Within its bound pages and beautifully decorated covers lives countless worlds, a plethora of knowledge, and the capacity to cultivate the imagination and mold minds, both young and old, in magnificent ways. It’s true when they say that readers live a thousand lives through these scribbled masterpieces that are, indeed, uniquely portable magic, as the amazing author Stephen King once said.
You can never quite get enough as a reader, adding more books to the “to-read” pile before you finish your current immersive literary journey. Still, the need to collect, protect, and practically covet these spectacular creations from the best of imaginations is almost compulsive. So here to help you add more to your collection for logophiles and bibliophiles alike are these enchanting bookstores in the Spokane community!
2nd Look Books
2829 E 29th Avenue, Suite C, Spokane
509.535.6464
For 39 years, 2nd Look Books has been in the business of recycling books. The locally owned, independent bookstore offers a broad selection of quality used books and select new and local author titles. On the lower level, patrons will find a reading room and further seating areas throughout the bookstore, offering optimal opportunities to settle in and cozy up with a new read.
Being next door to Forza Coffee creates a perfect ambiance for a reading day, so grab a cup and head over to browse their extensive selection. Patrons can also trade books for in-store credit, ponder their purchases using the store’s specially dedicated “hold” shelf, or enter a book on their “wish list” to be notified upon its arrival. With low prices, abundant titles, and the best-ever employees, 2nd Look Books continues its founder’s legacy as the Inland NW’s source for quality used books since its establishment in 1982.
Wishing Tree Books
1410 E 11th Avenue, Spokane
509.315.9875
Wishing Tree Books is a labor of love and the product of years of experience, planning and pursuit of owner Janelle’s dream of having her own store. Located in the South Perry neighborhood, the little purple indie bookstore emphasizes children’s books but hopes all ages feel at home in their carefully curated and inviting space.
The quaint bookstore has become a hub for knowledge sharing, storytelling, and community building, offering a curated and inclusive inventory, public events, author reading, story times, special orders, birthday packages, school discounts, and in-store book fairs.
Page 42 Bookstore
2174 N Hamilton Street, Spokane
509.202.2551
Dedicated to impacting the Spokane community through the power of books with such events as their 25-cent sales is Page 42 Bookstore. Patrons can’t miss these quarter sales as they head down the bookstore’s location on Hamilton Street to find a series of tables outside the store, with boxes and boxes filled with books that are being sold for only 25 cents. The event occurs every 4 to 6 weeks, weather permitting, with 5,000 to 7,000 books from every genre, in hardback and paper, outside the store, waiting patiently for new owners to come and snag them during this steal-of-a-deal.
Page 42 firmly believes that access to great literature should be affordable no matter income level, hence these spectacular events as they dedicate themselves to being the low-price leader for books in Spokane. Though these events are only held once every few weeks, patrons are welcome to stop by anytime and peruse the many bookshelves within the store. Don’t forget to get your very own Book Passport at checkout, which is your personal ticket to a year of great reads. Those who purchase the ticket for only $42 will receive a free $10 book every month in 2024.
BookTraders
907 W Garland Avenue, Spokane
509.326.7653
Independent, used bookstore BookTraders has offered the Spokane community a wide selection and variety of books for over 40 years. They believe that everyone deserves a good book no matter what your situation. This mantra has led to the creation of the store’s trade program.
In addition, the bookstore also supports the community’s local VA hospital, mental health clinics, YMCA/YWCA, and schools through book donations and fundraisers.
Auntie’s Bookstore
402 W Main Avenue, Spokane
509.838.0206
Downtown’s famous Auntie’s Bookstore is a Spokane itinerary landmark and a must-visit for visitors and residents alike. The full-service independent bookstore carries new and used books, greeting cards, t-shirts, Spokane specialty items and other gifts that any bibliophile will love.
Bookstore credit is also offered for gently used books, plus the store regularly holds events, signings, and so much more! Auntie’s loves to feature local authors, too, so talented writers shouldn’t hesitate to reach out and see about having their books on the store’s shelves, as they are more than happy to discuss consignment arrangements.
Giant Nerd Books
607 W Garland Avenue, Spokane
509.868.0420
Have you ever wondered what would happen if an eclectically minded, easily distracted, lifelong bookhound, comic collector and natural history buff were to open a shop? Apparently, the answer is the culmination of Giant Nerd Books, where old, new, rare and uncommon books mingle alongside natural history specimens, vintage barware, comics, and artwork by regional and national artists to provide an immersive browsing experience! Not to mention the other occasional oddities you’ll find along owner Nathan Huston’s shelves, including a collection of skulls on display, vintage trinkets, a healthy horror wall, and even an occult section of books.
The bookstore’s Facebook page couldn’t introduce the store’s theme better, with Huston stating that he and the store have been “promoting literacy in the Lilac City since 2005, one dirty picture book at a time!”
With so many magical bookstores in Spokane, the possibility of wandering and adventure will surely be a never-ending journey for book lovers. So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to any of these fantastic local bookstores here in Spokane, and get ready to lose yourself in the pages of the world at your fingertips.
