The best book store in Iowa, and one of the best in the nation, combining awesome architecture, a…read moregreat inventory, phenomenal awareness, and a wonderfully unique vibe. An elite level of customer service is always present. Led by their manager, Linda, this place is really special if you're a book lover, but it's also a terrific visit if you enjoy writing or Journaling, or if you are a Connoisseur of architecture. Great value abounds, and it just rocks.

This is the most incredible book store ever! I absolutely LOVE the architecture of this building…read moreand the gorgeous (original!) visible bank vault doors--vaults they turned into book sections (one is a crime book section... I love that!) They have a fab cooking section and an adorable kids section upstairs with seating and perfect ambiance. Amazing book selection throughout the very large store. It also connects to a very cute restaurant, that I will be trying next time! It's honestly so much better than even the best "big box" book store! The prices are exactly the same, so why NOT shop where you will also have an amazing experience?!? And support a local small business! One more HUGE plus: there was ZERO Trump/MAGA propaganda sold here. NONE! This deliberate choice to lose a few sales rather than sell poison to their community is...priceless. That's the difference between small businesses and corporations. They CARE! They also feature books which have just been tragically banned, like Maya Angelou & various diverse/inclusive genres. I have a renewed faith in Americans today thanks to this Iowa bookstore, or Book Vault i should say Im already planning to go back with my whole family. You should too. Worth the drive!

Service here was pretty sad. The employee did not greet customers and provided poor interaction…read more She wasn't paying attention and also took forever to check us out. Book prices are amazing here, though. I have trouble understanding how they stay open with prices so cheap. If you don't care about customer service and want cheap books, I'd recommend book warehouse.

I was really excited to see Book Warehouse in the Outlets of Des Moines. The store is fairly large…read moreand has a lot of good books. However, I did not see any any newly released books though. A lot of the books were 60% off and because I had a coupon for the store I was also able to get an additional 20% off one item. I purchased a book that was retailed at $27.99 and after all the discounts it ended up being less than $10. What a great price! Much cheaper than Amazon too! Service was fast and friendly here. I'd definitely recommend any book lover to check this place out.

For a book lover, this is a slice of Heaven. We stopped in for a gift and ended up buying a large…read morebag full of gifts for ourselves!! Alfred, the owner, is remarkably knowledgable and very helpful in finding what you are looking for. He has some rare, collectibles and a wide variety to suit all tastes. We will be back again!

The owner is extremely pleasant (despite the one unfavorable review of him on here), personable,…read moreand overall a good guy to talk to. He has a strong knowledge of books ranging from non-fiction topics such as baseball or theology to his fiction and children's books. If you're looking for something, it's a good chance he knows about it, and a decent chance be has it. The store is extremely cluttered, and frankly, if he does have a book you ask for, I'm not confident he could find it in a timely manner. Just boxes upon boxes of books everywhere. It's extremely overwhelming. His prices aren't the best, either. While he's not gouging you, many books I've picked up aren't in good enough shape to justify selling at a "like new" pricepoint (where most his prices tend to lie). There's certainly not a better bookshop in the area, and he's got the options. I just wish he'd clean it up.

I think in all of the IA Indie Bookshop Tour, I spent the longest time in this shop. There was so…read moremuch to look at, a cozy loft to just chill for a minute and try to narrow down my selection to 2 books - which ended up being 4... They have a wall of pre-loved books in great condition for great value and I also found a graphic novel I've only been able to find on Amazon. I am so glad I was able to find it and support an independently owned bookshop with it's purchase. I was next to tears by how many families with kids were in visiting the book shop, and carrying books the little ones picked out. Plus, the little reader nook in there is adorable. Also, something that really warmed my heart is the all gender private bathrooms (at least the one I went into) had a changing station and lots of room. Great coffee, good vibes and a great time. Can't wait to visit again!

Passing through to Des Moines, we stopped at Dog Eared Books. What a lovely shop! The exterior is…read moreso fun and welcoming and the inside is just the same. We were warmly welcomed by the staff. They have a great selection of books, including a shelf of previously loved with discounted prices. They have a great variety of merch too. Stickers, socks, t-shirts, etc. I will visit anytime I am down that way.

I always enjoy visiting this little shop in the East Village…read more They offer a wide variety of books unlike so many stores that simply carry current bestsellers. While the prices are not discounted, I am willling to pay them because the staff makes great recommendations and the store carried some edgier writing that I can't find everywhere.

I popped in here with my sister for the Iowa Indie Bookshop Tour and this is definitely one of my…read moretop 5 favorite shops. It was a very chill and calming shop in the middle of the East Village. The table in the front had so many books I'd never seen before and it was hard to choose one book to bring home with me, so I had to choose two! It's hard to put into words but I really felt recharged when I was in there. Can't wait to visit again!

Selection? Unmatched! Quite literally walls of books! Just when you think you've browsed every…read moreisle, there are little hidden rooms with more books. They've got every genre & even an entire section for the little's. The little lounge area and table with chairs is quaint. Finding this place was worth it & we will be back! They'll even take your used books for credit. Everyone who worked there was very helpful!

It was nice to find a terrific Ankeny bookstore on a recent weekend. Walls of Books combines book…read moreknowledge, comfort, selection, solid pricing, and atmosphere in its venue. Plus, they have Isa (pronounced "E-sah"), the German Shepherd, one of the sweetest and friendliest dogs of all time who wanders the front of the store, greeting customers! I appreciated their selection of new and used book options, and I enjoyed interacting with kind and helpful staffers. I also loved their layout. I plan on returning frequently and will enjoy hanging with Isa!

The absolute best indie bookstore I've ever visited. The owner is kind, funny, and has so many good…read morerecommendations. The selection is incredible given the size of the store, and we found books for ourselves, our teenager, and as gifts. They host book clubs and other events and you can't beat the location in Newbo. I have saved the best for last: there's a bookstore cat! When I went in a few weeks ago, I picked up a book called "The Rabbit Hutch" just to see what it was about. The owner told me a little about it, said he enjoyed it, and recommended it. His recommendation was so compelling that others shopping in the store also grabbed the book! He was so kind and appreciative to everyone who bought books and the best part is ... the book is just as described and a great pick! It wasn't a generic recommendation and his love of reading shows. Prices are reasonable - books cost what they cost. The store has lots of cute gifts as well, especially for pet people, books people, and candle lovers!

Love coming here! A cute selection of books and friendly owner. The ambiance inside is very…read morewelcoming. Highly recommend

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

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