A Novel Idea Bookstore

Suggest an edit

A Novel Idea Bookstore in Lincoln, NE
Photo: Joe Stokely via Google

About

Established in 1991, A Novel Idea Bookstore has been a haven for generations of readers. We offer two floors full of Used, Rare and Out-of-Print Books - everything from Harry Potter paperbacks to leather bound books signed by former presidents. We also carry a range of gifts for book lovers - literary-themed socks, candles, puzzles, notecard sets, tea and chocolates. The tops of our custom-made bookshelves are carved to look like leaves. An enchanted forest! Our resident felines often snooze in the front windows but love to snuggle and play with customers. The cats are our most popular staffers. However, we humans are better at recommending books - and well help you find books youll love. Visit in person or online!

Reviews

From Google. Shown as written by the reviewers.

Felix Izel

January 2026

A labyrinth of stories complete with the smell, feel and even sound of old books and their pages... A Novel Idea is everything a local shop should be: cozy, eclectic, and full of character. I'm a big on ambiance and so is this place. It’s packed floor-to-ceiling with an incredible feel of "old-school bookstore" magic. My nickname "Gato" means cat in Spanish and there's a couple resident gatos here that add to the vibe. The Curation: From weathered paperbacks to leather bound collectibles, solid. The Staff: nothing but aces. This ain't just a store; it’s a landmark and staple of Lincoln’s culture.

Alessandra Sealander

October 2025

One of my favorite bookstores in town. Lincoln is lucky to have the abundance of independent bookstores that we do, but A Novel Idea will always be one of my favorites. Fantastic selection, very cozy and ambient store, with a great selection of non-fiction in the basement area as well. Very, very reasonable prices as well. And of course - a million extra bonus points for the resident cats (managers) of the store who are the star of the show. People who work here are lovely and have always been a delight to interact with and chat with. Highly recommend!

Bo Dadd

January 2026

One of the coolest places to go vibe and look for books!! The staff are great. They're very knowledgeable about all the books that are in the store and about what they have or don't have. Extremely friendly, funny, helpful. I love it. ❤️❤️❤️

Kevyn Hetrick

January 2026

Its honestly a really nice little bookstore in downtown Lincoln, we came from grand island to check out another bookstore in town, and before we left town, we were going to yiayias, and saw there was another bookstore nearby, I didnt expect to see a cat, i am glad that i saw this cat, 10/10 would pet the cat again!

Christopher Dunn

October 2025

This is a very quaint bookstore. If you want to relax and stroll through shelf upon shelf of both old and new books. If you’re looking for something to read or as a gift, this is the place to go. For you very well may find it. There are also 2 store cats. These 2 just love getting pets and scratches behind their ears, so no worries these are really friendly. Stop by and see the store for yourself, I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed as I was.

Read all reviews on Google

Nearby bookshops

Sower Books in Lincoln, NE

Sower Books

Lincoln, NE · 4.1 mi away

4.9(88 reviews)
Postscript in Ashland, NE

Postscript

Ashland, NE · 23 mi away

5(69 reviews)
  • Children's Section

All bookshops in Lincoln →

Join Our Literary Community

Connect with fellow book lovers, stay updated on bookshop events, and discover new independent bookshops.