I’ve always been a big reader. As a traveler, one of my favorite places to seek out when visiting a new place is an independent bookstore. Even while exploring my home state, I love finding the places that are havens for book lovers. And luckily for us, there are lots of independent bookstores in Iowa.
Whether you love novels or feel more drawn to nonfiction, the Hawkeye state is full of bookish places. Plus, many of these wonderful local shops carrying my book Iowa Supper Clubs. The next time you’re in need of something new to read, check out one of these amazing Iowa independent bookstores.
Table of Contents
Independent Bookstores in Iowa
Beaverdale Books
Tucked in the heart of residential Des Moines, Beaverdale Books is a cozy refuge for anyone who loves books. Since I moved to Iowa, this shop has been one of my go-to places for both casual browsing and pre-ordering new books from my favorite authors.
Beaverdale Books, 2629 Beaver Avenue, #S1 in Des Moines, Iowa
Book People
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Opened in 1977, Book People is Sioux City’s only independent bookstore. In addition to a wide variety of books, the shop also carries children’s toys, games, gifts and more.
Book People, 2923 Hamilton Boulevard in Sioux City, Iowa
Brick Road Books
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There are lots of charming things to do in Winterset, including the iconic Bridges of Madison County. Now, you can add in a visit to Brick Road Books. This cozy indie bookstore has a wonderfully curated selection of books for readers of all ages.
Brick Road Books, 105 W. Court Avenue in Winterset, Iowa
Book Vault
The Book Vault in Oskaloosa is quite possibly one of Iowa’s most unique bookstores! Located in a historic 1892 bank, this cozy bookshop still has the building’s three original bank vaults, which are now brimming with books, games and more. This is an extra fun place to visit if you’re exploring Oskaloosa during the holidays.
Book Vault, 105 S. Market Street in Oskaloosa, Iowa
The Curiosity Shop
One of my favorite things to do in Pella, especially during the holiday season, is go shopping. Now, book lovers have a wonderful indie store to support through The Curiosity Shop. This beautifully decorated store is filled with books for readers of all ages as well as home decor, thoughtful gifts, games and so much more.
The Curiosity Shop, 622 Franklin Street in Pella, Iowa
Dog-Eared Books
One of Iowa’s newest indie bookstores is Dog-Eared Books in Ames. This charming Main Street shop is committed to growing and nurturing a community of readers in their community.
Dog-Eared Books, 203 Main Street in Ames, Iowa
Dragonfly Books
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No visit to Decorah is complete without a stop at Dragonfly Books! This sweet shop is full of incredible books for readers of all ages and always has the most unique seasonal displays. Dragonfly Books also has a wonderful selection of books by Iowa born and based authors.
Dragonfly Books, 112 W. Water Street in Decorah, Iowa
Green Dragon Bookshop
Calling all fantasy lovers: you need to plan a visit to The Green Dragon Bookshop in Fort Dodge. This small shop focuses solely on science, fantasy and horror fiction for all ages. Even if that’s not your typical genre, this charming shop is forth a visit and has tons of recommendations that are sure to surprise and delight.
The Green Dragon Bookshop, 9 N. 11th Street in Fort Dodge, Iowa
The Haunted Bookshop
Don’t let the name scare you off! The Haunted Bookshop is Iowa City’s oldest secondhand bookstore with more than 50,000 used books on just about every subject imaginable. Named after the Christopher Morley book of the same name, this cozy shop is located in a beautiful 1847 home and is also home to a number of sweet shop cats.
The Haunted Bookshop, 219 N. Gilbert Street in Iowa City, Iowa
Next Page Books
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Located just across the street from NewBo City Market, Next Page Books is a tiny shop full of gems. The bookshop staff always has amazing recommendations and a great variety of new titles mixed in with old favorites.
