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Burlington By The Book

"Your Story Starts Here"

About Us

Burlington By The Book is a beloved independent bookstore located in the heart of Burlington, IA, proudly serving the greater surrounding area since 2010. More than just a bookstore, we’re a community hub for readers, dreamers, and lifelong learners. Our shelves feature a carefully curated selection of new books, including works by talented local authors, enchanting children’s stories, and a variety of unique gifts that make every occasion special.

Our story began when owner Chris Murphy, a lifelong book enthusiast, worked at a local bookstore. When that store closed, Chris decided to turn a passion into a purpose—and opened Burlington By The Book to keep the love of reading alive in our community. Today, we continue that mission by offering personalized service you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re searching for a specific title, we can order any book for you—and even ship it right to your door. Looking for something truly special? We also offer custom book orders to make your reading experience one-of-a-kind.

With a warm and inviting atmosphere, Burlington By The Book is dedicated to fostering a welcoming space for literary enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you’re discovering your next great read, shopping for a thoughtful gift, or simply enjoying the charm of a local bookstore, we’re here to make every visit memorable.

Discover your next literary adventure at Burlington By The Book—where stories live and community thrives.


Areas Served

Burlington, IA | West Burlington, IA | Des Moines County, IA


What We Offer

Our Specialties include:

Our Services include:

Our Products include:


Testimonials

On 12/2/2025 Lauren Bernard had this to say:
I always stop here when I'm home and I never leave empty handed. Brought my husband for his first time and he was so happy to see the large selection of books he likes to read as well!

On 9/27/2025 Mike Luncsford had this to say:
Went in looking for a NKJV, he had several to choose from. I personally was planning on trying to see if they could at least order one. I was shocked to find one. Great customer service. This store has a lot of different books.

On 8/22/2025 Fred Simpson had this to say:
Great service by Chris

On 7/27/2025 Dianne Seymore had this to say:
Nice store lots of selections friendly staff

On 6/29/2025 Get Fit had this to say:
We enjoyed our visit. We enjoyed everything from the beautiful interior to the selection and witty man running the store. He can order any book you'd like, too. We are happy to find this great store right in our community.


Contact Us

Burlington By The Book
301 Jefferson St Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: (319) 753-9981
Fax: (331) 975-9917
Email: burlbythebook@yahoo.com

Where To Find Us

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Payment Types Accepted

American Express, Android Pay, Apple Pay, Personal Checks, Debit Cards, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Our Hours

Holiday Hours May Vary. Please Call For Details.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM


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FAQ

What kind of books do you carry?
We specialize in a curated selection of new books, including local authors, children’s books, and popular fiction and non-fiction titles. We also carry used books, magazines, and custom order titles.
Do you have books for kids?
We have a wonderful children’s section with picture books, early readers, middle grade, and young adult titles.
What types of books do you carry?
We offer a curated selection of new books, including kids’ books, local authors, and popular titles, as well as unique gifts and magazines. You’ll find something for every reader!
Do you sell used books?
We are not a used book store, however we have a table with used books donated from our customers. Each sells for a dollar a piece and the money raised is used to purchase new children's books for the Read-a-Book program, who strive to put new books into the hands of underprivileged children at Christmas.
Can I order a specific book that you don’t have in stock?
Absolutely! We offer custom book orders—just let us know the title or author, and we’ll order it for you.
Do you ship books?
Yes! We can ship books directly to your home, making it easy to get your favorite reads even if you can’t visit the store.
Where are you located and when did you open?
We’re located in Burlington, IA, and have been proudly serving the community since 2010, creating a warm and welcoming space for book lovers.

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