River Lights Bookstore

A lovely little local bookstore. Staff was very friendly and had good recommendations. The chalk outline in the floor underneath the mystery section was a fun touch.

This was my first time in and it was such a perfect bookstore experience! The owner was working and was so helpful. She offered her expertise when I told her I was looking for a cookbook for a gift exchange. I found a beautiful puzzle that everyone loved as well! The selection of books and other items is everything you want in a little shop! She was also able to recommend a book for me and I enjoyed it so much! Will definitely be returning and have already told all my friends about this little gem and how lucky we are to have it here in Dubuque!

The store is set up very cute. They have a variety of books including some on foods of the midwest and the history of Dubuque. Very unique. They do allow friendly, well-behaved dogs on leash. (There is even a water bowl). The staff are friendly and helpful. The store also puts on events that they have listed on a calendar page on the website. Definitely a place worth checking out even if you are just passing through town.

This fantastic local bookstore is everything you’re looking for when you hear the words “local bookstore”. From a good selection, to cozy atmosphere, to helpful and attentive staff, you’ll find something here for everyone. They also do a lot of events that tie into literary calendars (library week) and the like.

This is such a great store. The employee was extremely helpful and friendly. I was able to get exactly what I needed plus more. There's a meeting space and a great children's section. The caramels on the counter are the best I've ever bought outside of a confectionery. I've also ordered multiple books from them and had success. This is a gem.

I am currently participating in the book of the month program. Dena has hit the nail on the head time and time again with her submissions. Thank you for the wonderful books, they've never failed me.

It is cute! And the employees are so sweet! I love all the books and the theme of the store

Really enjoyed my visit here. Great bookstore with extremely friendly staff!

An active downtown bookstore open seven days a week. Ambience of old world charm. Sue, Andrea, and Dena are delightful and eager to accommodate your wishlist. Display tables filled with current additions along with games, puzzles, stationery, and other fun activities for the entire family. Celebrating the release from new authors with book signings, pop-up events, and other enjoyable activities. Great retail therapy! A humble independent business that truly donates and gives back to their community in so many great ways.

Joyce Gibbs (author)

Extremely cozy, very kind and helpful staff as well. Strongly recommend stopping by and browsing the shelves for your next book.

LOVE THIS BOOK SHOP!
I think the owners have literally read every book in the store! Just tell them what you’re in the mood for and they will have suggestions. It is so fun to shop here!

They also have a great website. When I want a new book I feel Good about spending the extra couple bucks supporting this small business! Instead of the giant.

Awesome little bookstore right in downtown Dubuque. Small, but they have a great variety on a nice array of topics. I really enjoyed my visit.

I found a different variation of Hansel and Gretel than the traditional version. This version that I found at River Lights Bookstore is the witch hunter version. Pretty darn good read!

The staff is so friendly and helpful. The owner clearly has a passion for books. River Lights is what an indie bookstore should be. Plus, the drive from LeClaire to Dubuque is beautiful.

What a delightful little bookstore, and truly a pleasure to peruse.

We stopped here while visiting from out of town. The shop has a great selection of books for all readers and gifts from local artists. I also loved the comfy places to sit around the shop.

Overall, a pleasant shopping experience. I highly recommend it to anybody.

Love this bookstore! The clerks are so nice and welcoming and know their merchandise so well!

Great store and pet friendly too.

My wife and I stumbled upon this great bookstore while enjoying a weekend getaway in Dubuque earlier this year. Ended up spending over an hour in the store pouring over every shelf. Coming from 10+ years in retail management, the merchandising was on point.... even for this middle-aged man who doesnt often notice these types of details, but alas... I was impressed! Ended up speaking to the lady at the counter and traded work stories and our passion for ecological preservation. Bought a few gifts and books and really enjoyed our visit. This is a must stop for anyone looking for a good book-store experience.

A beautiful boookstore with a great selection. In addition to its well-curated sections of books, it has the best variety of jigsaw puzzles I’ve ever seen! The staff is so friendly!

Cute bookstore on the corner that is friendly and offers a surprising variety of children's and YA books and novels. Variety of adult books are not great but they have the popular books at the time and are well versed in what the public is reading. High level of competence all around.