Shop banned books, meet authors at family-owned Dragonfly Books in Iowa

Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.

Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations.

This week we have manager Sarah Krammen of Dragonfly Books in Decorah, Iowa.

What’s your store’s story?

Founded in 2011 by Kate Nelson Rattenborg Scott, Dragonfly Books is a locally- and family-owned, independent, general interest bookstore located on Water Street in downtown Decorah, Iowa. We serve the Driftless Region of northeast Iowa, southeastern Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin.

Our core values guide us in offering a carefully curated selection of diverse books, gifts, and educational items for customers of all ages and backgrounds. We are also the bookselling arm of the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, which enriches the Decorah and surrounding area communities through literary, artistic and cultural programs that foster creative thinking, and to which all members of our community are welcome.

Our mission is to increase access to books and their authors, hold space for community conversations guided by books and their authors and to increase critical literacy and the love of reading for all ages.

What makes your independent bookstore unique?

At Dragonfly Books, our uniqueness shines through in the ways we support our community and create a welcoming space for all. Customers describe us as always helpful and knowledgeable, not just about books but as an advocate for downtown Decorah. We're especially proud to be "a beacon of inclusion and accessibility for book lovers of all ages," fostering a space where everyone feels seen and valued. Our creative and inviting window displays reflect our creativity and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, sparking curiosity and conversation both inside and out.

What's your favorite section in your store?

As an avowed romance reader, I should probably say our genre fiction corner, but I think the real answer is our banned books display case. Iowa is second only to Florida in the country for book banning, which is a topic we care deeply about.

At Dragonfly Books, we believe in the right to read and the freedom to explore ideas. Books challenge us, broaden our understanding, and foster empathy – essential elements of a thriving, informed community. We do not believe that any one person or group should decide what others can or cannot read. Banned and challenged books remain on our shelves because we trust readers to make their own choices. Everyone deserves the opportunity to discover stories that speak to them.

What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?

I can't stop handselling "An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good" by Helene Tursten. The cover and title alone are so attention-grabbing, and the stories really deliver on the promise of the premise – we follow Maud, an 88-year-old "irascible" Swedish woman who prefers to solve her problems with a little light murder. I can't get enough of this deliciously macabre and darkly funny set of short stories.

What book do you think deserves more attention and why?

I'm a romance reader, and especially enjoy historical "bodice rippers." I truly need everyone to know about "Duke of Midnight" by Elizabeth Hoyt, lovingly known as "BatDuke" here at Dragonfly. It's the sixth in a series, but don't let that stop you from diving in – it can also work as a standalone. Think Batman set in the slums of Georgian London; Maximus is a literal Duke by day and vigilante by night, obsessed with avenging the death of his parents. There's a training dungeon and a helpful butler and everything. It's truly all I want in a book. 

Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important? 

When you support local businesses like Dragonfly Books, you’re doing more than just buying a book – you’re helping to build a vibrant and connected community. Local businesses invest in their communities in ways big chains can’t, whether it’s through sponsoring local events, donating to local nonprofits, or simply providing a space for people to gather and share ideas. This investment helps create a unique sense of place that reflects the people and culture of the area, both as it exists now and as a hope for what it can become.

What are some of your store's events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?

This summer, Dragonfly Books, along with our nonprofit arm, the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, invites readers to gather in the heart of Decorah for a season of rich storytelling and meaningful connection.

On July 25, Kathleen Ernst returns with the latest in her historical "Hanneke Bauer" mystery series, and on July 28, Tamara Dean brings quiet power and insight to her new work "Shelter and Storm." August opens with award-winning author Thomas Maltman and his haunting thriller "Ashes to Ashes" on August 5 and a joyful celebration of Bookstore Romance Day featuring local authors Caitlyn Battelle and Stephanie Olson on August 9.

From debut voices to seasoned storytellers, these events offer a rare chance to connect with the people behind the pages and to celebrate the power of story in the heart of the Driftless.