Prairie Lights Books

Prairie Lights Cafe is part of the legendary independent bookstore Prairie Lights, which has been an Iowa City landmark since 1978. The cafe proper is an 1100 square foot space, with an intriguing history. A local literary society met within the same walls throughout the 1930's, hosting writers Robert Frost, Sherwood Anderson, Langston Hughes, Carl Sandburg, and ee Cummings among others. Reportedly, Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas were scheduled for a reading but were sleeted-in at the Waukesha airport - or so the story goes. Part café, part exhibition venue - The cafe is an alternative space in truest sense of the word. Under the direction of artist/curator Mary Coats, the cafe will host exhibitions, performances, screenings, artist talks, panel discussions, readings, and many as-yet-to be determined events. The café proudly serves Stumptown Coffee, small plates courtesy of The Motley Cow, Deluxe Pastries, as well as a premium selection of wines, beers, and The Houndstooth. Hour Glass Wine and Beer Specials Daily.