Just across the street from Michael's books. This late comer to the Bellingham used book scene has a smaller selection that Michael's (That's not saying a lot. They still have a ton of books), but the books are usually in better shape and because of that cost a little bit more. The store seems cleaner and has better lighting. Staff can be hit or miss. Some are book snobs, others are happy to help. Your best bet is to check out both stores as they are across the street from each other. read more

Good store, good books, inattentive staff. If it weren't for the service I'd give this place full stars.

The book selection is only okay and the customer service is downright awful. The woman who works there, possibly the owner or manager, is very rude. After several encounters over a couple years now I don't think I will be returning to shop. Looks like I'm going to be going to Amazon for my used books from now on. read more

Henderson Books can't be topped as a store to get lost in if you love books. Don't expect to be treated like you're at Starbucks, folks! This is not that. What it is, though, is a cornucopia of all the books you might want to find in a used bookstore. And the staff know exactly where everything is (unfailingly), because the sections are meticulously organized and the staff are very knowledgeable. As buyers, they are picky, picky, picky. Which is a bit frustrating if you're trying to unload that well-loved mystery paperback that your mom read with a rubber band as a bookmark (ahem, looking at you, Mom). But it's great when you're shopping for a gift, because the books you find will be in very good to like-new condition. No markings, no highlighting, no bent pages, no broken spines. Or at least, very, very few. Due to their comprehensive selection, the whole store is a wonderful place to browse. Next to going to the Bellingham Public Library's "freebie room", in my opinion this is the very best place in town to find that weird book you've never heard of before and didn't know you were looking for. There are also some fun tchatchkes at the front of the store for when you get tired of looking at words. Little knick-knacks, buttons (the kind you sew on, not the kind with clever sayings on them), and various other things that I suspect were found along with books at estate sales. They lend the place a fun antique-store vibe that I really enjoy! Don't miss the foreign language room, especially if you're looking for language-learning book/tape/CD sets. They are much cheaper here than you'll find anywhere else in town (other than the library of course.) read more

This is actually one of my favorite bookstores in the region (and even beyond). Beautifully curated selection: no junk at all! Great hard-to-find fiction, gardening, cooking, art & design. My friends and family from Seattle always make time to visit Henderson's when they are in town. I like the owners and staff. They have always been very helpful when I was in the shop. read more

Awesomeness! This bookstore has it all! But the really gem is that the people that work there are SUPER nice, they take you to items instead of just pointing you down there somewhere! They are knowledgeable and the best part is, it really doesn't smeel too bad there (most used book stores smell super musty!) read more

Whenever I'm in Bellingham, I visit three used bookstores--Michael's Books and Henderson Books on opposite ends of Grand Ave. in downtown Bellingham, and Eclipse Books in Fairhaven. They are all good, but Michael's Books is my favorite, with Henderson Books second and Eclipse Books third. Henderson Books has a huge selection of books and DVDs in a cavernous space. Mysteries and fantasy/scifi books are on a stage in the very back of the store. There's a lot here. Organization is good but not great. Customer service could be improved. Still, it's a fun place to browse for hours. read more

After the way I was treated the last time I went here with my friends, none of us have returned. I would have given them zero stars if I could. One Saturday, two of my friends and I stopped in with two boxes of books to sell. The older lady working at the counter seemed very annoyed by us but say she would take a look at the books. While we were waiting, one of my friends and I were looking at some books located directly next to the checkout stand. After two minutes, the lady who was reviewing our books turned to us and told us to get away from the desk so that she could concentrate. I'm sorry, we're just trying to pick out books that we would like to buy from you, you know, help keep your business going. Shocked at her rudeness, my friend and I wondered off. About 10 minutes later, while standing about 15 to 20 feet away front he desk with my other friend who had come in with us that day, w both heard the sales lady and the older man (owner/co-owner maybe?) loudly making fun of the books that we had brought in. Now I know I didn't bring in great literature that will be remembered for years and years to come but let's show a little respect for the customer (especially when the books were ones that belonged to the deceased parents of my friend and I). So most of our books were returned to us and when they offered store credit I insisted that I receive cash as I did not want a reason to return. Yes the selection in nice but there are many, many, many other used book stores that have excellent selections and much more appropriate customer service. read more

