Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe

Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe A people-centric independent bookstore that celebrates the love of reading + the human experience, with a strong focus on social advocacy.

Proudly Asian + woman-owned. Visit our storefront or shop online at readinginpublic.com

The devastating impacts of the Venezuela earthquake continue to spread with AP recently reporting over 5,000 people dead...
08/20/2026

The devastating impacts of the Venezuela earthquake continue to spread with AP recently reporting over 5,000 people dead, nearly 17,000 injured, and almost 18,000 homeless.

Venezuelan author Gabriella Nøhr lost her aunt in this tragedy and is donating the proceeds from her dystopian novella, Hanneh, to relief efforts. Nøhr is an incredibly talented writer and we encourage everyone to pick up a copy. If you buy from us, we will be donating our portion of the proceeds to the earthquake relief efforts as well.

Did you know that Never Whistle at Night is our third most-sold title EVER? We love an indigenous horror anthology aroun...
08/17/2026

Did you know that Never Whistle at Night is our third most-sold title EVER? We love an indigenous horror anthology around here 🫡 and the best part??? The sequel comes out TOMORROW + we’re hosting a RELEASE PARTY 🎉

Your ticket includes:
- a copy of Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II
- sleepover snacks
- a special non-alcoholic drink
- live readings from both books

You can sign up to read from either the first or second book, or just come to listen! Tickets are going fast so grab yours now!!

https://luma.com/4aw25yoa

Theodore C. Van Alst, Jr. ✶✶✶✶ Shane Hawk

Our owner is in Mamdani’s New York and we’re all insanely jealous! But we have our current reads to keep us company. I...
08/15/2026

Our owner is in Mamdani’s New York and we’re all insanely jealous! But we have our current reads to keep us company. If you could transport yourself somewhere to read, where would it be?

Linzi: A Return to Self Excursions in Exile by Aatish Taseer
Erin: Pageboy by elliotpage
Courtney: World’s Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon by
Cat: Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame
Lisa: Destination Funerla by Paige Harbison

08/14/2026

We’re SO excited for this release on Tuesday! Join us for a special release party and sign up to share your favorite story from the first Never Whistle at Night or a random pick from the second one!

Tickets are available now!!

Kind of chic to attend author events at indie bookstores ✨We loved hosting Tina M Cho + JamesClearyAuthor (DeVita) this ...
08/11/2026

Kind of chic to attend author events at indie bookstores ✨

We loved hosting Tina M Cho + JamesClearyAuthor (DeVita) this past weekend! Huge thank you to both of these spectacular authors for such engaging events 🩵 also a big thank you to everyone who attended! We can only host these events because you support us and we appreciate every single reader that spends their free time at Reading in Public 🤗

What events would you like to see this fall?? Let us know and we’ll see what we can do 👀

Bookstore Romance Day is officially one week away! Come to Reading in Public from 12-2 to celebrate by creating your own...
08/08/2026

Bookstore Romance Day is officially one week away! Come to Reading in Public from 12-2 to celebrate by creating your own charm bookmark with darlin’ dsm | charm bar💖

We sold her out last time so make sure you come early 🤭

We have TWO author events this weekend that you don't want to miss! Saturday: Thriller & SciFi author James Cleary will ...
08/05/2026

We have TWO author events this weekend that you don't want to miss!

Saturday: Thriller & SciFi author James Cleary will be here to talk about his latest book Sanctuary.

Sunday: Children's & Middle Grade author Tina Cho will be hosting a storytime for her book The Princess and the Grain of Rice.

Both events are free to RSVP and we'll have books available for purchase to get signed! Reserve your spot before it's too late 😧

08/04/2026

We had so much hosting Find Waldo Local for the first time this year! Thank you to all of the Historic Valley Junction businesses that partnered with us and to all of the people who participated 🫶

If you won a prize, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from Reading in Public!

Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II is coming on the 18th! We're hosting a release party and YOU can sign up ...
08/02/2026

Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II is coming on the 18th! We're hosting a release party and YOU can sign up to do a reading, either of your favorite story from the first book or a surprise story from the second.

Your event ticket includes a copy of Back for Blood, a special non-alcoholic drink, and sleepover snacks! We can't to see you for a fun evening of creepy stories.

We have SO MANY events this month! Whether you're looking for a cookbook book club, author events, children's storytimes...
08/01/2026

We have SO MANY events this month! Whether you're looking for a cookbook book club, author events, children's storytimes, or a gathering of like-minded bookish individuals, we've got you covered! Best of all, BOOK CLUBS are back! We now have Rather Be Reading YA Book Club + Strange Company Book Club 🥳

Address

315 5th Street, Suite 100
West Des Moines, IA
50265

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+15158649089

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe:

Shortcuts

Share

Category