Nos Books Brings Inclusive Literature to Dogtown

The bookstore offers a welcoming space for Drake University students and the surrounding Des Moines community.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in College Life

Nos Books Brings Inclusive Literature to Dogtown

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Do you prioritize shopping at local independent bookstores over online retailers for your book needs?

Opened in March 2025 on 24th Street, Nos Books serves as a community hub featuring works by Black, Latino, queer, and female authors. Owner Luis Lujan operates the store as a third space for students to gather and study.

Why it matters

The store aims to revitalize the Dogtown neighborhood by countering negative safety perceptions and addressing the historical impact of redlining. It aligns with broader university initiatives to transform the area into a vibrant entertainment district.

Located on 24th Street, the store provides a unique collection curated specifically from marginalized voices. The space operates without mandatory purchase requirements to better accommodate student study needs.

The players

Luis Lujan

He is the proprietor of Nos Books and a key participant in local neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Drake University

This institution is actively working to develop the Dogtown area into a primary entertainment district for the city.

The details

Nos Books functions as a community-focused bookstore that hosts a regular book club. It is positioned south of Dough Co. Pizza and actively contributes to the transformation of the local area near Drake University.

Nos Books opened for business in March 2025.

Culture Shift

The emergence of Nos Books signifies a broader trend toward reclaiming urban spaces through community-led economic development. By actively addressing the historical effects of redlining on the Dogtown area, the store represents a departure from traditional retail models in academic districts.

Students and residents can utilize the space for study or community engagement without the expectation of buying items. The store offers a new local resource for accessing literature from diverse perspectives right in the heart of Dogtown.

The takeaway

Supporting local, independent bookstores can serve as a powerful tool for community cohesion and neighborhood identity. Visitors looking for a quiet place to work or connect with others can take advantage of the store's inclusive open-door policy.