From left: The Book Vault in Oskaloosa, Bent Oak Books in Fort Madison and The Nook in Cedar Falls. (Photos: Jessica O’Riley)
By Jessica O’Riley
Saturday, April 25, is Independent Bookstore Day, a day to celebrate locally owned and operated bookstores nationwide (and a convenient excuse to buy more books). The Des Moines metro has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to indie bookstores, but there are dozens of unique bookstores across the state that are worth the drive. Here are five that I’ve enjoyed, in no particular order:
The Book Vault, Oskaloosa
Housed in a restored 1892 bank building, the shop features an extensive cookbook and cooking supplies section, as well as Iowa-related books showcased in a former bank vault. Bonus: It’s connected to Smokey Row Coffee.
Bent Oak Books, Fort Madison
This store’s inviting atmosphere makes me want to curl up in the comfy chair with a book and just hang out. The main floor offers new books while the second floor is full of used books. I’ve been there twice and the staff has always hit the perfect balance — chatty, but not intrusive.
Goose Feather Books, Spirit Lake
Opened in August 2025, the shop helps demonstrate that there’s more to the Okoboji area than summer lake life. Decorated with books dangling from the ceiling, the store sells a variety of gifts, in addition to bestsellers.
Paper Moon, McGregor
Speaking of gifts, this shop in a charming historic building offers a wide — and I mean WIDE — selection of kitschy, quirky and fun gifts, as well as the requisite selection of books. The third floor focuses on children’s books and activities. Keep an eye out for the store’s three cats.
The Nook, Cedar Falls
This shop in the city’s buzzy downtown boasts not only books and gifts but the Reader’s Cup, a bookish-themed cafe serving coffee, tea, mocktails and baked goods. The same owners operate Books on Main, a used bookstore that opened in November 2025 (which I haven’t visited — yet). For Indie Bookstore Day later this month, both stores and the cafe will offer specials over the weekend, and the Nook’s first 30 customers will receive a door prize.
Contributing writer and avid reader Jessica O’Riley of Pleasant Hill worked for nearly 20 years with Travel Iowa, the state tourism office, after a previous stint with the Iowa State Fair.
