The 10 Best Bookstores in Iowa — 2026

We compared all 164 bookstores in Iowa on the data that matters: services offered, posted hours, and how easy each one is to reach. No pay-to-play — this ranking comes straight from the listings data, updated November 2026.

#1 · The CORE Comics & GamesCedar Falls ComicsManga

Mon-Thu 10am-6pm

(319) 277-1835 Website View listing

#2 · The Haunted BookshopIowa City UsedChildren's

Mon–Sat 11am–6pm

(319) 337-2996 Website View listing

#3 · Next Page Books of Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids

Mon–Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

(319) 247-2665 Website View listing

#4 · Daydreams ComicsIowa City Comics

Mon-Tue 12pm-4pm, Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm

(319) 354-6632 Website View listing

#5 · Mayhem CollectiblesAmes ComicsManga

Monday-Saturday: 10AM-8PM, Sunday: 11AM-7PM

(515) 292-3510 Website View listing

#6 · Geek City Games and ComicsNorth Liberty Comics

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm

(319) 626-2671 Website View listing

#7 · Half Price BooksMarion Used

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 11am-7pm

(319) 377-4982 Website View listing

#8 · Captain's BookshoppeIowa City

Mon–Fri 12pm–5pm, Sat 10am–2pm

(319) 351-3166 Website View listing

#9 · Acme Comics & CollectiblesSioux City Comics

Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

(712) 258-6171 Website View listing

#10 · Books and BakeryCarroll Children's

Mon - Fri: 11am-5pm, Saturday: 10am-3pm

(712) 775-2888 Website View listing

Run one of these businesses? You earned this spot — email contact@thebookstoreatlas.com for your free “Top Bookstores in Iowa” badge to put on your site, and we’ll make sure your listing stays accurate.

How we rank: every listing earns points for listed services (used, comics, christian, children's, manga, metaphysical), posted hours, and working contact details. The ranking is recalculated with every data update.