15 best indie bookstores in Iowa

Check out these independent bookstores in Iowa where you can cozy up and find your next great read. 

Stepping into an indie bookstore is like stepping into a home away from home. These havens of literature are welcoming, quirky, and beloved by regular patrons and visitors alike. Luckily for book-loving Iowans, there’s a whole host of wonderful independent bookstores to pop into in every corner of the state. We’ve come up with a whopping 15 bookstores to check out across Iowa, but that’s just scratching the surface. Check out our list below and then hop over to see all the bookstores on the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour, which officially kicks off on July 1. In the meantime, happy book-browsing and reading! 

1. Swamp Fox Bookstore 

Swamp Fox Bookstore is located just on the edge of the Uptown Marion core. Opened in July of 2020, this little bookstore quickly became a champion of community support and brings in a wide range of authors for readings and special events (often partnering with the Marion Public Library which is just down the street.) They have expanded their storefront space three different times. They excel at providing customized book recommendations (they have a combined 40 years in the bookselling business), are a safe and welcoming store, and delight in talking with every customer that comes through the door and hosting book club or seasonal book preview events.

Location: 1375 7th Ave., Suite A, Marion 

Phone: (319) 249-2064

Swamp Fox Bookstore in Marion welcomes readers of all ages and genres. (Terri M. LeBlanc and Swamp Fox Bookstore)

2. The Nook 

The Nook is one of the newer bookstores on the list. Opened in 2023, this bookstore is located right in the middle of Main Street in Cedar Falls, nestled among other great small businesses and restaurants. This bookstore offers books for adults, young adults, and children. They also carry bookish and non-bookish merchandise such as candles, greeting cards, stickers, bookmarks, games and activities, tote bags, stationery items, and more. They host a variety of book clubs that are helping build community among area readers. Their mission is to create a cozy environment where readers can gather, converse, and find new books. The store also has a delightful cafe, encouraging shoppers to sit, sip and stay awhile. 

Location: 216 Main St., Cedar Falls

Phone: (319) 269-2896

Located in the Downtown District of Cedar Falls, The Nook is a bookstore cafe. (The Nook)

3. Prairie Lights Books

Of course, being a UNESCO City of Literature, Iowa City is home to several wonderful bookstores. Prairie Lights Books is perhaps best known as a longstanding community hub of literature. The store first opened in May of 1978 and has been bringing readers and authors together ever since. It has a robust lineup of visiting authors, thanks in part to alumni of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop who return to promote their latest books. Now covering three stories and including a cafe on the second floor, Prairie Lights is a must-visit for lovers of literature. 

Location: 15 S. Dubuque St., Iowa City 

Phone: (319) 337-2681

Prairie Lights Books is a hallmark of the literature landscape of Iowa City. (Prairie Lights Books)

4. Beaverdale Books

The Des Moines area also has a great selection of independent bookstores to visit. Beaverdale Books has been a mainstay since opening in 2006. It sells new books in all genres as well as literary-themed sidelines, greeting cards, and merchandise from the Beaverdale Neighborhood Association. The bookstore also touts its expansive “Iowa author” section, featuring more than 500 authors from around the state. The venue hosts book clubs, writing groups, and book events all throughout the year. It also welcomes special orders and requests for assistance from its book-selling team. 

Location: 2629 Beaver Ave., Suite 1, Des Moines 

Phone: (515) 279-5400

Beaverdale Books in Des Moines truly exudes a neighborhood vibe. (Beaverdale Books)

5. River Lights Bookstore 

When in the river city of Dubuque, stop by River Lights Bookstore. Opened in 2007, this bookstore is located right on Main Street in historic downtown Dubuque. The building housing it dates back to the 1880s so it has an antique air when you enter. River Lights Bookstore is also spacious and welcoming, featuring books for readers of all ages. Its mission is centered around community, connectedness, and culture, which is evident when you stop in to shop for your next great read.

Location: 1098 Main St., Dubuque

Phone: (563) 556-4391

River Lights Bookstore is located on Main Street in Dubuque. (River Lights Bookstore)

6. Paper Moon 

When you are looking for a bit of whimsy, stop by Paper Moon in another river town, McGregor. The front window reads, “Come in! We’re awesome!” so you know you are in for a treat when you step through the front door. There are usually store kitties roaming about or napping in a cozy corner. Paper Moon is part bookstore and part gift shop, so you are sure to find something to entertain you and make you smile. The ground floor hosts a unique array of gifts, including jewelry, a hand-picked line of cards and postcards, toiletries, household accessories, and tons of bizarre and fun stuff. The second-level balcony holds an array of new books and handmade housewares. The third floor is dedicated to children’s books and toys. The store first opened in 1994 and is housed in a historic and renovated 1860s building that added solar power in 2009. 

Location: 206 A St., McGregor

Phone: (563) 500-1994

Located just a block from the Mississippi River, Paper Moon features books and gifts. (Paper Moon)

7. Book Vault 

It’s not often you can shop in an actual vault, but if you visit Book Vault in Oskaloosa, you can do just that. Housed in a former bank building, this independent bookstore is a particularly beautiful place to shop for your next book. The historic lighting, railings, and stained glass ceiling are works of art. The top-notch book selection offers everything from children’s books to adult reads in both fiction and nonfiction. The shop also hosts a variety of book readings and events, as well as cooking demonstrations. 

