There’s nothing quite like the thrill of finding your next great read tucked away on a local shelf. From cozy indie corners to bustling community hubs, the city’s bookstores invite you to slow down and explore something unforgettable.
Let’s get to it.
Nos Books
Tucked inside the old Fire House No. 11, Nos Books brings fresh life to a historic Des Moines building. Gallery-style shelves display rotating themed collections so nothing ever feels stale. Reading nooks offer privacy under bright lights, while the open layout encourages exploration.
Nos Books highlights underrepresented voices with a curated selection of a few hundred titles. You’ll find local and first-generation authors alongside BIPOC writers, Spanish-language fantasy, and international children’s literature. A bilingual storytime welcomes families for readings in English and Spanish. Community curation shines through small displays featuring local recommendations.
The staff know each book on the shelf and will special-order obscure translations on request. Monthly book clubs bring neighbors together to discuss fresh perspectives. Prices stay in line with indie standards, and occasional deals pop up during community festivals. For thoughtful discovery rather than mass-market fare, Nos Books delivers every visit.
The Little Book
Since February 2024, The Little Book has offered a playful twist on a neighborhood bookstore and stationery shop. Bright arched windows let natural light spill onto low shelves stocked with picture books, manga, and graphic novels. Every title is handpicked. Shelves celebrate BIPOC and LGBTQ+ authors, while cards and gifts from Iowa artisans reinforce local charm.
Storytime unfolds weekly, drawing families for interactive reading sessions. Pop-up events with local artists turn the shop into a creative hub. The open historic floor plan provides cozy corners where kids can sprawl out and adults can read or work. Restrooms include step stools and toddler seats for convenience.
Staff members share chalkboard recommendations that reflect genuine enthusiasm. Prices match the careful curation, so you pay for quality selections chosen with care rather than mass-market copies. The Little Book creates an inviting space where community and creativity meet on every shelf.
Shelf Love DSM
When it opened in July 2025, Shelf Love DSM introduced a cozy new spot in Des Moines. The Dogtown/Drake location feels more like a living-room gathering than a dusty library. Rows of shelves hold hundreds of romance novels, from bestselling authors to indie discoveries. A special display highlights local writers living nearer than your favorite coffee shop.
Owner Sarah Gardner-Bergan brings years of book marketing and event planning experience. She curates themes—from fake-dating tropes to secret-heir plots—with genuine enthusiasm. Regular events include book bedazzling nights, craft sessions, and monthly book clubs for romance fans. The shop also hosts author signings and raffles for exclusive swag.
Patrons often linger in comfy chairs, sipping coffee they brought along or picked up nearby. On occasion, the team sets up pop-ups at other venues around town. Playful touches—like occasional cowboy hats or sports jerseys—add to the fun. If you seek a welcoming place dedicated solely to love stories, Shelf Love DSM delivers.
Storyhouse Bookpub
Inside its compact 400 square feet, Storyhouse Bookpub creates the feel of a cozy English-department lounge. Solid wood shelves carry only new titles chosen with care. Handwritten blurbs explain why each book earned a spot. This is not a bargain bin… it is a curated space where every shelf tells a story.
The “Read Together, Des Moines” mural sets the tone for community events. Friday morning storytimes for kids and book clubs for adults fill the calendar. Visiting authors often stick around for afterparties blending conversation and coffee. Led by former English teacher Abbey Paxton, the staff share reading suggestions with genuine knowledge.
Beyond books, the shop hosts resistance parties and antiracist discussions in partnership with local organizations. If you want rows of mass-market titles, look elsewhere. For intentional selection and strong personality in a tiny space, Storyhouse Bookpub excels.
Divine Treasures Inc
Serving Des Moines since 1992, Divine Treasures Inc occupies over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully arranged space. Aisles of devotional items and faith-related gifts unfold in tidy rows that invite browsing. Carefully arranged displays make it easy to locate prayer books, rosaries, or statues without feeling like you’re in a museum.
The store carries thousands of book titles, from detailed saint biographies to a wide range of Bibles. Staff members offer personalized recommendations for first communions, confirmations, or daily devotionals. Their expertise turns each visit into a tailored experience rather than a generic transaction.
If you need something not in stock, Divine Treasures will special-order it and ship nationwide. Prices remain accessible, whether you seek a simple prayer guide or an elaborate marble cross. Occasional promotions via their mailing list add extra value for regular customers. Divine Treasures Inc blends retail, ministry, and local heritage into one welcoming environment.
Beaverdale Books
Operating since 2006, Beaverdale Books in Des Moines feels more like a cozy living room than a retail outlet. Dark wood shelves line the walls, and book quotes painted overhead invite you to pause and read.
Their “Iowa Author” section features over 500 titles by local poets, mystery writers, memoirists, and more. Whether you’re tracking down a self-published chapbook or a neighborhood favorite novel, it’s likely on one of those shelves.
A dedicated children’s corner hosts weekly story times, and you’ll often spot young readers flipping through picture books. The event calendar stays full with author signings, writer’s groups, and book clubs meeting almost every evening.
Staff picks fill entire tables, and employees seem to have an uncanny knack for finding your next favorite read. Prices match typical indie bookstore rates, but teachers, veterans, and book-club members receive discounts. On select weekends, you can grab a cup of coffee and a cookie before browsing again.
Plain Talk Books & Coffee
Since 2009, Plain Talk Books & Coffee in Des Moines’ East Village has blended books, vinyl records, vegan sandwiches, and cold brew into one seamless experience. Vintage décor and scattered board game tables lend a half-retro-diner, half-cozy-lounge feel.
A hidden back room serves as a time-capsule café complete with a small performance stage. Open mics and acoustic sets fill the room most weekends.
The book collection focuses on indie titles and secondhand finds. New releases often retail under ten dollars, and a rotating rack of used books keeps the selection fresh. Staff members know their shelves inside out and readily offer recommendations. Even visiting dogs receive a water bowl before their owner’s latte.
Vegan sandwiches and pastries come from local producers, and all coffee and almond-milk drinks use organic beans and ingredients. Plain Talk also displays works by area artists and collaborates with nonprofits to create employment opportunities. After more than 15 years, this spot remains a steadfast community gathering place.
Jay’s CD & Hobby
Jay’s CD & Hobby brings together every nerdy and nostalgic interest under one roof. Rows of vinyl LPs and CDs stretch across the sales floor, and a wall of retro movie DVDs can keep you browsing for hours.
Trading card players gather daily for Magic tournaments or Lorcana drafts, while the buy-sell-trade counter handles even the dustiest discs without judgment. Staff members will track down that obscure graphic novel your friend requested.
The disc golf section operates like a mini shop, yet nobody bats an eye if you also pick up Warhammer paints in the same visit. Exclusive collectibles, Mythic Legions figures, and signed memorabilia share space with budget-friendly finds.
A frequent “buy three, get one free” deal on used items encourages careful decisions at checkout. Regular signings, community gaming nights, and a booth presence at Anime Iowa reinforce Jay’s role as a local hub. You’ll always find someone ready to suggest a new comic series or the next hidden gem.
