History of SQecial Media

SQecial Media was founded by David Adams in early 1972 in Lexington, Kentucky. We have been "your best alternative for the important, interesting, and hard-to-find" for over fifty years!

Now owned by Mary Morgan, who has managed the day-to-day operations of the store since 1977, SQecial Media is committed to providing a breadth and variety of objects and materials that you don't see in an average brick and mortar business. Whether you're seeking a guide to Buddhism, a statue of Hecate, a pack of incense, or a fun little kitchen gadget, we try to represent a broad variety of traditions and perspectives, with an emphasis on providing a safe space for people to shop -- and simply exist.

We've hosted a variety of community events over the years. and every year we sponsor and curate the Rosa Goddard International Film Festival at the Kentucky Theater. Our in-store events are rare due to space constraints, but if you'd like to be updated about the occasional poetry reading or one-day sale, please leave your email address in "join our mailing list" at the bottom of this page (or follow us on social media).

You can hear more about the store's history in "the docQmentary," a lovely short film by Maggie Star!