Best Bookstores in Whatcom County: Local Favorites

Looking for a good book in Whatcom County? There are some fantastic spots with shelves filled with stories, from small independent shops to larger chain stores. The local bookstore scene is a treat for readers.

The most popular with locals is Village Books, while Hendersons is the most popular used book store.

1) Village Books and Paper Dreams

This independent bookstore spreads across three floors in historic Fairhaven. The store offers both new and used books, which mingle on the shelves.

The store’s neighboring Paper Dreams section features fun gifts, cards, and unique stationery items. You can browse through journals, art supplies, and quirky novelty items while taking breaks from book shopping. The stores connect on the main floor of Village books so you can roam back and forth freely.

You can grab a coffee and relax awhile at the in-store cafe on the third floor. On the ground floor, the store hosts regular author events, book clubs, and reading groups that bring the local community together.

The knowledgeable staff members are always ready to help you find your next great read. They offer personalized recommendations and can special order any book that’s not currently on their shelves.

Have a visit and support a locally owned independent bookstore run by passionate readers.

There is a second location in downtown Lynden which is not nearly as extensive in terms of books, but also stocks a selection of Paper Dreams items like soaps, jewelry, and kitchen goods.

Location: 1200 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Lynden Location: 430 Front St, Lynden WA 98264

Website: Visit Website

2) Henderson Books

Hendersons is a well stocked used bookstore in downtown Bellingham. The store’s towering shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, creating narrow aisles filled with treasures.

Staff can help guide you through their vast collection of rare books, first editions, and out-of-print titles. Many customers spend hours browsing the well-organized sections spanning multiple genres and interests.

It’s easy to get just a little lost (in a good way) among the stacks while searching for your next great read.

Affordable prices, great organization, and an excellent selection make this shop a favorite among locals. You can often find good deals on gently used books that would cost much more elsewhere.

Location: 116 Grand Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Website: Visit Website

3) Eclipse Bookstore

Located in a historic building on 11th Street in Fairhaven, Eclipse offers two-stories chock a block full of books waiting to be discovered.

Shelves are packed with used books from floor to ceiling, with overflow books literally stacked on the floor. You can easily spend hours browsing through their vast collection of fiction, non-fiction, art books, and rare finds.

The prices are reasonable for used books, and you can often discover some real gems among their selection. You may need to spend some time sifting though, as compared with Henderson’s the organization here is a little more difficult to navigate. Treat it like the treasure hunt that it is.

Location: 1104 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
No Website

4) Barnes & Noble

This major bookstore chain is located right on Meridian Street in Bellingham. It’s a spacious store that carries a wide selection of books across all genres, plus one of the best selection of magazines in town. They also have games, toys, journals and and gifts, especially near the holidays.

You can grab a coffee from the in-store Starbucks café while exploring the shelves or settling in for a reading session.

If you’re looking for a specific title, the helpful staff can point you in the right direction. The children’s section is particularly well-stocked with books and educational toys for kids of all ages.

Location: 4099 Meridian St, Bellingham, WA 98226
Website: Visit Website

5) Comics Place

You’ll find a treasure trove of comic books, graphic novels, games, and collectibles at Comics Place in downtown Bellingham. Their staff can help you track down your favorite titles or discover a new series to love.

The store stocks both mainstream superhero comics and indie titles, making it perfect for fans of all genres. Their selection includes new releases, back issues, manga, and graphic novels for readers of all ages. They also stock some coloring books and games.

Comics Place has expanded to include a second location called Comics Place Retro just down the street. The original store focuses on new comics and current releases, while the Retro store specializes in vintage comics and collectibles.

Location: 105 and 107 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA 98225

Website: Visit Website

6) Griffintown’s Cozy Corner Books

You’ll find this little used bookstore tucked away in Ferndale. While the outside looks a little un-inviting, inside you’ll find a warm atmosphere for book lovers. The cozy space makes you feel at home as you browse through their selection of books.

Featuring a wide selection of fiction genres, you’ll want to take your time exploring the shelves in this lesser known gem.

Location: 5772 2nd Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248

Website: Visit Website

7) Eucatastrophe Books and Coffee

You’ll find this used bookstore and coffee shop on Front street in historic downtown Lynden. The store’s name comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s term for a sudden happy turn in a story.

Browse through shelves of curated used books while sipping on freshly brewed coffee from the in store cafe. Shelves are well organized and signed, making it easy to navigate and find your favorite genres.

You can sell or trade your own used books here too, making it a great spot to refresh your home library.

Location: 515 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264

No Website