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!

Lovely collection to browse for yourself or as gifts. Loved their puzzles and candles as well as…read moresoaps and lotions. They also have an espresso bar upfront - nice touch!

Such a cute little store with a coffee/drink shop inside. I didn't take any photos inside but they…read morehave a lot of fun Knick knacks like books, small gifts, jewelry etc. as well as a coffee shop. I enjoyed coming in with my sister-in-law and checking out what they had to offer.

It was nice to find a terrific Ankeny bookstore on a recent weekend. Walls of Books combines book…read moreknowledge, comfort, selection, solid pricing, and atmosphere in its venue. Plus, they have Isa (pronounced "E-sah"), the German Shepherd, one of the sweetest and friendliest dogs of all time who wanders the front of the store, greeting customers! I appreciated their selection of new and used book options, and I enjoyed interacting with kind and helpful staffers. I also loved their layout. I plan on returning frequently and will enjoy hanging with Isa!

Wall of books is cool if you're searching for that new book to fall into, but even though all the…read morebooks are used, it is often going to be close to the price of a new book. Wall of Books is like the Gamestop of Bookstores. Sell your used books for a few bucks and they'll resell them for 90% of msrp. Also, lucky finds are rare too because they adapt to secondary market as well so there are even books above that.

While from my first order with SB they didn't have the books I wanted onhand, they ordered them and…read morewere available at Amazon prices within a couple days. When I picked them up I swear I was treated like their favorite customer. The woman who helped me also helped me get an account on Libro.fm because I have trouble reading with sight alone. A+ all-star performance and I'm so glad this store exists in Des Moines.

I loved our initial visit to Storyhouse, as it's loaded with great vibes and a superb selection…read more This independent bookstore has an outstanding leader in Abbey. Located adjacent to the legendary RayGun store, this shop feels good. Abbey knows her inventory and is dialed in on authors and topics to lead you to better reading options. Her pricing is solid, and a vast children's section is separated from the rest of the store. I know that we have found our DSM Metro bookstore!

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

My kids both go to college at Iowa State in Ames. For the past four years we've been making regular…read morestops 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.

Service here was pretty sad. The employee did not greet customers and provided poor interaction…read more She wasn't paying attention and also took forever to check us out. Book prices are amazing here, though. I have trouble understanding how they stay open with prices so cheap. If you don't care about customer service and want cheap books, I'd recommend book warehouse.

I was really excited to see Book Warehouse in the Outlets of Des Moines. The store is fairly large…read moreand has a lot of good books. However, I did not see any any newly released books though. A lot of the books were 60% off and because I had a coupon for the store I was also able to get an additional 20% off one item. I purchased a book that was retailed at $27.99 and after all the discounts it ended up being less than $10. What a great price! Much cheaper than Amazon too! Service was fast and friendly here. I'd definitely recommend any book lover to check this place out.

I love bookstores, particularly used bookstores. Half price books never disappoints. There is a…read morehuge selection. It isn't the most affordable used books you can buy, but it is always fun to come and hunt for treasures. My kids all went home with new (to them) books.

This store is huge and had so many selection at a great value. I went in searching for certain…read moreMitch Album books and found 3 out the 4 I was looking for. The service was very friendly and helpful. Go check them out.

I love the name! I…read moreappreciated the staff and the store's overall vibe. I was looking for a specific title, "Lovely One" by Ketanji Brown-Jackson, which was sadly not in stock, but the staff was keenly aware of it. They impressed me by recommending other local independent bookstores and asked if those stores had the book in stock. That was impressive! Free parking all around the downtown venue and a cool setting. I'll return simply because of their kindness and the store's positive vibe.

Every time I am in the Valley West area shopping I must stick my head in this great store to find a…read moretreasure I can't live without. I love the variety of their selections.