Dog·Eared Books — Local services in Ames

Dog-Eared Books is my favorite spot in all of Ames, which says something given this town is full of gems. It’s the best bookstore I’ve ever been to, and I would move in if I could.

DEB offers a vibrant community of literature-loving people who want to share their interests with you and help you discover new picks for your bookshelf. Their accessories are top-notch, whether it’s their cowgirl shirts or their “didn’t know I needed that until I saw it” sticker collection.

Oh, and they have regular author events that bring the community together. DEB recently hosted Denise Williams—an ISU delight—and Ali Hazelwood.

Additionally, they offer fun book clubs helmed by their superb staff. Mariah, Bailey, and co. don’t play: We will socialize, and we will be silly. However, we will also dig in to this month’s book to see what we can find.

To any new Ames residents: Make Dog-Eared Books a priority visit. Just try to avoid asking Mariah about a certain book called The Ministry of Time. She’s not at all a huge fan, and it’s hard for her to hide her...

My husband went into dog-eared books because I told him that I was going to be going there at some point in the near future to spend a gift card that my daughter got me for Mother's Day.

He called my sister and asked my sister what kind of books I like to read and of course my sister told him that Colin Hoover was one of my absolute favorite books and he picked out two books and was so proud when he brought them home because he knew that I like them. Unfortunately it was two books that I had just most recently read and I went ahead and went back the next day and returned those books. Got credit for them and then proceeded to buy for new books with the money that he spent and the gift card for my daughter.

They have a really good selection of books in there. They also have really cute magnets and bookmarks and pretty much anything that you would want from a bookstore and the staff was very polite and helpful.

Definitely a must...

Dog-Eared Books (DEB) is in my top five bookstores and I've been to many! This cafe/bookshop is a total GEM located in the college town of Ames, IA (go Cyclones!).

DEB is -- and I know how millennial this sound -- aesthetics goals. There isn't a single thing I'd change about the design/look/feel. It's super cute!

I'm constantly impressed by (everything tbh, but also) the big name author book signings they host. Most recently a staff member told me that romance powerhouse Christina Lauren (actually two women) will be hosting an event for their newest book tour.

If you drop in, be sure to try their coffee drinks and pastries -- delicious!

Parking: Usually plenty of street parking out front. If you don't have quarters you can us the parking app.

Verdict: I wholeheartedly recommend!

P.s. I'll post pictures later. Apparently the awesomeness of DEB is too much for the Radisson...