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.

Came back for a visit... they had the same old books... exact same stationery goods on the first…read morefloor... the same snooty staff... the same dirty cafe. I'm taking it off my list of places to stop at on trips up north.

I just completed an email transaction with The Haunted Bookshop and everything proceeded very well…read more They were efficient, courteous and had multiple options available when one of the titles wasn't in stock. I have been doing business with The Haunted Bookshop since they moved into their current building. Each time, whether in person, via email, or online, has been a pleasure. The email option fits me personally, although I do enjoy browsing the Iowa History section of the shop when I can make it to the county seat. I also enjoy the new arrivals postings on various social media. I usually see them first on Instagram. Highly recommend!

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!

Jeff is a SERIOUS book connoisseur. He goes above & beyond to match unique finds with the right…read moreowners. Recommend 1000%.

This is one of my favorite book stores, and I've visited a lot. The owner Jeff was concise and…read morewelcoming during my visit. He has a wide range of books, some hard to find elsewhere, and very reasonable pricing. For anyone who likes reading, games and also children's books, I would highly recommend a visit!

The absolute best indie bookstore I've ever visited. The owner is kind, funny, and has so many good…read morerecommendations. The selection is incredible given the size of the store, and we found books for ourselves, our teenager, and as gifts. They host book clubs and other events and you can't beat the location in Newbo. I have saved the best for last: there's a bookstore cat! When I went in a few weeks ago, I picked up a book called "The Rabbit Hutch" just to see what it was about. The owner told me a little about it, said he enjoyed it, and recommended it. His recommendation was so compelling that others shopping in the store also grabbed the book! He was so kind and appreciative to everyone who bought books and the best part is ... the book is just as described and a great pick! It wasn't a generic recommendation and his love of reading shows. Prices are reasonable - books cost what they cost. The store has lots of cute gifts as well, especially for pet people, books people, and candle lovers!

Love coming here! A cute selection of books and friendly owner. The ambiance inside is very…read morewelcoming. Highly recommend

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.

I LOVE Sidekick. This is my go to work and coffee shop. I always get a Winnie the Pooh latte and a…read morecookie. Their cookies are phenomenal and the coffee is not too bitter which tells me their baristas are properly trained on the espresso machine. Being a barista before, I'm a coffee snob and this place is above average. The book selection is also awesome and there's always someone who can recommend something for you. They also have quiche that is super delicious as well. Sometimes it gets loud when kids come in and parents bring a lot of them but it's nice when that's usually when I leave

Love this store! I ended up starting the passport book tour here with my bestie!…read more The drinks are absolutely wonderful and staff had us laughing. This is a used bookstore that is very reasonably prices at $3 for paperbacks and $5 for hardbacks with a few other prices in between. They do game nights and have board games spread throughout the store. I really enjoyed having D20 die to figure out a drink because I happen to be very indecisive when there are lots of choices. We ended up a red wedding (17) and a stygian jungle night (18). Both were really good and my friend and I cannot wait to stop at this store again when we are back in town!

Needed a break from a conference and this place was a short and easy drive away. Delicious coffee,…read morefriendly staff, super cool space/atmosphere. The chocolate biscotti I had was so yum. Highly recommend.

Nice to visit an actual bookstore once in awhile in these times of laptops, iPads and Kindles. This…read moreis a large and comfortable store attached to the coralville Mall. Not much more to say except I liked it.

During the pandemic I had a gift card to use and really wanted to purchase Trevor Noah's Born a…read moreCrime. SO... I hopped on www.barnesandnoble.com. Selected aforementioned book. Chose the 'Buy Online, Pick Up in Store' option. Paid for it (via gift card). BOOM. I was notified via email when it was ready mere hours later. While I believe this location does indeed have curbside pickup, I popped on my mask and went to the first register. Told them my name and showed them my ID while having my email ready to show, just in case. In and out. No problems! I adore that you can see in-store availability when you're searching for books online. It makes life much easier. All in all, I had a solid experience. I'd prefer to buy local but what can you do when you have a gift card? Amiright? (ALSO, the book is a great read. Get it today!)

Great inventory and very helpful staff. I wish this store was in my town!…read more They had a little bit of everything, but a lot of classic sci-fi and mysteries.

This is the first place I visit when I am in need of a book. Over the years, I have purchased books…read moreof many different genres from this independently-owned bookstore, novels ranging from popular fiction, historic fiction, mystery, fantasy, classics, romance, young adult, parenting books and children books. They sometime carry newer books, but the majority of their selection is used books. Therefore, their selection is largely dependent on what people bring in to sell. However, when they have the book I am look for or have been wanting to read it feels like I won the lottery. They can also order a copy of most books they don't have in stock. The staff is always friendly and helpful. I usually talk with the owner for 10 minutes every time I pop in, either about books he recommends or what I have recently read. I am particular fond of their two sweet dogs that are usually "working". I find the prices reasonable compared to other used bookstores. I also enjoy selling back my more popular books to them so I can get in-store credit for my next read and someone else can enjoy the book. I recommend checking out this bookstore.

Impossible to reach after order. I ordered as guest and then NO follow up. Leave voicemail no…read moreresponse. No other choice. 3rd party vendor also unreachable. This, after being charged 40%+ for shipping

When I attended the University of Iowa in the 1970s, the first HP-45 Scientific Calculator was for…read moresale here for $495 plus tax. At the time, the nickname for this business was Iowa Book and Crook, but that was more a reflection of text book sticker shock that continues on most college campuses to this day. Iowa Book and Supply is centrally located on the corner of Clinton Street and Iowa Avenue and is across the street from the Pentacrest and Old Capital. I always stop in when I'm in town to look around. The store has actually changed quite a bit over the years, but has a similar student energy. And whether I'm browsing through the books, checking out the branded office supplies, or looking for the right Hawkeye memento, I always know where I am when I'm here.

My review is as a Seller but as you have to wait while they make you and offer, I've browsed the…read moreinventory and seen the prices. All in all it is the same problem that has ruined "thrifting." Cheaper than new - obviously. But a new book at $12.99 is selling for like $8.99. Better to shop goodwill bins as books are some of the last affordable things at thrift stores. As a seller I took $70 for a collection of about 200 quality dvds. sold individually on eBay or Amazon if I had the time probably $500-1000. Same with the books. I have gotten $50 for a case of 100/150 best selling hardbacks. You never know as one time I brought in quality mint condition coffee table books - my offer for the lot of 50... $2. So I don't know what the deal is but the worst thing is they don't return your books. Some they take and will throw away or donate because the don't want to offend. I wish I had the option to take the books they knew they were gonna trash. All in all, they are only game in town u nless you want to do this full time. And I see them taking advantage. But that's our America. Read they are private family owned. Interesting.

I ordered a Pokémon FireRed box with inserts from Half Price Books -- a collectible item that…read moreshould be packaged carefully. Unfortunately, they shipped it in just a bubble mailer with no additional protection, and it arrived damaged. I reached out to give some constructive feedback on their shipping practices for items like this. While they did respond by discounting the item, I was surprised to find my account was banned shortly after -- simply for offering polite feedback. I didn't open a dispute or escalate anything, just suggested they consider better packaging for fragile or collectible items. It's disappointing, especially since I had been a customer before and liked shopping with them. If you're a collector or care about condition, I'd be cautious.