Tacoma Book Center

Ashton Brellenthin

8 months ago

Be ready to browse and get lost in books! A large selection and friendly staff.

Sheen Hunter (#SheenTV! #SeattleFreeze)

7 years ago

I've been to so many bookstores in the United States and a few in other countries and this one is really awesome because they have books of all eras and I feel like I walked into a bookstore in Harry Potter world there could be a new corridor in the store going to another world. I have loved libraries and bookstores since I was a kid. This place is one I feel I can get lost in reading and research all day sprawled out in a small spot on the floor. I'm grateful this place exists and they are open Sundays. My mom, fiancee and I found so many great ideas on wedding planning and Japanese home design.

Corim Cox

3 years ago

The coolest bookstore I've been to. Many books. The vibe is great. I suggest coming with enough time to look through all the aisles. Workers were helpful and kind. Loved it.

Pete McCorvey

7 months ago

I'm currently overseas and ordered a book on Amazon, and when I got it, I noticed the address on the package. I looked it up and I noticed that I used to shop there all the time. They have a great selection of books and the staff is extremely friendly. Books everywhere. If you are a bookworm, this is the place for you.

Alexandra Browning

2 years ago

This bookstore is amazing, it's my favorite. There's a lot of everything and it could even be considered overwhelming with how many books there are. BUT I LOVE IT. Pretty good prices and the owner impressively knows where everything is. Hard to miss since it's on a corner and there's a small parking lot in the back. I plan to take my book loving family members when they come to visit!

Tracy Grauman

5 months ago

Only true book lovers will understand this: The smell of a bookstore filled with the history of murders, artists, literary giants, mountaineering and nearly every war on earth, is visually awe inspiring and redolence. Getting away from the digital world and reminiscing in a quirky book store is calming.

F A

Edited 2 years ago

This place is a must for book lovers everywhere. I’ve been there a few times, and I have enjoyed each visit. They have shelves filled up to the ceiling with books in the storefront, in a small nook area (with some steps to get to) as well as in the corridor that leads to three smaller rooms in the back (one is up some stairs, two are on the ground floor). You can also ask any one of the employees for a book rec, they are friendly as can be. From my experience, the prices are reasonable (just check the inside where they write the price down), and they have a few carts with books sold for 25¢ each. You will need to plan to stay for a few hours because you’ll be reading to your hearts content - They don’t have a public restroom, you’ve been warned. Masks are optional.

Laurel Esselbach

3 months ago

More books at a great price than anywhere in the PNW, better than that famous Portland bookstore in my experience. Tacoma Book Ctr. even has more obscure selections like vintage pre-teen classics, vintage Christian classics & Biblical studies/languages. Easy on/off freeway, free parking.

Joanna Thompson

8 months ago

A bibliophile's absolute dream, a tripping hazard nightmare. I LOVE strolling through Tacoma Book Center, but have tripped more than once, distracted by all there is to see while forgetting that stacks of books line the floors. Very worth your time, but don't go if you have osteoporosis and/or are prone to losing your footing.

Kenneth Huang

8 months ago

Absolutely massive (they aren’t kidding about being the largest used bookstore in Washington) bookstore- as in, shelves to the ceilings with books! They even had a whole Babylon 5 shelf in scifi/fantasy, which I’ve never seen before. The navigation of finding stuff can be tricky, but I rather liked the treasure hunt for out of print copies