Get Booked: A Complete Guide to Iowa's Independent Bookstores

The Nook, Cedar Falls 

On Main Street Cedar Falls, The Nook pairs a thoughtfully curated collection of books, gifts and merch while the connected Reader’s Cup serves locally roasted coffee and sweet treats. Both businesses are owned by the same family and together, they create a cozy, story-filled escape.

Prairie Lights Bookstore, Iowa City 

Spread across three-and-a-half stories and complete with a second-floor café, Prairie Lights Bookstore has been an Iowa City literary staple since 1978. Grab a thoughtfully named cup of coffee and lose yourself among the tens of thousands of books and the constant hum of bookish conversation.

Reading in Public Bookstore + Café,  West Des Moines 

Tucked into the Historic Valley Junction, Reading in Public is a woman- and Asian-owned indie bookstore-café that’s beautifully designed with the community in mind. Its shelves are bursting with socially conscious books and titles in both English and Spanish, and the café brews delicious coffee and serves vegan treats and bagels. You’ll want to curl up with a book, coffee and pastry and never leave.

Sidekick Coffee & Books, Iowa City 

Blending comfy couches, honeycomb reading nooks, towering shelves, a full-service coffee bar and no Wi-Fi, Sidekick Coffee & Books makes all bookworms feel right at home. If coffee isn’t your style, they also serve ice cream treats from Dan & Debbie’s Creamery. Grab whatever satisfies your tastebuds, choose a book and settle into one of the nooks for a perfectly bookish escape in Iowa City.  

By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse, Bloomfield 

Picture yourself curled up in a comfy armchair, book in one hand and a specialty caffeinated beverage in the other. There’s no better way to let the world melt away. Make that a reality at By the Hearth Bookshop & Coffeehouse in Bloomfield, where timeless stories and bestsellers meet cozy café chats complete with your favorite coffees and pastries. 

The Brewed Book, Davenport 

Nestled in Davenport’s Hilltop neighborhood, The Brewed Book welcomes coffee lovers and bookworms alike. This charming spot offers a delightful menu featuring coffee, smoothies and pastries alongside an extensive selection of used books and a relaxing atmosphere.

Books and Bakery, Carroll 

Woman-owned and family operated, Books and Bakery is all about chronicles, coffee and the community of Carroll. They boast a curated selection of new and used books across a variety of genres plus a coffee bar that serves specialty Guatemalan brews with a strong focus on being as low waste as possible. 

The Corner, Mediapolis 

Part bookstore, coffee shop, tearoom and bakery, The Corner is the ultimate sweet escape in Mediapolis. Grab a delicious latte, organic tea, sourdough scone or even a slice of pie to enjoy while scanning the shelves packed with used books and goods from other small local businesses. 

Quest Haven Books & Comics, Winterset

Home to a diverse collection of books and comics, plus games and collectibles, Quest Haven Books is a, well, haven, for those seeking new adventures. Though they don’t serve coffee, they do serve “Hero Haven” drinks, which include their own super soda concoctions to add a refreshing twist to your visit to this Winterset gem. 

Paper Moon, McGregor 

Known for its whimsical charm and feline friends, Paper Moon is a delightful indie bookstore in McGregor. The shop’s resident cats Ruby, Popcorn and Pearl can often be found lounging among the collection of books, gifts and vintage finds, serenading visitors with soft purring while they browse.

Next Page Books, Cedar Rapids 

Step inside Next Page Books and you might just find yourself being greeted by Frank, a sleek black cat whose deemed the shop’s unofficial lead associate. He was rescued as a kitten and now works select days helping to create an inviting vibe that’s become the hallmark of the Cedar Rapids store, and is even featured in the beloved Frank’s Corner, which is filled with cat-themed books, mugs, cards and more. 

Dog-Eared Books, Ames 

A vibrant Ames Main Street and woman-owned store, Dog-Eared Books boasts over 10,000 titles plus exciting events that bring the book-loving community together. The real star, though, is the shop-dog-in-training Story, a golden retriever puppy whose working on her obedience skills so she can start greeting visitors with tail-wagging charm.  

Walls of Books, Ankeny 

Living up to its name, Walls of Books is a homey used-and-new bookstore in Ankeny that’s practically bursting at the seams with every genre imaginable. Savor a lazy afternoon browsing the shelves, trading in your old reads for new adventures and giving Isa, the best bookstore dog, a well-deserved belly rub. 

The Haunted Bookshop, Iowa City 

Tucked inside a stunning Greek Revivalist home, the Haunted Bookshop features 10 cozy rooms packed with over 40,000 used books across every genre imaginable. The beloved shop cats Aeschylus and Sophocles (nicknamed Esk and Sophie) add even more charm to the Iowa City shop. Please also note that the shop asks its visitors to wear masks. 

The BookWorm Bookstore & More, Bellevue 

A warmly curated haven of books, gifts, toys, puzzles and even handcrafted jewelry, The BookWorm is owned and operated by a passionate Bellevue local, who ensures the store is open almost every day of the year. Be sure to say hello to the resident Boston Terrier Brodie, who will gladly show you around the shelves.

