Nestled in the heart of Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood, a new bookstore is set to become a staple for literature lovers.
This spring, Nos Books will open in the historic Fire House No. 11. Founded by Luis Luján, a first-generation Mexican American, this space will not just be a bookstore—it will be a community hub where everyone can find stories that resonate with them, regardless of background.
Luis’s journey to opening Nos Books is rooted in personal experience and a deep love for literature. Born in Muscatine, Iowa, he moved to Arizona as a child. “That was one of the best experiences I had,” he recalls. “I went to an environment where everyone around me, from my teachers to the mayor, looked like me. It opened doors for me, especially as a kid, to realize there was more possible.”
After high school, Luis studied literature at the University of Iowa, with hopes of attending law school. These plans were put on hold when he was stationed in Iraq with the Army Reserves as a medic, leading him to pursue a career as a nurse when he returned to civilian life. After his return, he began to rethink his future and rediscovered his love for reading and literature. “I always had a great love for reading, and I thought, ‘Why not me? Why can’t I start a business that aligns with my values?’” His wife, who was pregnant at the time, supported his decision, and thus began his journey into the world of pop-ups at local shops and farmers markets.
For years, Luis ran pop-ups, selling books focused on BIPOC authors and stories that reflect the world’s diversity. The community’s positive reception made it clear that there was an appetite for his venture in Des Moines. “The support from local business owners and patrons made this a viable business,” Luis says.
Then the perfect space came along after a connection with Tobi Parks, owner of xBk Live and the historic Fire House. As a minority small-business owner with an opportunity to support another minority-owned small business, bringing in Luis as a tenant was a no brainer. “Luis and I share aligned goals and visions,” says Tobi.
“I fell in love with the building the minute I walked in,” Luis recalls. “But it wasn’t just the space—it was the community around it. Drake is an area that has been overlooked, and that means there’s great opportunity here. I’m proud to establish my business here, building on what other local businesses like Mars Café have already started.”
Community is at the heart of both Tobi’s and Luis’s businesses. “We need community now more than ever and providing spaces where folks can come together and build community is imperative,” shares Tobi.
Bringing Nos Books to Drake wasn’t just about securing a location; it was about creating a space where the local community feels at home. “I want this bookstore to be a place where everyone feels welcome,” Luis explains. “Whether you speak one language or many, whether you’re from Des Moines or beyond, we want to create a space where families can come together, read, and see themselves reflected in the books on our shelves.”
In addition to the varied literary offerings, Luis is eager to connect with the community in other ways. “We’ll offer literature in as many languages as possible,” Luis notes. He also plans to host a bilingual story hour for children and to restart the book club he once hosted at The Slow Down Coffee Co. in the historic Highland Park neighborhood. “We want this bookstore to be a place for community connection… where people from all walks of life can gather.”
Though Nos Books has faced delays and challenges, Luis’s passion for his mission remains unwavering. “I’m not trying to save the world or be a superhero,” he says with a smile. “I’m just trying to do something good. I want to create a space that reflects my values and that people in the community can enjoy.”
“This project has been complicated and a few years in the making. However, it likely would have taken much longer without Invest DSM’s support,” Tobi explains. “Invest DSM provided matching grant funds to allow me to complete the firehouse renovation.” Tobi used Invest DSM’s Commercial Grant Program to make the space viable for tenants and businesses like Nos Books.
The Commercial Grant Program encourages property owners to invest in their properties, enhancing the appearance, functionality, and appeal of the commercial area. Funding is available for pre-development and renovations, as well as aesthetic improvements by local artists, such as signage, window displays, murals, and more.
Nos Books is slated to open on March 8th, 2025. With its emphasis on inclusivity, culture, and community, it’s poised to become a beloved fixture in Des Moines’ literary scene.
WHERE TO FIND NOS BOOKS
Grand Opening: March 8th 10a – 6p
Address: 1163 24th St Unit 1A, Des Moines, IA 50311
Socials: @nosbooksdsm
For more information on Nos Books, visit nosbookstore.com.
