I think in all of the IA Indie Bookshop Tour, I spent the longest time in this shop. There was so much 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! read more

Passing through to Des Moines, we stopped at Dog Eared Books. What a lovely shop! The exterior is so 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. read more

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Welcoming and fun atmosphere, great bookstore to browse, shop and hang out. The dog theme and merchandise have won me over. read more

Dog·Eared Books - Stairs to the loft - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

My kids both go to college at Iowa State in Ames. For the past four years we've been making regular stops to dog Eared Books whenever we visit. I've been here so often it almost feels like home. There's always a book or two or three that make my must-read list. I especially love the gently used book section where many of my favorite authors like Timothy Egan, Erik Larsen, Malcolm Gladwell and others, like to hang out. The best part is that for less than $10 I can try a new author or genre without breaking the bank. Upstairs is a loft that literally feels more like your den at home than a book store. With a great view of the shop below, there are comfy sofas and chairs that invite you to curl up and stay a while. Every time I come here customers drift through the rows of books like a leaf in a stream. I hope business is good for this small, independent bookstore. If you're near Ames, stop in. Buy a book and stay a while. read more

A truly great independent book store, right on Ames' Main Street, the epicenter of this city's wonderful downtown. Love the staff and the overall vibe, they have a superb selection, it's laid out well, and they know their stuff. Great setting with some exposed brick in a wonderful space. They get a lot of sun in their spacious windows and it adds to the positive nature of the store. Fun pins, cards, writing utincils, and pads yield a lot of options. They aren't just about books. The kids section is fun, and I love their community bulletin board in the board, a nice way for the area to communicate and inform in a tasteful manner. I will always make this a stop in the future because it just feels right. read more

Dog·Eared Books - I so enjoy saying hello to Lovie - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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These days book stores are not as ubiquitous as they once were, so it is a special treat to come across one like Dog-Eared Books, especially since it is a local business. This is a great place to browse, have a coffee, read for a while and/or study. It is especially nice that there is an entire shelf on the 2nd level that is solely books by local authors. Staff is super- nice and the location is great, right on Main Street. read more

Dog-Eared Books is such a nice place to settle and study in on days you want to get away from your house. The ambience inside is what you expect of a bookstore, with their books in their respective genres and their cute dog related decor. In this bookstore, they have a loft where you can read books or simply chill to do you work and have a small meeting. They also have a sitting area in the front by the window where you can enjoy a conversation. Towards the end of the store, there is a little nook for the kids to play and read in. It can also fit full sized adults if you are curious, but I do not recommend it. They have the option of ordering tea or coffee which adds to the experience of those browsing and reading the books provided there. The options for tea is a seasonal selection and comes in tea-bags for a fair price. However keep in mind that this store's specialty is not a cafe, it is a bookstore. (I will not recommend getting their coffee here as it's a overpriced and you could get something better just down the street.) This bookstore's staff are kind and friendly, willing to answer questions you have on new book releases. Overall, my experience has been a positive one here as I do not usually common bookstores. read more

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Books, Dogs, and Coffee - What More Could You Need? Dog·Eared Books is a local independent bookstore that opened on historic Ames Main Street just a few weeks ago. I happened to be in town last weekend and had the chance and pleasure to stop in. And yes, there's at least 1 shop dog on premises. The interior space of the bookstore was well appointed, including a more secluded upstairs reading area and a cute little "dog house" nook. There's also coffee and pastries at the counter and a nice selection of greeting cards and associated tchotchkes. Among my purchases was a postcard featuring an artistic rendition of the store. It was most enjoyable to just wander around and take it all in. This store is definitely a labor-of-love for these local owners and lovers of books and the community. Coming here is also a great excuse to come visit downtown Ames and to see what else is around. I look forward to coming again and seeing how things grow and develop. First suggestion: How about some sort of artistic partnership with nearby Octagon? read more

Dog·Eared Books - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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Dog-Eared Books (DEB) is in my top five bookstores and I've been to many! This cafe/bookshop is a total GEM located in the college town of Ames, IA (go Cyclones!). DEB is -- and I know how millennial this sound -- aesthetics goals. There isn't a single thing I'd change about the design/look/feel. It's super cute! I'm constantly impressed by (everything tbh, but also) the big name author book signings they host. Most recently a staff member told me that romance powerhouse Christina Lauren (actually two women) will be hosting an event for their newest book tour. If you drop in, be sure to try their coffee drinks and pastries -- delicious! Parking: Usually plenty of street parking out front. If you don't have quarters you can us the parking app. Verdict: I wholeheartedly recommend! P.s. I'll post pictures later. Apparently the awesomeness of DEB is too much for the Radisson wifi to handle. read more

This is everything you want a bookstore to be. Located in an old historic building with hardwood floors and sky high ceilings, with beautiful natural lighting streaming in through the windows. There are adult beverages available as well as a small coffee shop. The store is filled has a few unique furniture pieces plus the most amazing card catalog I've ever seen! The books are well displayed with lots of areas to browse. The kid's area was awesome!! We didn't go upstairs to the reading room loft but could see it and it looked very inviting. Loved the additional non-book items of journals, puzzles, gifts, and book swag. You must visit this amazing Indie bookstore!! read more