Prologue Books & Wine, Charles City

A one-of-a-kind, woman-owned bookstore, Prologue invites you lose yourself among the shelves while sipping quality wines. The Charles City shop also has a dedicated play space and reading nook for kids, making it a welcoming spot for all ages to read and unwind.

Three Bells Books, Mason City

Book browsing feels like happy hour at Three Bells Books, where you can enjoy a glass of wine, beer or a soft drink while browsing the shelves. The community-focused indie bookstore boasts over 4,000 titles across genres, plus fun gifts, candy and cards, making it a must-stop in Mason City.

Century Farm Books & Brews, Perry

Sometimes referred to as a bookstore-meets-taproom, Books & Brews offers a hand-picked selection of fiction and non-fiction books plus craft beers, wine and literary cocktails and mocktails. And their packed events calendar and resident cats make this Perry bookstore even more visit-worthy.

The Black Rose, West Branch

Step inside this “boozy bookstore” to discover a beautiful blend of literature, libations and architecture in West Branch. Peruse its collection of diverse, fantastic titles and merch while sipping on a craft cocktail and admiring vintage lights and stunning fireplaces. Be sure to come back for the exciting events lineup at The Black Rose.

Night Owl Books, Humboldt

Located in the heart of downtown Humboldt, Night Owl Books blends new and used titles with board games, Dungeons & Dragons-related merchandise and even rotating craft beers from breweries across the state. For non-beer drinkers, they also offer wines, sodas and coffee to enjoy while you browse.

Volume J, Algona

Nestled inside Algona’s historic train depot, Volume J combines the owner’s love of books with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Find a new book, enjoy a mimosa, Bloody Mary, glass of wine or non-alcoholic beverage, then choose one of the many cozy reading spots for a dreamy afternoon outing.

The Latest Edition Bookstore, Creston

Find your next favorite read and even a new favorite wine at The Latest Edition. Make a selection from the endless shelves and curate wine collection, then curl up in the comfy chairs, chat with fellow book lovers or catch an exciting event for the ultimate bookstore visit in Creston.

Hedgie’s Books, Toys & More, Bedford

Located on the brick streets of Bedford’s charming historic district, this delightful shop boasts much more than books for all ages. The shelves at Hedgie's are also packed with educational toys and games the whole family can enjoy, plus food mixes and Iowa wines, making it a must-visit shopping destination.

Book People, Sioux City

Locally owned, Book People has been a cherished community staple since 1977. This cozy Sioux City shop offers a thoughtful collection of new books for all ages as well as children’s toys, puzzles, gifts, greeting cards and stationery, plus friendly staff that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Burlington By the Book, Burlington

Discover a cozy hideaway where every visit feels like a treasure hunt. Burlington By the Book features shelves stacked with titles for all ages, including local and regional favorites, plus games, puzzles, toys and unique gifts you didn’t know you needed.

The Book Shoppe, Boone

Get lost inside Boone's endless Book Shoppe, which boasts over 45,000 new and used books, puzzles, games, coloring books, literary socks and whimsical gifts for book lovers of all ages. If you get too lost, just ask the friendly staff for a book recommendation or a point in the right direction.

Book Vault, Oskaloosa

Housed inside Oskaloosa's beautifully restored 1892 bank, the Book Vault encourages every visitor to wander among its vaulted ceilings, marble walls, stained glass skylights and wood floors. You can even step inside the building’s original bank vaults, which have been transformed into genre-specific book nooks.
 

The Green Dragon Bookshop, Fort Dodge

A small but wonderous store, the Green Dragon Bookshop specializes in fantasy, sci-fi, horror, mystery and romance stories for readers of all ages. The Fort Dodge shop's floor-to-ceiling shelves are packed with endless new and used titles, plus plants and whimsical trinkets like fantasy-themed candles, 3D-printed dragons, collectibles and more.
 

Bent Oak Books, Fort Madison

Tucked into a charming 1883 brick building in Fort Madison and featuring tin ceilings, inviting chairs and well-loved shelves, Bent Oak Books feels less like a store and more like an intimate reading lounge. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, browse the new and used titles, games and gift items then pick a spot to enjoy your next read or some quiet company.
 

Wren & Purl, Mount Vernon

Every visit to Wren & Purl feels like a warm hug. This bright and welcoming shop merges two cozy hobbies – reading and crafting – through its collection of yarns, books, kits and notions. Whether you’re searching for your next read, project or simply inspiration, this is the place where creativity blooms.
 

The Book Vine, Cherokee

With 15-foot-tall tin ceilings, a cozy fireplace and a mezzanine reading area, stepping into the Book Vine in Cherokee is like entering the literary living room of your dreams. Peruse the lively selection of bestsellers, kids’ books, Iowa authors, classics and gifts, plus wines from around the world. For the ultimate bookish weekend getaway, book the Library Loft Airbnb next door.