If you love the thrill of discovery, A Novel Idea Bookstore in downtown Lincoln is where your next favorite read is waiting. Tucked at 118 N 14th St, this beloved used book store is cozy, carefully curated, and full of charm, right down to its friendly resident cats.
With a 4.9 star rating and shelves that reward slow browsing, it is the kind of place you plan your afternoon around. Step in, slow down, and let the stacks guide you to something unforgettable.
Planning your visit: hours, location, and vibe
Start your trip by checking hours, because timing matters here. A Novel Idea Bookstore opens Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 6 PM, with Sunday through Tuesday closed, so plan an unhurried afternoon.
The address is 118 N 14th St in downtown Lincoln, an easy walk from coffee and lunch spots.
Inside, the atmosphere is quietly electric. Soft music, warm light, and handwritten shelf labels set the tone for slow discovery.
Friendly staff greet you without hovering, ready to steer you toward hidden gems or let you wander freely.
Prices are reasonable, which encourages risk taking on authors you have always meant to try. Expect both literary fiction upstairs and a deep bench of nonfiction downstairs.
There is space to pause, flip through a chapter, and decide if a book should come home.
Reviews repeatedly mention cozy ambiance and community spirit, and you feel that right away. The store invites conversation, but also respects your browsing bubble.
It is the kind of shop where you lose track of time and leave happier than you arrived.
Upstairs fiction: serendipity among the stacks
Head upstairs and you will feel the pull of serendipity. Fiction runs the gamut from classic paperbacks with creased spines to crisp modern hardcovers.
Staff picks and handwritten notes spark curiosity, so you keep reaching for one more spine.
Sections are clearly labeled, yet they invite wandering. Literary fiction sits near genre favorites, so cross pollination happens naturally.
You come for one author, but leave with two unexpected discoveries and a short story collection you did not know you needed.
The shelving is tall and satisfying to scan slowly. Titles turn into little quests, each promising a new voice or a familiar comfort.
It is perfect for gifting too, since clean copies and character rich editions abound.
Prices here feel kind to readers, and turnover keeps the selection lively. If you ask, staff will find read alike suggestions that actually fit your tastes.
Allow at least an hour upstairs, because browsing here is half meditation, half treasure hunt.
Downstairs nonfiction: the basement trove
Make time for the basement, because nonfiction is where the store’s curation really shines. History, science, biography, essays, and cultural studies are arranged so browsing feels intuitive.
You can move confidently from big picture topics to niche rabbit holes.
Readers mention how well priced the downstairs selection is, which encourages impulse add ons. Shelf talkers highlight timely subjects, and the range spans academic leaning works to narrative page turners.
It is a balanced mix that respects curiosity.
If you are researching or building a home library, this room is a joy. Sturdy editions and gently used paperbacks keep budgets intact without sacrificing quality.
Staff are glad to recommend gateways into complex topics.
The vibe is unhurried and contemplative. You can stand with a book for several minutes, read a few pages, and feel no pressure.
Many visitors say the basement alone is worth the stop, and you will likely agree after a single pass through.
Resident cats: Charlie and Cricket steal the show
Two furry managers, Charlie and Cricket, have made this bookstore famous among cat loving readers. You might find them napping in a sunbeam, supervising the counter, or inspecting your tote bag with professional curiosity.
Expect meows, not recommendations.
Reviews gush about how friendly and calm the cats are. They accept ear scratches, pose for photos, and sometimes escort you down an aisle like dignified guides.
Their presence adds warmth without distracting from the books.
If you are allergic, you can still browse comfortably by giving the cats space. They tend to nap or wander quietly, and staff are considerate about making shoppers comfortable.
Bring hand sanitizer and enjoy from a respectful distance.
For everyone else, prepare to fall a little in love. The cats turn a great store into a memorable destination and are part of its identity.
Do not be surprised if your favorite purchase is your new camera roll.
Staff guidance: real recommendations that land
One reason locals rave about A Novel Idea is the staff’s knack for precise recommendations. Ask for a read alike, and you will get three sharp options, not a generic list.
They listen, ask quick questions, and connect dots across genres.
Families mention help finding age appropriate books that still feel exciting. Gift shoppers appreciate guidance that respects budget and personality.
You leave feeling seen as a reader rather than pushed toward inventory.
Conversations are relaxed and friendly. If you prefer to browse, staff give space and reappear when you signal for help.
That balance keeps the store comfortable for introverts and extroverts alike.
Over time, this trust builds a reading life that feels sustainable. You discover authors you might have missed, and you return knowing the next pick will probably hit.
Consider keeping a running wish list to make these chats even more fruitful.
Prices, trades, and giftable finds
Budget friendliness is part of the magic here. Many titles are priced to encourage exploration, so you can leave with a stack without guilt.
Regulars often mention how fair the store feels about value and condition.
Ask about trade policies if you have books to rehome. You may receive store credit that stretches your browsing even further.
It is a great way to keep your shelves fresh and support a community focused shop.
Beyond books, you will find gifts like postcards, bookmarks, journals, and literary themed treats. These make thoughtful add ons when picking a birthday present or thank you token.
It becomes a one stop shop for readers and gifting occasions.
Keep an eye on displays near the counter for seasonal surprises. Little treasures often hide there waiting to be discovered.
Pair a novel with a notebook, and you have an instant, personal gift that feels just right.
Downtown pairing: coffee, strolling, and parking tips
Part of the fun is building a little Lincoln afternoon around your visit. Grab coffee nearby, then drift into the shop with a clear head and extra time.
Window displays outside often pull you in before you even reach the door.
Parking downtown is manageable with metered spots and garages, but give yourself a cushion. Weekends can be busy, especially on game days.
Walking a block or two makes reentry to the shelves feel even sweeter.
Plan for browsing first, then a snack to flip through your finds. The neighborhood has plenty of options for a quick bite or celebratory pastry.
Make it a ritual and the store will anchor a comforting routine.
If you are visiting from out of town, this stop fits easily between campus and the heart of downtown. Keep tote bags handy for bigger hauls.
The slow pace sets the tone for the rest of your day.
Why locals plan hours here: the community effect
Locals set aside hours for A Novel Idea because it rewards lingering. The store feels like a living room for readers, complete with gentle background music and friendly check ins.
You leave carrying stories and a little more calm.
Regulars mention how the selection evolves, so each visit brings new possibilities. The mix of old favorites and fresh arrivals keeps curiosity alive.
That rhythm makes it easy to build a monthly or even weekly habit.
Community thrives in small moments here. You overhear a great recommendation, share a smile over a cat nap, and spot a perfect gift for someone you love.
These tiny connections make the shop feel like a neighbor.
When a place consistently helps you find what you did not know you needed, you plan around it. That is the magic at 118 N 14th St. Come with time, leave with something that fits exactly right.