Super friendly people! I asked several questions about the local life and they were very forthcoming and honest. I left feeling peaceful. I ended up finding a book and several other fun odds and ends. read more

My daughter visited here today. There were positive books about witchcraft, Islam, Hindu, etc. The section about Christianity was basically a HATE section. They clearly hate Christians, and put out false information about it. My daughter was so offended, she left and will never return! read more

Every time we visit, we are more excited about the merchandise and the fun staff. If you are looking for liberal, quirky, fun...this is the place. read more

They are liars and make up stories, even about volunteers. People who don't ask for payment, and are willing to give them their time to help out, and they talk about them derogatorily as soon as your back is turned. Don't give them any of your business. The store name is completely misleading, as they're not about peace in any way. Mark is especially rude, as well as passive-aggressive. They are just not a place to waste your money. read more

This place is really cool! I did have to leave my purse at the register to prevent thievery, which I completely understand, but wish I would've known before. There are a ton of cool books, and I could've spent way more time wandering around if I had the time. Will definitely be going back. read more

Charge your Hippie/Liberal batteries when you descend the staircase into this hemp, herby, horticultural haven. From organic seeds to fair trade clothing, from hacky sacks to postcards... if you're looking to show off your progressive side this is the place to do it. A wide selection of Queer literature, jewelry, stickers, buttons, and even specialty foods can be found here. Open your mind, open the door, and have a good browse. read more

See all

THE place to go for so many things! books, t-shirts, posters, art, jewelry, incence specialty food and drink, lotions- just too much to list! it is completely awesome! read more

A nice little earnest slice of progressivness in downtown Columbia -- it's great if you want some Chomsky, gay erotica, yoga mats, anti-Bush stickers, or natural toothpaste. Descend the stairs into this herby-scented, comfortably crowded general store and have fun browsing. This place may be a leftist haven, but it has a real old-fashioned, homespun feel. The staff, who were chilling out listening to Bright Eyes, were really friendly and gave my out of town friend and I a warm welcome, offering us "Peace-ter eggs" - plastic Easter eggs with a little "how you can help" note and Mizzou wristband inside. Be cynical and smirk at this innocence if you will, but watch out -- karma's a bitch. read more

This is the best place in como to get your proper propaganda and eco friendly items. More than just a store, this place is also a key place to find out about the work of local activists. Is it nearly a hippie parody of itself in some ways? Yep. But its also the kind of place where young people can come across the type of ideas that end up changing lives. Last time I checked thats what your time in College is for anyway. read more

This little bookshop sells more than books. They carry a wide variety of housewares, toiletries, periodicals, jewelry, and even groceries. A few important things to note is that they are non-profit, a fair-trade supplier, and have many resources on multi-culture, gender, holistic health, and environmental awareness. It's a great place to browse and pick up a treasure to bring home. read more

They have become VERY RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY in the past few years. The Peace Nook. Really??? I visited there for my last time, last year, with a friend who is over 60 years old. The big mouthy woman at the counter loudly ORDERED her "YOU GOT TO TAKE THAT BIG PURSE OUT". Meanwhile many young women were hanging around with HUGE, much larger purses, unmolested. I gave the woman a piece of my mind, to no avail. Completely unapologetic and butt-stupid. We left and have not returned and will not return. A message to the business went unanswered. read more

I went here with my friends. For a store that wants to target hippie/"love & peace" individuals, they sure do have a weird way of welcoming potential customers. The moment you walk in they demand you hand over your bags because of "shoplifting concerns." They wanted to hold my bag -- I told them there wasn't a chance in hell, and that they 'd just have to trust me not to steal their stuff if they wanted a chance of having my business. And it doesn't stop there. I counted no less than eight signs around the store shaming you into not shoplifting. I'm sorry they've had problems with shoplifting, but maybe they should install some cameras or work on their layout of their store so they're able to keep tabs on people themselves because as it's just so hard to keep a straight face when these signs are hanging literally right next to T-Shirts and bumper stickers that vilify capitalize and encourage tolerance. And yeah, this does affect customer decisions. I was sold on a $50 trinket, but as a principle do not spend money at stores that treat me like a criminal. So I copied down the brand and purchased it online this morning. (But hey -- I sure didn't shoplift!) read more

I was in Columbia to have my dog looked at by the U of MO vet school and went in search of book stores while I waited for tests to be performed. Peace Nook was a great find. I could have spent much longer than time permitted browsing through their book selections. They have a great selection of vegan cookbooks, environmental books, gardening among other subjects. I settled on a vegan cookbook that has gotten great reviews in plant based eating groups. They also have other items for sale and as other reviewers have stated, it's a big of a general store specializing in Fair Trade. Highly recommend. read more

