Established in 1978, The Haunted Bookshop derives its name from Christopher Morley’s book, The Haunted Bookshop. No, the shop isn’t actually haunted. The book refers to all of the ghosts that haunt all libraries and bookstores – ‘the ghosts of all great literature.’ Maybe not quite what you’d expect from the name, but the story still piques enough interest! This what we know about the haunted bookshop of Iowa city.
Unlike most local bookstores, The Haunted Bookshop specializes in older, out-of-print books. If you’re looking for a new book, this is probably not the place! It is Iowa’s oldest secondhand bookshop which carries over 50,000 used, rare, out of print, and antiquarian books in over 50 different subject areas!
The store has been in Iowa City since 1978, but it has changed location several times. It is currently located at 219 North Gilbert St. The Bookshop has changed hands over the past few decades; the current owner acquired the store in 2004.
Okay, so it’s not haunted, it’s probably not the most exciting place for you on Halloween, but there are cats involved. (In my opinion, that’s even better!)
Nierme is a shorthaired tabby/peach calico who has been with the Bookshop since 2006. Her name is a Sindarin word that means “sorrow” because she lost a kitten at a young age. She doesn’t like to be picked up, but she does like to be scratched behind her ears!
Logan is the more affectionate cat of The Haunted Bookshop; he often surprises visitors by rubbing up against their legs or headbutting them while they browse. He’s also a natural stuntman; if there is a paper ball or shoelace is in sight, he’ll be on it before you can blink!
If you’re a bookworm looking to add to your collection or even just a quiet place to read and browse, this is the spot for you!
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