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!

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!

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.

Small local bookstore with large selection of every genre. Staff is extremely helpful and friendly…read more I couldn't find a book I had been looking for and when I asked the gentleman at the counter he said "we should have that" and went directly to the book and got it for me. Books are reasonably priced.

I love this bookstore and the fact that it is literally around the corner from my apartment. The…read moreowners is extremely polite and one of the best salesmen around. One time I missed the shop hours and arrived 10 minutes after he closed, I called while he was still inside and he allowed me to make a purchase!! I have a rule when it comes to bookshops, I will always support my local bookstore before I go to a big name retailer, and I will not purchase books on Amazon or any other online store. I also am grateful that my local library is just a few blocks from me too.

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

A beautiful display of stained glass (Ron Hall) in the front window caught my eye and I had stop in…read moreto check it out. I had no idea the store was even there. Lots of local art and reasonably priced! i bought a lovely Stick Pin and a stained glass garden ornament . Shop Local.

From the owner: With 25+ consignors and booths, Emporium is where you can find almost anything. Essential oils,…read moretea, coffee, jewelry, gifts, candles, chocolate, soaps, crafts, handmade goods, stained glass, vintage items, vinyl, books, collectibles and more!

This is the best antique store that I've ever been to and I've been a lot in the upstate Woodstock…read moreNew York area, which is a Mecca of thrifting. I not only like the variety that they have but everything is well organized. As a seller, they offered me fair price for all the items I brought in ranging from T-shirts to jewelry. Steve s Todd are very exceptional atwhat they do and good honest people. This is the type of business in Iowa City you hope never goes away

Wow! What a find. Amazingly good stuff (wish I had $8000 to buy a Roman era mosaic table from…read moreTunisia, but just to see it was a shock) and a lot of it. Everything was reasonably priced for the quality and had a wide variety of things to pick through. Clean and about as organized as an antique store can be. Highly recommend a stop if you're anywhere in the area.

I am a mom of a comic loving eight year old…read more One Saturday we decided to treat him to a comic of his choice, so of course we popped into Daydreams Comics. I was insanely surprised by their section. They have books for babies to adults that encompasses far more than Marvel or DC. There's something for everyone and I feel ashamed I assumed it wasn't! My son was set on Deadpool. (Because why not. He's not allowed to watch it, so why not assumed he could read it? SMH.) Rather than argue a losing battle with my little, we asked the employee at the register his thoughts on that. He very kindly said that, while it was up to his parents, all of the Deadpool literature in the store was a bit grown up and that he was a few years off. He offered some other options and our kiddo walked out with an X-Men X-Villan book that was perfect for his age/reading level. Shout out to that kind and knowledgable employee. Pricing is on point. Staff is wonderful. Selection, again, goes beyond a typical 'comic book' store. This gem has been around for over 30 years and it is no wonder. Open daily, pop in!

Customer service was incredibly kind and helpful, selection was great, I really liked it!read more

This is a real book store in the heart of a real midwestern town. Not sure David R. really went in…read moreto this store but needs to try again. Linda and Rick can find anything you are looking for. They know where to find it if they don't have access to it. Really enjoy how warm this place makes you feel. Like walking into your own reading room.

I've enjoyed my visits at Copperfield's. I've ordered several books from them and received them in…read morea timely fashion and have been serenaded by local musicians there. They also have a beautiful kitty who is available for a little scratch behind the ears.