This is probably my favorite bookstore in the downtown area. I sell my books here, and I buy my books here. They have A LOT of books, but what I appreciate the most about this store is how well it is organized. They have just enough piles of books, windy hall ways, and alcoves to make me feel like I'm going on a major book adventure, and just enough organization for me to walk in and find the section I have my heart set on for that day. I also really appreciate the people that work here. They are friendly and professional. I always feel comfortable coming in here, and they always ask me if I'm looking for something in particular when I get that "deer caught in the headlights" look. read more

I loved the inside! I loved the shelves and the different book lined rooms. I would've liked to explore the store at length, but my 5 yr old had to use the restroom, and they didn't have a public one.. The price for most of the books was disappointing, especially the children's books. We paid $3 for a beat up dollar store book. It was the one thing my son wanted so we bought it. I was happy to find one book for myself on sale for $1. Also, from what I could see, the "Gay and Lesbian" section I asked about was actually "Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender studies" which is cool, but not what I was looking for. I might come back if the prices made the trip worth it. I understand supporting small businesses, but I think I will stick with our local small businesses. read more

I really have given this place many chances to get nicer. They just aren't and they don't care. I'm embarrassed for them. It's too bad because they have a good selection. read more

My wife and I visited Henderson's about 2 weeks ago. We were so impressed with the selection, and my wife coming from England and living in London and being a bookie, she was overwhelmed with the store. I was looking for a very hard to find WWII book and there it was on the shelf waiting for me. We come down from Abbotsford several times a year and love to just browse around the area, and take in the shows at the MBT. We have now found a great destination place Hendersons. R&P read more

Such a fun bookstore. They have a great selection. They also give a good amount back when you sell your books. Very nice business to work with read more

Nice store. All the Bellingham stores have pluses and minus factors. Henderson's has a really good selection and the store is very well organized so you have a good chance to find what you are looking for. Prices are higher than I hoped but quality is good. Other stores Michaels and Eclipse (my favorite) have more helpful and friendly management. I have recently been able to find great selections of books in areas iof interest here. Nice to have three good stores here! steady shopper read more

Helpful staff and an excellent selection make this place a fantastic book store. The prices are a little high on some items, but compared to half priced books or Barnes and noble you would still save money by coming here instead. My one qualm is that there small but nice DVD collection is over priced. But still a damn fine book store. read more

I sure do miss Michael's Books. Yes, it was messy, but you could count on being treated with at least minimal courtesy. If you are going to take books here to offer for sale, have a thick skin. I have no problem at all with them not purchasing books -- they are in business and have a right to buy or not buy, but they don't have to be nasty. But, as many reviewers have noted, the owners seem to have contempt for their customers and enjoy being rude. They do have a large inventory and the store is organized, and unfortunately since Michael's closing they are pretty much the only option on this side of town for used books. read more

It has been 10 years since I have been to this bookstore. It hasn't really changed. I was there several weeks ago with my husband. He liked the bookstore. They had more of a collection of old books back then. Especially classics that I love. The prices are a bit high. Yes, I also agree with the other reviews that the staff is not very friendly or that helpful. Almost made to feel uncomfortable. I actually enjoy Michael's Books more. The staff are friendly and helpful. Not as bright and clean like Henderson's Books but they have more of a selection of Mystery and Romance which I am into now and a bit cheaper in price. All in all I will continue to shop and trade my books at Henderson's. Too bad that they do not sell coffee as it would be nice to have a coffee area and enjoy a good read. Cheers! read more

I live in the Boston area, and my husband is from Bellingham. Whenever we visit his family, we make sure to go to Henderson's. Although we live within walking distance of Harvard Square, there is no store in our area comparable to Henderson's in its inventory or in the quality of the books. As other reviewers have noted, the prices are not really cheap, but the books are invariably in great condition. My family of diverse readers has always found books by authors we like, including books that are hard to find anywhere but online. We've also found used copies of newly published books. There's a great little room for children's books, both picture and chapter books, and here too there is a great selection of everything from series books to the classics. This year we had only 2 days to spend in Bellingham on our trip to the Northwest, and we literally scheduled them around Henderson's hours. We were happy to find that they're now open 7 days a week instead of closed two days as in the past. read more

