Nos Books - Des Moines, IA

Nos Books, Des Moines, IA 

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The Des Moines metropolitan area is a major urban center that for many years was lacking in independent bookstores.  Beaverdale Books was the only indie of note for approximately 15 years but since 2020 there’s been an explosion of new bookstores including Nos Books, located in the historic Dogtown district and adjacent to Drake University.  The bookstore occupies a space in an 1890s building that was originally a firehouse.  Nos is Spanish for “us,” and is a perfect fit in this multi-cultural community, home to many diverse ethnicities and businesses.  But Nos Books is MUCH more than a bi-lingual bookstore.

As owner Luis L. told me, yes, they do offer books in Spanish but he thinks of the bookstore as more of a multi-cultural store.  This makes perfect sense when you learn about the make-up of the community.  The store offers books by authors from around the world as well as books written by authors of under-represented communities, books not always easily found in other indies or chain bookstores.  When you meet Luis and hear about his background as a literature major, you’ll understand why the bookstore is so well curated.  Well done Luis.

The store offers all new books that can be purchased in-person (always the best way) or online.  Luis may transition the store business model by also offering used books sometime in the future.  I thought that the books in translation were especially good and since they’re showing growth in sales Luis plans to expand this genre.  They have a nice assortment of sidelines including greeting cards, candles, quirky socks, puzzles, candles, and stickers to name a few.  They have a great set-up to host events with the xBk Annex located next door and can offer beverages and snacks.  If you’re new to the neighborhood consider joining the store’s book club and enjoy the company of kindred spirits.  

As with most of my bookstore visits, meeting and talking with Luis was the best.  Personable, knowledgeable, and a darn nice person.  But you regulars already know this.  I enjoyed hearing about his beginnings as a pop-up bookstore at various festivals and then evolving into a brick and mortar.  Nos Books has only been in business a little over a year so the word is still getting out about this cute little bookstore.  Spread the word about this terrific new indie where a 5-star bookstore experience awaits your arrival.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:   The Traitors Circle, Jonathan Freedland.  Narrative non-fiction about a group of Germans in 1930s Berlin who defy the Nazis as best they can.  Until they are betrayed by one in the group. A gripping account of that era.  Highly recommended.    

The Boys In The Light, Nina Willner.  Another excellent narrative non-fiction from the WWII era.  A Norwegian boy from Minnesota, an Italian boy from Boston, and a German Jewish boy from northern Germany begin the war on separate journeys but their paths cross in the most unbelievable way.  This book will leave you wanting to know more about their remarkable lives, written by the daughter of the German Jewish boy.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Barn, Wright Thompson.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Hummingbird’s Daughter, Luis Alberto Urrea. 

The bookstores' archway entrance was originally the entrance for the firehouse.  This is how the horses pulling the fire wagon entered and exited.  The stables were in back.  The little friend in the front is Rosey from around the corner. 😊

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Proceed to the shelves on the right side and let the browsing begin.  

Variety of bookstore candles offered at the checkout desk.  

Beautiful wall behind the checkout desk.  This wall will someday become an art gallery display.  Nos means "us" in English.  

Most bookstores agree.  

Drake University is very close to the bookstore.  

A few of the greeting cards and book totes available.  

Check-out counter and an assortment of unique book totes for all you'll be getting.  Luis's wife created some of these wonderful totes.  

Your souvenir shirt will look great with the tote over your shoulder.  

Partial view of the children's area, left side of the store toward the back.  

Display of various sidelines and books.  

Another partial view of the children's area and a couple of great places to sit and sample a book.  

Just a few of the unique and quirky socks offered.  

One of the store's book nooks, in the rear right side of the store.  

A few of the puzzles available.  

And we can use all the therapy we can get.  

The stickers are hot here and these are just some of them.  

View of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

ALWAYS, consider this when visiting any bookstore.  

Right next to the bookstore in the same building but with its own entrance, a perfect location and space for the bookstore events.  

With Luis on the right, the fine owner at Nos Books.  Thanks for a great visit.