Downtown Lincoln, Nebraska · Est. 1991
Founded in 1991, two floors of paperback mysteries, signed leather-bound treasures, and everything in between — plus gifts, games, tarot, and our own artisanal chocolate bars.
Meet the Cast
Most bookstores have staff. We also have a permanent feline management team and a gargoyle with a wardrobe.
Shop Cat, Front Window Division
Charlie tends to sleep in the front windows and loves being pet by customers. He has strong opinions about which lap belongs to whom, and he supervises the literature section with the calm authority of a cat who has never once been asked to leave.
Shop Cat, Fireplace Department
Cricket is the other half of the window display. Both cats carry on a tradition that started in 1992, when a regular customer found a feral grey tabby downtown and brought him to us. Five cats later, they still get their own annual calendar: Books, Cats, Life is Good.
Gargoyle, Art Section
Our gargoyle, Fritz, changes outfits often. Find him downstairs near the Art section and pat him for good luck. He does not comment on his wardrobe and we have stopped asking. His portrait, like his wardrobe, is a closely guarded secret.
Why Book Lovers Come Back
50,000+ used, rare and out-of-print titles across two floors — everything from paperback mysteries to signed, leather-bound books, plus a rare book cabinet and a staircase painted to look like old spines.
Our staff is knowledgeable, friendly and reads like crazy. Tell us what you like and loathe and we'll build you a stack. Can't find a title anywhere? We'll put it on the Request List and go hunting.
Tarot decks, candles, puzzles, games, stickers, magnets, socks, NovelTeas — and our own artisanal chocolate bars. Gift certificates come in a letterpressed sleeve embedded with wildflower seeds.
Open since 1991 and in our present home since 1992 — two blocks from the university, surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques.
Reviews
“The people working there were also extremely kind, friendly, and helpful.”
“And if they don't have what you're looking for, Cinnamon and Kat will do their best to get it for you.”
“There were tons of shelves floor to ceiling, and then I was even more amazed to find out that there was a basement with even more books.”
“A good book will keep you fascinated for days; a good bookshop, for your whole life.”
Seen on our shelves
Summer Hours
A Novel Idea · AI cat assistant
Meow, I’m Charlie! Looking for your next read or planning a visit?
