Sidekick Coffee & Books

Welcome to Sidekick Coffee & Books, where good coffee, great stories, and community connection come together in the heart of Iowa City. Founded by local educator and literacy advocate Katy Herbold, Sidekick is a place for readers, dreamers, and families to gather, discover, and learn.

Katy’s inspiration for Sidekick came from both her background in elementary education and her love for children’s literature. As a teacher, mother, and lifelong reader, she saw firsthand how stories can shape imaginations and bring people together. The name Sidekick reflects both her favorite fictional companions and her own children, who have been her greatest sidekicks along the way.

At Sidekick Coffee & Books, every detail is designed with learning and connection in mind. From storytime and sensory-friendly events to the shelves full of inclusive, handpicked titles, Katy’s mission is to create a space where everyone feels seen and inspired. Whether you’re sipping a latte, browsing for your next great read, or attending a community event, Sidekick welcomes you to be part of its story.

From colorful picture books and engaging middle-grade adventures to adult fiction, nonfiction, and literary favorites, Sidekick Coffee & Books offers something for every reader. Our shelves are curated with care to reflect diverse voices and experiences, ensuring every visitor can find a story that speaks to them.

We believe in the power of representation and strive for every reader – kids and adults alike – to see characters who look like them, dream like them, and inspire them. Whether you’re seeking a thought-provoking novel, a heartwarming children’s story, or your next great mystery, you’ll find it here at Sidekick.

Can’t make it in person? Support Sidekick from anywhere through our Bookshop.org storefront, which offers nationwide shipping while directly supporting the store. You can also listen on the go with audiobooks from Libro.fm, just select Sidekick as your local bookstore when creating an account.

Sidekick Coffee & Books is proud to bring a fresh, community-centered approach to school book fairs across the Iowa City area. Each event features a carefully curated selection of titles chosen by passionate booksellers who have personally read and loved every book.

Our fairs feature over 200 titles across multiple genres and publishers, with a strong emphasis on diversity, quality, and engagement. Schools can also include a small adult section, ensuring something for every reader.

As a former teacher and PTO parent, Katy understands how valuable it is to make book fairs seamless and meaningful. That’s why Sidekick Book Fairs are fully staffed by knowledgeable team members, so schools don’t have to rely on volunteers. Best of all, schools receive 20% back on sales to reinvest in their own libraries, supporting both students and educators while fostering a lifelong love of reading.

Start your morning or afternoon right with Sidekick’s full-service coffee and tea bar, featuring premium Intelligentsia Coffee and Kilogram Tea. Each drink is crafted with care using Direct Trade beans, compostable products, and house-made syrups for a sustainable, flavor-forward experience.

Pair your beverage with a fresh bakery item from The Eat Shop in Solon or indulge in something sweet from our Dan & Debbie’s Creamery ice cream bar, featuring house-made waffle cones, gluten-free options, sundaes, banana splits, and milkshakes made with local ingredients.

For those looking to unwind later in the day, Sidekick also offers a rotating menu of beer from Big Grove Brewery, wine, and seasonal cocktails.

View our full menu & order online!

Stop in for your morning coffee, browse our shelves, or attend one of our family-friendly events, you’ll always find something new to discover.

Can’t make it in person? Support Sidekick from anywhere through our Bookshop.org storefront or listen on the go with audiobooks from Libro.fm.

(319)569-1010
1310 ½ Melrose Ave, Iowa City, IA

Open Daily 7:30 AM – 5 PM