This is one of the best bookstore I have ever experienced! I spend hours in here buying books and enjoying the amazing atmosphere! If you love literature make sure that you stop at this spectacular bookstore!

Absolutely the best bookstore I've been in ever. From Australia to St Augustine to SoCal.... This bookstore is what every reader wants. Books, books, books. On wonderful and varied subjects. A cafe to sit and read in during a cold or rainy day, or a place to meet friends. Great place.

Great bookstore for wandering and a local institution. There is also a nice coffee shop upstairs. Perfect for leisurely reading.

Such a diverse selection; I find something of interest no matter my mood. Amazing staff who can identify the title of a book just by my description. One of the best bookstores I've ever been to. Love getting lost here for hours.

Fantastic independent bookstore, they often have newly published-less mainstream authors in stock, they host many author visits and readings & they have a very nice small coffee shop on the 2nd floor. Their greatest asset, perhaps, is their staff who tend to be knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. They don't have an overly large footprint and as a result their on-site stock is often less than many shoppers would prefer. They do have a small collection of cards, a small collection of journal type notebooks and a moderate selection of periodicals.

I adore Prairie Lights and feel like it's a must stop for anyone visiting or passing through Iowa City. It always has the hardest to find books on the shelves and on the rare occasion they do not they will order so you can get anything your heart desires! I also LOVE the coffee shop on the second floor. The coffee is amazing (although I haven't been in there in ages due to Covid) and love to sit there and chat or read the Iowa Review for a bit. : ) The basement kids section is also a pleasure, my kids love to explore around too.

I asked the man behind the counter for any tips on reading faster. He said, "turn off the TV". I found this comment condescending. Also, if a business requires one to wear a mask, the hand sanitizer should be next to the masks, not 3 feet away on another table.

Prairie Lights is a very well curated bookstore and cafe, with an excellent selection of midwest authors. It is in the heart of the pedestrian zone in Iowa city, fairly close to campus. There is some branded merchandise and gifts available. The staff is also very helpful. A lovely place to browse and while away the hours.

Great coffee house options, from traditional drip coffee and latte’s to more modern takes like Espresso & Tonics: which where excellent. Then there’s the books… so many books, laid out well and with helpful staff.

There is people (like me) that actually look for a place before taking off from home. I looked at this beautiful book and cafe shop, and it said that is open until 9pm...It was 6:45pm so a couple hours seem like a good idea.... I drove my car, parked, paid parking meter, walk... just to be told that the Cafe closes at 7pm. Fore that mere reason here is my 1 star. Sorry guys!

Love this bookstore! The staff in Children’s always has great recommendations for all my requests! Thankful I got a jump on Christmas shopping. Every time we’re in town, it’s a Must Visit.

Iow City institution that hosts some of the finest writers in the world. The lights don’t flash, they guide the way to literary adventures. Great job reference librarians!

Prairie Lights is a genuine bookstore. We typically go to stores to buy stuff. We walk the aisles until we find the right brand and size of green beans or clothing, checkout and go on our way. If this were an ad for a new book selling concept, some marketing hack would tell you that this is a place where you can "experience" literature. Fortunately, Prairie Lights is not some marketer's get rich quick scheme. (nobody but Bezos ever got rich quick selling books) For 45 years, Jim Harris, and now, Jan Weissmiller and the staff at PL have brought readers, books, writers and the literary community together. They host readings by authors everyone's heard of and those you wish you had. Wonderful staff who will gladly make a recommendation after they find out what you enjoy reading. Books, coffee, wine, beer and pastries. Experience a genuine bookstore. Just browse or engage with people who love literature, Prairie Lights is an Iowa City institution and a nationally renowned literary landmark. If you like books, you're in for a treat. Also, a dedicated children's section on the lower level. See photo.

I love this book store, such a great selection. If they don’t have something in stock they can order it for you. Staff is helpful and goes above and beyond!

This place used to be so beautiful when it first opened. It’s not exactly dumpy but I don’t feel it a very inviting atmosphere anymore. Just seems a little messy.

Cozy atmosphere, natural light, friendly staff, and possibly the best hot cocoa I’ve ever had.

Prairie Lights Cafe is the best coffee shop in Iowa City. Along with their wide selection of high quality coffee, Prairie Lights Cafe has a good selection of beers, wine, and a knowledgeable staff, always helpful and friendly.

Great prices and quality. Usually a super chill atmosphere, but it can get loud during busy times. Personally, I love the window seating & sustainable options

Live up to their reputation. A great place to relax, get some work done, discover something new. My favorite bookstore anywhere, and favorite coffee shop in Iowa City.

I cannot recommended Prairie Lights enough. I have done the vast majority of writing for my graduate work here. It is a great environment for writing, reading, or having a tea or coffee. The Wi-Fi is really stable, but not super fast here. I think it's the perfect speed for writing. You can look up and read anything, but it's too slow for distracting videos and media to be watched consistently. Best cortados in Iowa City. Great selection of teas.

Great location and ambience, and the cappuccinos are usually pretty good. My wife also really enjoyed their other drinks. Their wifi can be hit and miss, often miss.

Where else can you sit & read in the cafe where almost every novel written in the last 30 years was written, read by the author or written about by some new poet, critic, PhD or fictionista..... Yes please Mr Macchiato!

great book store and coffee shop. beautiful local art displays.

Lovingly curated w so much variety. Skip the Barnes and N , this place is special. Looks small but 3 floors to explore and score.

If you live in Iowa City this should be your number one plug for books. Many books arrive at this bookstore before their release dates.

Solid bookstore - has an upstairs coffee shop which is awesome. Great selection of books, good service. I like their decor too - great spot to hang out.