Shelf Love DSM
About Shelf Love DSM
Shelf Love DSM is a welcoming indie romance bookstore in the heart of Des Moines, Iowa, created for readers who want more than just a place to buy books.
As a brick-and-mortar shop in the Drake neighborhood, Shelf Love is built around a love of romance stories, a commitment to uplifting independent voices, and a genuine desire to create a strong sense of community for local readers.
The store offers a thoughtfully curated selection of romance titles, with a special focus on indie-authored books that bring fresh, diverse, and memorable stories to the shelves.
Whether you are searching for your next favorite read or looking for a bookstore that truly celebrates the genre, Shelf Love DSM offers a warm and inviting space where romance lovers feel at home.
Beyond the books themselves, Shelf Love DSM is a destination for connection and experiences. Visitors can stop by for great romance reads, author signings, community events, and more, making every visit feel personal and engaging.
The store is designed for convenience and comfort, with wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance, on-site services, and delivery options that make it easy to enjoy their selection however you prefer to shop.
With a quick-visit friendly setup and flexible payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, Shelf Love DSM makes the shopping experience smooth and accessible from start to finish.
Customers clearly value the experience Shelf Love DSM provides, reflected in its outstanding 5.00 out of 5 rating based on 174 reviews.
Located at 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, this beloved bookstore stands out as a trusted local favorite for anyone seeking quality romance books, friendly service, and a bookstore atmosphere that feels both personal and inspiring.
Quality Products
Carefully curated selection
Expert Staff
Friendly, knowledgeable help
Great Value
Competitive pricing always
Happy Customers
Satisfaction guaranteed
What We Offer
Our Collections
Featured Products
Discover our most popular items and best sellers that customers love.
New Arrivals
Fresh inventory arriving regularly. Be the first to see what's new.
Special Offers
Amazing deals and seasonal promotions you won't want to miss.
Our Story
Shop With Confidence
Whether you're looking for something specific or just browsing, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find exactly what you need.
Our Store
Browse our beautiful space
Customer Reviews
What shoppers say about us
Hanna Merilatt 11 months ago
This is a MUST visit! The best vibes! Road tripped from Maple Grove, MN to join Shelf Love DSM on opening day and it did not disappoint. Indie authors ✅ local authors ✅ great vibes ✅
Sarah 11 months ago
love love love this bookstore!! there were so many books to choose from, and the owner sarah was very friendly and helpful 💗 …
Kenzie Crawford 9 months ago
I’m a romance book girly, what can I say? This shop is adorable, fun, whimsy, and inviting. A lot of variety. It’s hard NOT to find something. Good luck walking away with just one book.
Cassidy Gearhart 11 months ago
The cutest bookstore and amazing vibes. Just a couple doors down from a coffee shop/across the street from a bar/ next to a tattoo shop. The perfect addition to the neighborhood! Went to the grand opening (8th in line not to brag or anything) and fell in love! Check it out if you like romance or smut in any shape or form
Kynlee James 11 months ago
Had the absolute best time! The owner and staff came outside prior to the grand opening at least 5 times! The store was the definition of female empowerment! The owner is the sweetest girl, she stood and talked to us for a while and we could not tell her enough how amazing the place is or how thankful we are that she opened it! I will 100% definitely be coming back as often as I can! Definitely surpassed my expectations!
Danny Hall (Danny) 11 months ago
The aesthetic and vibe of Shelf Love attracted us to find more romance novels. From the cowboy boot pillow in the seating area to the wide selection of romance novels from local writers. We love to support Shelf Love since the pop ups around town. Highly recommend!
Lauren Hartwig 9 months ago
GREAT! The romance book store of your dreams. Over 20 shelves/tables of literature. Stickers, bookmarks, bookish gear… just lovely! Was so happy to visit this cute place. Best of luck to the owners — may they have continued success.
Kathy Haan 4 months ago
Easily one of the best romance bookstores in the world. The owner, Sarah, puts on great events and is super supportive of the community. She also carries the cutest merch!
Liz Warner 11 months ago
I am SO obsessed with Shelf Love! It’s cozy, welcoming, warm, and the owner is SO sweet. They have a fabulous mix of both traditionally published and indie authors, and the bookish goods are so cute. Plus they have a little hang out spot, and I’ll definitely be working / reading there. New favorite bookstore!
Amanda Purscell month ago
I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Shelf Love DSM this afternoon. What a cute, lovely little shop tucked away in a strip mall on University Ave; who'd have thought? The staff was knowledgeable and super friendly. Bookshops are my drug in every sense of the word and I absolutely enjoyed perusing the shelves, choosing books and a sweet canvas bag to carry my books in! Thank you for such a pleasant experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Shelf Love DSM
- Sunday: 12-4 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Wednesday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Friday: 11 AM-6 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM-4 PM
Shelf Love DSM is located at 2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United States, Des Moines, IA, United States.
Shelf Love DSM has a rating of 5.0 out of 5 based on 174 customer reviews.
Shelf Love DSM features the following accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance.
Shelf Love DSM features the following from the business: Identifies as women-owned, Small Business.
Shelf Love DSM features the following service options: On-site services, Delivery.
Shelf Love DSM features the following crowd: LGBTQ+ friendly, Transgender safe space.
Shelf Love DSM features the following planning: Quick visit.
Shelf Love DSM features the following payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments.
Business Features
Highlights & Amenities
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
- Small Business
Service options
- On-site services
- Delivery
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safe space
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Visit Our Store
Stop by and see us. We'd love to help you find what you're looking for.
Location
2326 University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50311, United StatesStore Hours
Get In Touch
Have a question? Let us know and we'll get back to you.