There is just something about going into independent bookstores that feels like taking a step into…read morethe past. This was definitely the case when I stepped into Prairie Lights Books. I was in town visiting campus and needed to bring something back for my kids. A friend recommended the store so I walked the couple blocks over from my hotel to check it out. A lot of bookstores neglect books for kids. To my amazement the entire lower level of the shop was for kids. It was fantastic. I walked around for a good 30 minutes checking out what they had to offer. The upstairs has more traditional selection of books. I was in a hurry so I didn't have time to check it out. It was a place though you could easily get lost just browsing the shelves. Looking at some of the reviews I somehow totally missed that there was a cafe attached as well! I'll have to check that out the next time I'm in Iowa City.

I love visiting independent bookstores when we travel. There's no better way to get a feel for the…read morecommunity. I loved how the store was laid out. All staff was very helpful, even some staff members that weren't on the clock. I saw a lot of books I had not seen on shelves before. There was a great selection even though this isn't a giant store. Seek this place out if you're in downtown Iowa City. (Cafe area looked cool... just didn't have time to explore everything...but did buy books!)

This is a great bookstore. They have lots of beautiful books and lots of book accoutrements. If I…read morewasn't flying home in three hours, there were lot of books i'd like there. It's a very cool place.

I don't know how I've never gotten around to reviewing my hand down FAVORITE bookstore in town but…read morehere I am. Support this gem of hidden literary treasures! The owners are the sweetest people, the cats are adorable, and they have a vast and diverse selection of reads for a fraction of the cost. Used books in fabulous condition - not to mention all types of bookish gifts, toys, and tarot cards. Can't say enough - it wouldn't be Iowa City without Haunted!

Jeff is a SERIOUS book connoisseur. He goes above & beyond to match unique finds with the right…read moreowners. Recommend 1000%.

This is one of my favorite book stores, and I've visited a lot. The owner Jeff was concise and…read morewelcoming during my visit. He has a wide range of books, some hard to find elsewhere, and very reasonable pricing. For anyone who likes reading, games and also children's books, I would highly recommend a visit!

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

Sidekick is such a neat space! They have a great selection of books and tons of fun events. Their…read morecoffee and cocktails are spot on. Staff are fun, energetic, and engaging. A must see for book lovers!

A great spot for studying, meeting up with people, or just enjoying a nice cup of coffee. Wonderful…read moreatmosphere with plenty of books to browse.

Love this store! I ended up starting the passport book tour here with my bestie!…read more The drinks are absolutely wonderful and staff had us laughing. This is a used bookstore that is very reasonably prices at $3 for paperbacks and $5 for hardbacks with a few other prices in between. They do game nights and have board games spread throughout the store. I really enjoyed having D20 die to figure out a drink because I happen to be very indecisive when there are lots of choices. We ended up a red wedding (17) and a stygian jungle night (18). Both were really good and my friend and I cannot wait to stop at this store again when we are back in town!

My granddaughter and I stopped and had a drink. Service was great! Drinks were VERY reasonable…read moreand delicious. Great place to stop and visit!

Nice to visit an actual bookstore once in awhile in these times of laptops, iPads and Kindles. This…read moreis a large and comfortable store attached to the coralville Mall. Not much more to say except I liked it.

During the pandemic I had a gift card to use and really wanted to purchase Trevor Noah's Born a…read moreCrime. SO... I hopped on www.barnesandnoble.com. Selected aforementioned book. Chose the 'Buy Online, Pick Up in Store' option. Paid for it (via gift card). BOOM. I was notified via email when it was ready mere hours later. While I believe this location does indeed have curbside pickup, I popped on my mask and went to the first register. Told them my name and showed them my ID while having my email ready to show, just in case. In and out. No problems! I adore that you can see in-store availability when you're searching for books online. It makes life much easier. All in all, I had a solid experience. I'd prefer to buy local but what can you do when you have a gift card? Amiright? (ALSO, the book is a great read. Get it today!)