Very cool store that has been around for as long as I can remember. Now you have to either know where this place is or jeep a sharp eye out for it because it's kind of hard to notice from traffic. But once you go downstairs you'll be in hippie heaven. A must see in Columbia. read more

The ultra-liberal haven of Columbia, with an ever-present herby smell to boot. Books on alternative lifestyles, witchcraft, vegetarian cooking, lefty politics, plus some more conventional fiction (Gregory Maguire of Wicked, for example), and a nice children's section that I think any open-minded person wouldn't mind browsing. Also journals and every kind of rainbow paraphernalia you could possibly want. And other stuff. They're like a hippie general store, really. Or Earth Day all year round. Worth the visit, though. read more

The name is the Peace Nook and it's in a basement, so if you're expecting something other than a hole in the wall and you dislike leftists, it would be the wrong place for you to go. Their book selection is one of the best in Columbia (if you're a hole-in-the-wall-loving leftist like I am), especially now that 9th Street Book store is closed. They also have a great selection of alternative magazines that you really can't find anywhere else. read more

Peace Nook is a rarity in Mid Missouri. To be able to find alternative magazines, t shirts, books, and organic food all in one place is amazing. The selection is great as well, and the staff are very friendly and helpful. This store is not for the conservative minded person though, you need an open mind to really appreciate what it represents. Also, the rainbow flag outside the store is basically awesome. :) read more

Visiting Columbia on business and found this awesome non-profit hippie basement bookstore! I was sorely tempted to give them all of my money

How can you not like this place? posters, clothes, incense, original books, friendly staff & if you are not left-leaning or into civil liberties/human rights then you are NOT in the right place. read more

Hippie haven in the bible belt! Unassuming from the outside...but walk downstairs and BOOM! The place is jam packed with literature of a leftist and/or metaphysical nature, clothing, crystals, healthy snacks, and so much more. Fun to browse, impossible not to buy at least one thing. Love it. read more

Nice, friendly, hole in the wall joint. They sell books, posters, organic items, etc. Everyone needs to look around here at least once.

Love this little oasis. Great books great crystals great people!

I love this 'peaceful' place!! It is tucked away in downtown Columbia near another neat store, Coolstuff. I enjoy reading the feminist literature, t-shirts and bumper stickers. Thier prices are very affordable as well. It is a wonderful piece of the world I can feel comfortable in....these are some great peeps that work there and whoever that offers it to the community. thanks! read more

Love this place. They have a great selection of books and friendly staff! I love that it's in such a random spot downtown, keeps things interesting. They also have a bunch of cool hand made nick nacks that are always fun. read more

Containing controversial books, CDs, DVDs, T-shirts, and stickers. If you want information on any issue, they have something for you. Also contains organic sundries. Located down the steps with the rainbow flag. read more

This place is great! Heaven for liberals, enlightening for conservatives. It is much more than a bookstore. You can find food including frozen goods, kombucha, natural hygiene products, henna, hemp items, clothing, locally made jewelry, candles, etc. Lots of fun to look around in, beautiful jewelry!! Also they are not for profit so everything is tax free! read more

Great books, great clothes, great market, great people. There are so many interesting things in this store that you would never find in others- from fresh local free-range eggs to incense and the Diva Cup. Take a liberal-minded look. You wont regret it! Plus NO SALES TAX because it's non-profit. read more

Great place. Mostly books, and the kind that are about things that aren't usually easy to find. Counter culture, protesting, black, women's, lgbtq+, history, as well as the old standbys of classics and humor. Other items are typical of a new age shop. Also awesome because it's a non profit. The only downside is the fact that it's kinda dirty and in a basement. read more

I have visited Peace Nook every week or so for the last couple of months as I work at a restaurant on the same block. I have always loved the tax-free prices and good selection of eclectic literature, food, and clothes among other items to browse through. A few weeks ago though my experience at the Nook really sealed the deal that this place is full of compassionate volunteers as I experienced a rapid drop in blood sugar and had to hobble over to a couch in the back room to recover. As soon as I checked out with my items, my blood sugar drop hit me before I could act and I felt like I was going to faint. I sloshed on the couch in my work uniform as quickly as I could and began tearing through one of the chocolates I bought. A wonderful gentleman came back and gave me some candies and was incredibly calm and caring as I took 15 or so minutes to recover before I was able to leave. No one freaked out, no one passed judgment- they simply wanted to make sure I was okay and I truly truly appreciate that. A great place all around! read more