FAQs

Does Dog-Eared Books buy used books?

  *We do not accept used books during November and December.*
 
Due to limited shelf space, Dog·Eared Books maintains a small, carefully curated selection of previously loved books.

If you have previously loved books you’d like to trade your books with Dog·Eared Books in exchange for in-store credit, please be mindful of our requirements and procedures.

We only accept the following:

Bestsellers published in the last 5 years (exceptions may be made for titles older than 5 years that are still selling well)
Books that are considered classics
All books must be in like-new condition.

If your books meet these requirements,

You may bring in no more than 10 books at a time for consideration.
OR
You can email pictures of the books (cover and binding) you’d like us to consider. Email ellyn@dogearedbooksames.com.

Dog·Eared Books pays a non-negotiable IN-STORE CREDIT for the titles we accept:

Paperback picture books – $1
Hardcover picture books – $2
Paperback books – $2
Hardcover books – $4

I’m a Local Author. Can I sell my books at Dog-Eared Books?

Dog·Eared Books is proud to support local writers and contribute to a thriving local writing community. Due to the volume of requests we receive from area writers wishing to sell in our store, as well as limited shelf space, we cannot carry every title submitted to us. Special consideration will be given to authors living in and near Ames.

If you’d like Dog-Eared Books to consider carrying your book, please fill out our submission form. 

submit your book here

I’m in a local book club.

Does Dog-Eared Books provide any perks?

Buying from Dog·Eared Books

If your book club purchases a minimum of 6 books for your group, we will provide a 10% discount. Your book club can order books at the store or by emailing hello@dogearedbooksames.com with the subject line “Book Club Order”. Pre-payment is required. Please allow 1-2 weeks to get your books in if we do not have them on hand already.

Meeting at Dog·Eared Books

If your book club purchases its books from Dog·Eared Books, you may reserve our loft space for your book club meeting free of charge. You may reserve the space at the time you place your order. Note: We cannot accommodate groups larger than 10 at this time.

Are pets allowed in the store?

Although we would LOVE to meet your furry friends, because we serve food and beverage, service dogs only are allowed in the store.

Most days, our own service/shop dog, Lovie, will be in the store and would love to receive pets and cuddles. If you do not wish to interact with her, that’s no problem. She has a special spot she can go hang out at.

Will Dog-Eared Books make a donation to my organization?

Dog-Eared Books appreciates the opportunity to support local organizations and initiatives that are working to better our community. Because we receive a large volume of requests for donations, we have decided to focus our charitable giving on efforts addressing literacy and social justice.

If you feel that your donation request falls into one of these categories, please fill out this form. We will respond to your request within two weeks.

submit request here

Are you hiring?

We are not currently hiring at this time. When we have an opening, we will post the application here and our social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. 

When we do hire, we look for booksellers who are: 

  • voracious readers (possess a reading life that enhances customer experience and our store curation.)
  • reliable (punctual, accountable, communicative)
  • possess strong interpersonal skills
  • are hard workers, unfazed when the environment is fast-paced and who take initiative during slow times
  • 18 years of age