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The decor is amazing!! Love all the photo opps you can get. They also have a cafe but I wasn't hungry. The staff were friendly and helpful. They had some used books and mostly new books. I loved all the merch they had. They have cozy children's corner that makes you want to curl up and read. I liked how the books were organized and displayed. Got a lot of books that the staff had written recommendations for. read more

Dog·Eared Books - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

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This place is awesome! They have great book displays and a lot of fun books! I'm disappointed that most of it is fiction. I'm always in the market for more books for self-help and my career, so I love non-fiction! I'd love more on art and fashion. I did find some cool stuff that I will consider going back to purchase! I love that it's small and independent! Support local! read more

Dog·Eared Books - Color Theory and Art Books - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

Wonderful store! The cashier cautioned me about the introduction of the book I purchased. She let me know the prologue has a different tone than the rest of the book. And that the book was lovely. What a great experience. PLUS the store has a sweet doggo. Visit Dog Eared Books and say hi to Lovey! read more

Ames needed this. Dog Eared Books is a total dream. I figured there would be a limited selection since Main Street stores in Ames typically have to work with little space, but this place was jam packed with goodies (not just books) - so much so that a half hour peruse wasn't nearly enough time to soak the place up. To start, this place is just visually beautiful. Everything is well-designed, modern, cozy, and entertaining. There's a reading nook upstairs where you can lounge on a couch, people watch and enjoy your coffee. They have a coffee shop as well which, truly, is the ultimate bonus. Books and coffee? Yes yes yes. I didn't try their coffee, but if it's anything like the rest of this place I'm sure it's quality. I came in on a Saturday during the Ames Farmers Market, and this place was pretty packed. Everyone was masked, however, which was nice to see. Safe to say I'll be back (and back again, and then again after that) as soon as possible! read more

Such an awesome, local business located in the heart of downtown! As an avid book reader, the selection was vast and expansive. The staff is incredibly friendly and kind. I love the handwritten recommendations that are on the shelves! My only dilemma was not being able to fit more books in my carry-on! Support your local bookstore and business! I will definitely visit again, the next time I am in Iowa! read more

Dog·Eared Books - Handwritten recommendations! - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

LOVE LOVE LOVE. It is such an adorable book store. I always end up with more books than I need . They also have some spots to sit and read and a coffee shop! read more

What a beautifully fantastic bookstore!! I loved everything about it from the neon sign to the book selection to the dog treats at the counter. It's about time Ames had an independent bookstore again! read more

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I could spend all day (and overnight) in here! VAST collection of books, all different topics, authors, genres and a great kids/youth section. Through the store you'll find reviews written by staff. Such a fun personal touch! I found myself reading the reviews more than the backs of the books! Staff was friendly and there to help! I loved that they offer a "pre-loved" book section. Excited to go back soon! read more

Fun spot with different books than normally available. Friendly staff and nice place for kids to enjoy while parents are browsing.

This place is perfect for people who love reading about a bunch of different things. They have all sorts of books and a space in the loft for you to read the book you just bought! Not only that, they also have tea and coffee that you can buy, as well as pastries! To top it all off, they have a "shop dog" who's very sweet and friendly. I love coming here as the staff is also very welcoming and friendly! Definitely a place to come to read a good book! read more

Love this place! The staff are all so friendly (especially including the dogs lol), the coffee is good, and tons of books have hand-written recommendations. read more

Dog·Eared Books - Cafe menu - Bookstores Near Me - Ames, Iowa

The staff are always friendly and willing to help you find what you want and give recommendations. The organization of the books works well and there are helpful recommendation cards around. Fun and relaxed environment. read more

It was very cute and cozy. The area it is in is very nice. The staff was very helpful and kind!

I absolutely love this book store. It is just what Ames needed. They have done a wonderful job with designing a cozy and inviting space for book lovers of all ages. They have a great selection of gifts and accessories for readers. Who ever curates their book selection does a fabulous job. I have found interesting books in every section to add to my already bursting bookshelves. Their displays are charming. This is definitely a highlight of Ames' wonderful downtown area. read more

My kids and I love visiting Dog-Eared books so much!! There is always a good read to be found, the perfect gift for that "hard to buy for" friend and a tasty snack to grab on the go! The atmosphere is so relaxing. It makes "going to your happy place" an quick, down the road stop. I'm so thankful we have this wonderful treasure in Ames! read more

Ventured to downtown Ames this morning to finish some shopping. Stopped in at Dog-Eared Books to check on a children's book. Although it wasn't in stock, they were able to tell me all about it (which I had only read about) and I immediately ordered it. Chatted some with the person about some other books. Even though I didn't actually buy anything today, I was welcomed warmly. This is the kind of place where you are cheered up just by walking in the door. read more