titles to Fort Wayne, where mainstream chains fall short.
Growth: Regular spots at beloved coffee shops, electric community spaces, markets, and podcasts.
Selection: Strange, beautifully designed books; indie children’s picks; artist‑driven bookmarks; local zines.
Location Strategy: Places with creative energy, accessible setup, community alignment, and flexibility.

 

Why It Matters

 

Piebald Shark Books isn’t just a cart, it’s a roaming literary sanctuary. It merges design, storytelling, and community in a way that transforms ordinary moments into adventures in discovery. It’s a mobile gallery, a curated boutique, and a neighborhood fixture with an indie‑charm all its own.

 

Call to the Community

 

For readers: Visit their next pop‑up and experience the joy of discovery in person. Follow them on Instagram to track upcoming locations.

For local businesses: Interested in hosting a pop‑up or collaborating with a community‑focused indie bookstore? Reach out via email at nick@piebaldsharkbooks.com to start a conversation.