This is the first place I visit when I am in need of a book. Over the years, I have purchased books…read moreof many different genres from this independently-owned bookstore, novels ranging from popular fiction, historic fiction, mystery, fantasy, classics, romance, young adult, parenting books and children books. They sometime carry newer books, but the majority of their selection is used books. Therefore, their selection is largely dependent on what people bring in to sell. However, when they have the book I am look for or have been wanting to read it feels like I won the lottery. They can also order a copy of most books they don't have in stock. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I usually talk with the owner for 10 minutes every time I pop in, either about books he recommends or what I have recently read. I am particular fond of their two sweet dogs that are usually "working". I find the prices reasonable compared to other used bookstores. I also enjoy selling back my more popular books to them so I can get in-store credit for my next read and someone else can enjoy the book. I recommend checking out this bookstore.

Great inventory and very helpful staff. I wish this store was in my town!…read more They had a little bit of everything, but a lot of classic sci-fi and mysteries.

My favorite thing when I have time to kill downtown is walk past Iowa Book and window shop. They…read morehave the best corner in Iowa City where they showcase a wide variety of items. Locally owned, the shop boasts one of the largest selections of Hawkeye apparel and gifts downtown. As an Iowa City native, growing up my mom would frequently refer to it as Iowa Book & Crook-- their apparel is a bit overpriced, however they do offer a wide variety. The store, aptly named Iowa BOOK, does feature a large selection of books-- ranging from signed copies, textbooks to typical fiction/nonfiction reads. Their selection of office supplies is just what a student stopping in may need. (Students also probably appreciate that they do buy back books for cash, as well.) As a mom, I love their kid section downstairs with super cute Hawkeye apparel as well as knick knacks and toys you won't find anywhere else. Their Hawkeye gift selection is robust ranging from blankets to auto accessories, backpacks, frames, pet accessories, holiday decor, wallets-- the list goes on and on. If you want to find a Black and Gold treasure for that special someone, but don't know what to get-- just stop in and take a look. You'll for sure find SOMETHING.

Doug that works here is a poor excuse for a customer service representative. I was there on 9/4/26…read morewith my wife and daughter. I selected a sweatshirt off the rack and pulled it over my shirt on the sales floor to see if it would fit. after removing the sweatshirt shirt I mistakenly left the hanger on the rack and went to pay for the item. Doug said " Was there a hanger with this?" My wife responded that we must have left it on the rack. Doug got upset with her and with a very condescending voice and attitude said something along the lines of I guess I will go get it myself. I am assuming that this guy is the store manager but maybe wrong. On the website it lists the store manager as being Doug S. I understand that everyone has a bad day, but there is more. Upon getting to the store my daughter said that is the guy. She previously had a run in with the same guy. Earlier in the year she ordered text books online and thought she ordered them from Iowa Book. She went to the store to get them and Doug couldn't find the order. My daughter showed him the order confirmation and it was from the IMU instead. Whoops. Doug treated my daughter bad and made her feel like she was an idiot. This guy is a menace and should not be customer facing. If he treats customers like this imagine how he treats his employees. DO BETTER DOUG AND DONT PICK ON WOMEN! I went to the rack upon leaving and gathered the hanger, carried it back to Doug. I put it in his hand and shook my head. We will not be back as long as Doug is there and will definitely share our opinions with others.

Cute, clean store. It's nice to find a place to purchase a used book with little wear. I found the…read moreemployees to be very helpful and kind. Keeping in mind it is a used store so the selection can be limited, I thought they had many books and authors to choose from. They also carry games, puzzles, CDs and records.

My review is as a Seller but as you have to wait while they make you and offer, I've browsed the…read moreinventory and seen the prices. All in all it is the same problem that has ruined "thrifting." Cheaper than new - obviously. But a new book at $12.99 is selling for like $8.99. Better to shop goodwill bins as books are some of the last affordable things at thrift stores. As a seller I took $70 for a collection of about 200 quality dvds. sold individually on eBay or Amazon if I had the time probably $500-1000. Same with the books. I have gotten $50 for a case of 100/150 best selling hardbacks. You never know as one time I brought in quality mint condition coffee table books - my offer for the lot of 50... $2. So I don't know what the deal is but the worst thing is they don't return your books. Some they take and will throw away or donate because the don't want to offend. I wish I had the option to take the books they knew they were gonna trash. All in all, they are only game in town u nless you want to do this full time. And I see them taking advantage. But that's our America. Read they are private family owned. Interesting.