Friendly staff and an amazing selection of books in such a small space. Excited for their expansion into the space next door!

Beautiful well stocked neighborhood book store! Great selection. Attended an author visit that was fun too!

Very impressed with this local bookstore. They have such a large selection for a smaller sized store! I was able to find the books I have been searching for that were out all over town. The price I paid for the books was exactly the same amount I'd pay at a Barnes and noble or other big box store like Target. The staff was very friendly and the general vibe of the store is cozy and welcoming. I will definitely be going back to explore more!! read more

So much enjoyed meeting author, Where he left me. Nicole was so down to earth, and I learned some things about how the book was made, and the alternative titles and covers that she wanted to use, but she doesn't have the choice. Very nice bookstore. Really a cozy place. Thanks for the experience. read more

The place is a bit hard to find for first-timers; the sign doesn't clearly say 'Books' - from the street, in a car, you can only see like O-K. We ended up parking by Ace Hardware, across from the yoga studio. I couldn't find the poetry section & think they could make the section names bigger or easier to see. Didn't find any books I wanted here... Very weird. I think they're really more focused on recently published books. read more

See all

Beaverdale Books has been one of those places I've passed by and said "I really need to stop by there" for way too long. Don't make the same mistake I did and wait so long!!! It is truly a hidden gem of Des Moines. They carry many genres of books to appeal to all groups, but by the looks of things they also rotate new material in regularly. They had a great selection of feminist authors as well as poetry and some non fiction I went in specifically to get; the selection goes on and on, though. They really do have something for everyone. If you're not sure what to get, just ask for a recommendation. The customer service is fantastic. I'm sure they would be happy to help you find your next perfect read. Next time you're in the Beaverdale square, grab your next book at Beaverdale Books and then walk over to Grounds for Celebration and grab a warm drink to start that book with! Seriously, stop in. It's a great little shop. Here's hoping every neighborhood bookstore is as cool as Beaverdale Books! read more

After stopping in at Back Country Outfitters, I wandered across the street to Beaverdale Books. It's a cozy and locally owned bookstore, with a nice selection and comfortable chairs to hang out and read. The person a the front desk was very friendly and helpful and was quick to offer an ordering option if they didn't have a particular book. The bookstore itself has an interesting mix of authors and topics. Iowa authors and themes are also featured. There are also periodic book reading/signings, a teacher discount program, and associated book clubs. read more

What else can I say about Beaverdale Books other than LOVE. When I go into a new bookstore, I have a test, and I search for particular authors. If they carry the majority of them, I know I've found a good one. And Beaverdale Books passed with flying colors! Plus, you can't beat that Beaverdale charm. They have a writer's group that meets the first Tuesday of every month to talk about writing, and tons of author readings and events. There's a great selection of books ranging from non-fiction to fiction to young adult to kids! It's also a great hub to find out what's happening in the Beaverdale community, as well as purchase your Beaverdale merchandise! I love this bookstore. 'Tis the season to shop local! read more

The staff are friendly, attentive, and always willing to order a book for you. I love shopping here!

Wonderful local bookstore. They will order any book if it's not in stock. Discount for book clubs. Friendly service and great recommendations. A must stop! read more

What a great local bookstore! It has such a great vibe & layout. I loved all the various recommendations. It was a great mix of books both on my list, as well as ones I had not heard of. There is also a great selection of local books too. read more

Great neighborhood book store. It's small but packs a lot into its space. Huge sections for local authors, which is nice, and a really big kids area packed with books you won't find elsewhere (bought a couple inspiring feminist books for kids that I'd only seen online before). Well worth the stop! read more

Very lovely little book store in Beaverdale with the best selection of Iowa authors you will find in the whole state! This is not a huge store, so you might not find that hard to find biography you are looking for, but the staff is always happy to help and or order something for you! Also great kids section of books if you are a parent or expecting! Long live the local independent book store! read more

This store is a treasure, tucked into a cute neighborhood. Even if they they don't have the books you are looking for, they will do almost anything to find it for you (and are really nice when they call with special orders). It's great to see a small, local business get out into the community at events too, I've seen them at the library when authors come through. The store has the perfect smell of new books when you walk in. A must-visit for book lovers big and small. read more

A couple years ago, my dad told me about a book he wanted to read. I couldn't find it anywhere. I just happened to be in the Beaverdale area, so I stopped in Beaverdale Books to check for it. The staff were super helpful and it took some time to find the book, but they had it! The staff are always really nice. Cannot recommend enough!!! read more

Beaverdale books is a great little bookstore. It's been awhile since I've been to a smaller bookstore and this one definitely has it's charm! It has that great book smell and its nice and quiet.-Don't get me wrong,I love places like Barnes&Noble who seem to always be playing The Beatles-but sometimes its nice to be able to browse books in silence without distraction. They have a great selection, a lot of new books, best sellers and of course the classics! The children's section was super cute with a plethora of choices and an adorable set up for kids to sit and read. I like that they also have a section of local authors and books about Iowa. The two people working greeted us when we walked in but didnt hover or pay too much attention to us after that. I didn't end up buying anything on this trip because I already have about 4 books that Im currently reading but I'm definitely going to go back and support this great local business! read more

See all

From the moment Catherine answered the phone I knew I had found the help I needed! I live in IL and had a friend unexpectedly admitted to a hospital in Des Moines... Not being able to get there or help in an expeditious way I wanted to send something to help bring a smile to his face and the way to do that was to get him the book(s) he was reading and had left behind back in IL. Catherine at Beaverdale Books was the most efficient, helpful, friendly person and went out of her way to make what I needed happen - she even offered to help deliver the books to my friend. I cannot thank you enough for all the help you gave me and I hope to someday stop in and thank you personally! Thank you Thank you Thank you ! Tara S. read more

Great selection- everything from beautiful board books for my 10 month old to interesting cookbooks and mystery thrillers. Most all best sellers available in store and if not they will order on the spot for you. The lady who works there (at least the one that's been there 3 times when I've come in) is helpful and informative and very nice. Good location right on beaver avenue. read more

I adore this bookstore. It's my favorite in Des Moines. I love the location and atmosphere. The staff is wonderful. The selection of books, including local authors and a huge children's section, is fantastic. They hold great events, including readings and story time. read more

Beaverdale Books is celebrating it's 8th anniversary in 2014! It is truly a hidden gem of Des Moines. If you love poetry, essays, memoirs, fiction, and nonfiction by Iowa writers, this is the place to come. They stock an amazing array of poetry! Just when I thought Amazon.com and Barnes & Nobles were taking over the planet, here is an independent bookstore to support right here in town! See......not everything is located in West Des Moines or Waukee! read more

Moved to Des Moines about 16 months ago, and realized I somehow managed to lose the first 6 Harry Potter books. I called the shop and they said they had them, put them to the side for me and I was able to pick them up a few minutes later. I walked in and was thrilled to see such a cute bookstore. The owner was so sweet. I will definitely be back! read more