Honestly, this bookstore has the best selection in Bellingham, but it has the absolute worst service. The people that work here are exceptionally rude - I don't know if it's because I'm young, or because I look a little disheveled, but I have attempted to be cordial and polite every time I visit this store, and I am always met with hostility. I would recommend any other bookstore in Bellingham (or at least try the others first, the owners are kinder and far more respectful to their customers). read more

This is the book store where book lovers hope their ashes get spread. Super high shelves filled with books. Everything you can imagine. Very reasonably priced and good quality. You aren't going to find damaged books here, the buyers are definitely critical of what they take in. I highly recommend spending some time here if you like to read. What a great location too! read more

This is one of the most epic used bookstores I've ever been to. They have an *amazing* selection and actually pay really well if you want to sell books to them. The prices are pretty good and it is surprisingly well organized considering how large it is. I could probably spend the better part of an afternoon there. The staff can be a little strange sometimes (almost standoffish) but overall my favorite bookstore in Bellingham. read more

I didn't try to sell any books, and this place isn't cheap from what I could see looking at their prices, but their selection is fantastic and it lis arge and well organized. As far as used bookstores go, it seems very well run.. read more

This is a good used book store that carries a lot of books and even some that are harder to find. They have a lot of different genres and make sure you look ALL over, there's some nooks and crannies you might miss for example there is a small room of books behind the cash register that some people seem to completely miss. Prices are moderate depends on the book you are getting the books are in good condition though. A couple of cons would be that they aren't very talkative there unlike the book store across the street. Also, lately they seem to open and close whenever they feel like it and the aisles are very narrow. pros are the books are good quality, there is usually a good sale cart outside and they have a wide selection. read more

Although Henderson's Books has interesting collections from Cat and Dog lovers to Nautical stories of the sea, I have had several unsatisfying visits to the store because of the incredibly rude staff. I would not recommend this store if you are looking for a place to casually peruse or simply ask questions, the staff is unhelpful and makes you feel uncomfortable if you are not going to buy anything immediately. Go to Village Books in Fairhaven instead. read more

I have a three thousand book library and have never bought a book here because of the poor attitude of the staff including the owners. I know they have a good selection of leather bound books so I took three hundred books to trade. They acted like they could not be bothered. The book buyer did say she would take a look at them in the trunk of my car. She took a few seconds to glance and said she wasn't interested. I went across the street to Michel's Bookstore. They said they would like to look at my books. A very nice lady helped me bring the books in. They gave me $630.00 for them. I took home eleven beautiful leather books and still have $300.00 left in trade. I give up on Henderson books. They are rude and arrogant. read more

I want so badly to love Henderson Books- the labyrinth of shelves is enough to keep any avid reader occupied for hours at a time, but after giving this shop a few tries over the last several months, I'm left extremely disappointed. The staff are rude and unhelpful; it's difficult to get even a simple "hello" when stepping into the store. Instead, I've felt as though they look down their noses and cast skeptical glances in the direction of new customers. They also seem to have a strangely selective policy about who they allow to carry bags into the store- some patrons are asked to check their bags at the counter while others are not. I will no longer be giving Henderson Books my business. If I want to experience a Gringott's Goblin-like air of customer service, I'll crack open my Harry Potter series (not purchased at Henderson Books). read more

This was a great bookstore until I decided to shop there with my children in tow. The staff actually had the audacity to scold my three- year old son for touching a book...of fairytales! I still have some store credit there, but have decided never to return. Choose Micheal's...they have a bigger selection, their collection is more fairly priced, the staff is always friendly, it's just across the street, and they have a great kid's section. read more

I only visit Henderson's when I don't find what I want at Michael's. Large selection of books-yes, but the staff seems to be put off if you ask a question, kids seem to be unwelcomed, even if they are not touching books. I will take a friendly and helpful staff any day over unhelpful snobs. read more

One of my favorite bookstores. Usually always have the books I need in great condition, with a variety of editions, and at the best price. I do like the atmosphere in there. The employees there are very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

I like Henderson's a lot. They have a massive selection of used books at a reasonable price. I'm able to find some hard to find books here and can easily spend an afternoon exploring the packed shelves. The one caution I would give is that the people working there are not the friendliest. Expect them to be somewhat short and at times condescending but realize it probably isn't personal. read more

Wonderful bookstore. Very organized! If you are looking for books in German and French, check this store out!