Location: 105 S. Market St., Oskaloosa

Phone: (641) 676-1777

A visit to Book Vault in Oskaloosa allows you to appreciate a historic building as well. (Book Vault)

8. Three Bells Books 

Three Bells Books in Mason City proves that wonderful things can come in small packages. Located in the charming and historic downtown area, this little bookstore packs a lot into a small space, offering a quaint but lovely book-shopping experience. It manages to pack in more than 1,000 books. Plus, there’s a fun selection of bookish gifts and a cozy bar featuring wine, beer, and soft drinks. As with many of the bookstores on this list, the staff loves to make recommendations, so don’t hesitate to chat them up when you stop in.

Location: 14 S. Commercial Alley, Mason City

9. Dog Eared Books 

A favorite in Ames, right in the heart of Main Street, is Dog Eared Books. This bookstore and cafe offers a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of the latest releases. There are adorable dog-inspired touches throughout the store, including an adorable little dog house nook for little kids to paw into and read. Plus, there’s an upstairs loft complete with a fireplace that’s perfect for sitting down to dig into your next great read. Being located in a university town, the store is always buzzing with activity and hosts a great variety of author and writing-related events for readers of all ages. 

Location: 203 Main St., Ames

Phone: (515) 598-7508

The staff at Dog Eared Books in Ames reminds readers that books are meant to be loved. (Dog Eared Books)

10. Prologue Books and Wine

Prologue Books and Wine in Charles City pairs up two classics: books and wine. Book shoppers are invited to order up a glass of their favorite red or white while sipping and browsing the shelves. The owner sought to create a store that offered an inviting space for creative minds to read, study, discuss, write, relax, and enjoy themselves. You can shop for books and gifts as well as wine by the bottle. Like so many of the other bookstores on our list, it is located right in the heart of downtown. And true to its name, this bookstore hosts both book clubs and a wine club, as well as other tasting events throughout the year. 

Location: 213 N Main St., Charles City

Phone: (641) 220-8567

Prologue Books and Wine in Charles City is a great spot to grab a glass of wine and shop for your next great read. (Prologue Books and Wine)

11. Pageturners Bookstore 

Pageturners Bookstore opened its doors in 2014 and has been serving the Indianola community ever since. It sells adult and children’s books in new and used editions. Located right on the square in downtown, this indie bookstore loves being next to Savor the Rise, a delightful bakery and cafe. Its welcoming environment is evident when you walk through the door and are greeted by staff, who also happen to love providing recommendations. 

Location: 101 S Salem Ave., Indianola

Phone: (515) 961-0391

Indianola’s Pageturners Bookstore first opened in 2014. (Pageturners)

12. The Green Dragon Bookshop

The owner of The Green Dragon Bookshop in Fort Dodge grew up surrounded by books, which is evident the moment you walk into this cozy and eclectic bookstore. Opened during the pandemic, the store offers a curated selection of science fiction, fantasy, and horror books for readers of all ages. The atmosphere is truly magical, and you can sense it as soon as you walk in. Who doesn’t love a bookstore full of plants that transport you to a fantasy world? However, the staff celebrates all types of reading and is happy to special order books for readers interested in other genres.  

Location: 9 N. 11th St., Fort Dodge

Phone: (515) 230-2663

The Green Dragon Bookshop in Fort Dodge is part of the Iowa Indie Bookstore Tour, which is organized state-wide by the store’s owner. (The Green Dragon Bookshop)

13. The Book Vine 

The Book Vine opened in 2007 in Cherokee. This independent bookstore makes its home in the historic downtown in a building that is more than 130 years old. Stepping inside, you’ll feel like you’re browsing for books in an old-world European shop. It offers a wide variety of books but focuses on bestsellers, kids’ books, local authors, and classics. The mezzanine level is particularly cool, serving as a reading and writing space with 15-foot tin ceilings, a fireplace, and prominent bookcases throughout. You’ll definitely want to hang out for a while. The shop offers book readings, clubs, and even poetry open mic nights. Plus, The Book Vine has a wine room, showcasing some 120 varieties at any given time. Grab a glass to sip and stay for a while at The Book Vine. 

Location: 204 W. Main St., Cherokee

Phone: (712) 225-2445

The Book Vine opened in 2007 in Cherokee. (The Book Vine)

14. Hedgie’s Books, Toys and More

There’s something special about setting foot inside a children’s store filled with picture books and toys. Hedgie’s Books, Toys & More in Bedford delivers on that special shopping experience. Book lovers and toy enthusiasts of all ages are invited to explore their offerings, including children’s books and nostalgic toys to engage young minds. Of course, they have a little something for the grown-ups, too, including a selection of baking mixes, wines, chocolates, and more. There are books for grown-ups nestled in the back of the store as well. 

Location: 416 Main St., Bedford

Phone: (712) 523-2371

This sweet book and toy store is a whimsical store for kids and the young at heart in Bedford. (Hedgies)

15. The Latest Edition Bookstore

The Latest Edition Bookstore opened in Creston with the hopes of bringing the “third place perspective” back to small-town shopping. Its website encourages shoppers to come in to “browse for their next favorite book, sip on coffee or wine, relax on the couch, sit at the window seat, chat with a friend, listen to music, or watch your children play.” That’s when you know it’s more than just a place to buy a book. The Latest Edition Bookstore has created a very welcoming and chill vibe in their shop for locals and visitors. The store also has a wine club for community members to join and several genre-specific book clubs. 

Location: 210 N Maple St., Creston

Phone: (641) 347-2684

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.