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!

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!

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!)

Small local bookstore with large selection of every genre. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly…read more I couldn't find a book I had been looking for and when I asked the gentleman at the counter he said "we should have that" and went directly to the book and got it for me. Books are reasonably priced.

I love this bookstore and the fact that it is literally around the corner from my apartment. The…read moreowners is extremely polite and one of the best salesmen around. One time I missed the shop hours and arrived 10 minutes after he closed, I called while he was still inside and he allowed me to make a purchase!! I have a rule when it comes to bookshops, I will always support my local bookstore before I go to a big name retailer, and I will not purchase books on Amazon or any other online store. I also am grateful that my local library is just a few blocks from me too.

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.

A beautiful display of stained glass (Ron Hall) in the front window caught my eye and I had stop in…read moreto check it out. I had no idea the store was even there. Lots of local art and reasonably priced! i bought a lovely Stick Pin and a stained glass garden ornament . Shop Local.

From the owner: With 25+ consignors and booths, Emporium is where you can find almost anything. Essential oils,…read moretea, coffee, jewelry, gifts, candles, chocolate, soaps, crafts, handmade goods, stained glass, vintage items, vinyl, books, collectibles and more!

It's always treasure hunting or adventure in shopping when you visit Artifacts. The inventory is…read morealways changing from antique from historical, vintage, Antique,, retro, to classic. You name it they probably have it or will have some time. From from toys, comics, furniture, tools, instruments of all kinds and types, jewelry, clothes.... The people who work there are friendly and knowledgeable. The prices tend to be reasonable, but occasionally I find some items to believe to be slightly overpriced. Remember prices are marked at time of the store's appraisal of the item before being placed on the floor, so it's price may not reflect current market value trends. Just keep that in mind when shopping here. All in all the over all prices are usually fair or a steal if you know your stuff and have an eye for what you're looking for.

This is a nick nack used stuff store. It's much bigger than it looks like from the outside. If I…read morewasn't leaving on a plane, there was lots of stuff i'd like here. It's got a lot of stuff and it's pretty interesting.

I am a mom of a comic loving eight year old…read more One Saturday we decided to treat him to a comic of his choice, so of course we popped into Daydreams Comics. I was insanely surprised by their section. They have books for babies to adults that encompasses far more than Marvel or DC. There's something for everyone and I feel ashamed I assumed it wasn't! My son was set on Deadpool. (Because why not. He's not allowed to watch it, so why not assumed he could read it? SMH.) Rather than argue a losing battle with my little, we asked the employee at the register his thoughts on that. He very kindly said that, while it was up to his parents, all of the Deadpool literature in the store was a bit grown up and that he was a few years off. He offered some other options and our kiddo walked out with an X-Men X-Villan book that was perfect for his age/reading level. Shout out to that kind and knowledgable employee. Pricing is on point. Staff is wonderful. Selection, again, goes beyond a typical 'comic book' store. This gem has been around for over 30 years and it is no wonder. Open daily, pop in!

Customer service was incredibly kind and helpful, selection was great, I really liked it!read more

This is a real book store in the heart of a real midwestern town. Not sure David R. really went in…read moreto this store but needs to try again. Linda and Rick can find anything you are looking for. They know where to find it if they don't have access to it. Really enjoy how warm this place makes you feel. Like walking into your own reading room.

I've enjoyed my visits at Copperfield's. I've ordered several books from them and received them in…read morea timely fashion and have been serenaded by local musicians there. They also have a beautiful kitty who is available for a little scratch behind the ears.