Next Page Books, 1105 Third Street SE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Pageturners Bookstore
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I first discovered Pageturners Bookstore earlier this year during a weekend breakfast road trip to Indianola. This indie bookstore is a delightful gem located just off the main square. Pageturners Bookstore sells a mix of new and used books for readers of all ages in addition to some truly delightful bookish gifts
Pageturners Bookstore, 101 E. Salem Avenue in Indianola, Iowa
Paper Moon
One block from the banks of the Mississippi River in McGregor’s historic downtown, Paper Moon is an indie bookstore and gift shop that is truly one of a kind. Brimming with wonderful books and quirky gifts for absolutely everyone, Paper Moon is one of my favorite Iowa shops to browse. And if the promise of books wasn’t enough, they have some truly adorable shop cats as well.
Paper Moon, 206 A Street in McGregor, Iowa
Plain Talk Books
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Located in Des Moines’ East Village, Plain Talk Books sells a curated selection of used books in a cozy cafe setting. In addition to ice cream and coffee drinks, Plain Talk Books has a delicious menu of (sometimes literary-inspired) sandwiches and paninis.
Plain Talk Books, 602 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa
Prairie Lights Books
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Located in the heart of downtown Iowa City, Prairie Lights Books is a book lovers’ paradise. In addition to its onsite cafe, Prairie Lights also hosts regular readings by traveling and local authors.
Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, 15 S. Dubuque Street in Iowa City, Iowa
Prologue Books & Wine
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If you’re an avid reader who also loves wine, Prologue Books & Wine in Charles City will be your happy place. Browse for your next read while enjoying wine by the glass or pick up a new novel along with a bottle of wine to enjoy at home.
Prologue Books & Wine, 213 North Main Street in Charles City, Iowa
River Lights Bookstore
I’m hardly exaggerating when I say that I could spend hours browsing at River Lights Bookstore. Located in downtown Dubuque, this independent bookstore has rooms of towering shelves packed with book. In addition to books for readers of all ages, River Lights has a great selection of gifts for your favorite book lover.
River Lights Bookstore, 1098 Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa
Sidekick Coffee & Books
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While the focus at Sidekick Coffee & Books was initially children’s books, this Iowa City shop has quickly expanded to cater to readers of all ages. As its name suggests, Sidekick pairs a carefully curated selection of books with a full cafe serving coffee drinks, bakery treats and more.
Sidekick Coffee & Books, 1310 1/2 Melrose Avenue in Iowa City, Iowa
The Soul Book Nook
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Opened in 2020, The Soul Book Nook is Iowa’s only black-owned bookstore. Located in Waterloo, the Soul Book Nook’s mission is “inspiring communities to heal through prints and publications that encompass all of us through literary works, storytelling, factual revelations, history and autobiographies of all people.” The shop sells a mix of new and used books and hosts a variety of community events.
The Soul Book Nook, 110 E 4th Street in Waterloo, Iowa
Storyhouse Bookpub
Learning that Storyhouse Bookpub was planning to open just blocks from our home in Des Moines was truly a pinch me moment! With a new brick and mortar location in Des Moines’ East Village, Storyhouse Bookpub is the dreamiest spot for book lovers. With a perfectly curated selection of new and gently used books, this amazing shop brings some of my favorite things about Des Moines together in one place.
Storyhouse Bookpub, 505 E. Grand Avenue, Suite #102, Des Moines, Iowa
Swamp Fox Bookstore
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Located in the Uptown Marion district, Swamp Fox Bookstore sells new books for readers of all ages. In addition to a wide variety of books, the shop also hosts author events and community-focused pop-ups with other small businesses.
Swamp Fox Bookstore, 809 6th Avenue #4 in Marion, Iowa
Share Your Thoughts
I would love to hear from you! What are your favorite independent bookstores in Iowa? Where do you find recommendations for new books?
We have been in the Paper Moon! It was a fabulous surprise during an Eastern Iowa road trip. My daughter loved the kitties!
It’s such a lovely shop! And the perfect road trip destination. Thanks so much for reading!