This is the most amazing independent bookstore I have ever set foot in. They have THE most amazing selection of used books I have ever seen. I ran in and shopped a little following a job interview, but I could have spent all day in there. They have books packed into every little nook and cranny, all the way up to the ceiling. Thousands upon thousands. I was so impressed that I spoke to the owner and told him how impressed I was. It's a little difficult to find your way around, even with all of the signs... but the staff is very friendly, available and helpful. If I get the job and move to Bellingham, I will definitely be a life-long customer. Amazing! read more

This has to be one of the dozen best used bookstores in the country. It's big and it's hyper organized -it's practically like a book museum. A very impressive selection of books. Would spend a lot of time here if I weren't just passing through Bellingham. This place deserves to be supported ! read more

I found the rude comments left by the other reviewers quite hilarious about the poor customer service of this top notch bookstore. Having lived in Bellingham for about 2 years, I can say that out of all the bookstores I have ever frequented that Henderson's in in the top 1% in terms of selection, customer service, and ability to trade one's books in for credit. I have even been to the main location of the Strand bookstore in New York City (yes, that Strand). I think the reviewers are not understanding something in general about people in Bellingham. Customer service in Bellingham is not designed to be like someone rushing up, crowding you and then pestering the hell out of you to try to sell you something. It is much more intelligent and subtle; actual service rather than commercialized pushiness. People that will be well served at Henderson's are people that already know what they want and then come to Henderson's because it is readily available in good condition but won't be brand new. However, it will be competitively priced with Amazon most of the time. Also, if you establish credit you don't have to pay any tax. I believe that the angry and frustrated reviewers below need to understand that they probably got their own rude behavior projected right back at them (these are typically the same people that go to France and complain that French people are rude). In life, you get back exactly what you put out!!! In contrast to the commentary below, I believe that every person that works at Henderson is very friendly and all give excellent customer service but are probably underpaid for what they do. read more

Henderson's is a used books store that buys and sells used books. On the several occasions, I have tried to sell books at this store. It's fine if they didn't want my books; however, the attitude of the of the staff was condescending, and down right rude. I won't bother going in their ever again. Three times was a charm. They lost a customer. I would rather deal with the nice folks at Michael's books (across the street from Henderson's) or Eclipse books (in Fairhaven). Both of them buy and sell used books and treat their customers with respect. read more

first off I would like to say that i love the book selection at Henderson. Second, the staff is rude , dismissive and don't really appreciate or understand the value of books. I took in a carefully selected box of books to sell, some signed by the author, and after a cursory quick glance, loudly proclaimed that there was nothing they could use, I took the same box over to Michaels books across the street and he was excited and gave me 125$ in credit. needless to say, I will not go back to to Hendersons again. Michaels Rocks! read more

Eek! Methinks not. Glad to have a choice to shop elsewhere. Michael's across the street are very nice! Henderson's are exceptionally rude.

Ahhh, books are like chocolate, you can't get enough, but at Henderson's you can have your fill, and then some. Wonderful, simply wonderful selections of anything you might be looking for. I drool every time I walk in and always walk out with a bag or bags full of good reading! Thanks for being so close, but I would travel a long ways any day to buy more books from Henderson's! read more

Henderson Books is a paradise! Huge selection, books in excellent condition, and service is courteous, friendly and knowledgeable. They are savvy and selective about the books they buy, and pay top dollar for used books, yet prices are fair. I've been shopping at Henderson for as long as I've lived in Bellingham and have never been disappointed. I must counter Paul H's comments: I too am extremely hard of hearing and have never experienced staff being unfriendly toward my fussy hearing needs. They have very kindly accommodated me and have always been more than willing to go the extra mile to help with a few extra moments and attentive assistance. Thank goodness we have a great local alternative to the big box and online impersonal behemoths. read more

Henderson's is my favorite used bookstore in Bellingham. I have been happily buying, selling and browsing this store for many years. They are picky about the books they buy, but give a good price in either cash or in-store credit. I don't know how they manage it, but the store doesn't have the unpleasant smell that often occurs in used bookstores. The price of books sometimes seems a bit high, but as others have said, you can count on getting a book in good shape and having an enjoyable shopping experience at the same time. A "standoffish" salesperson is just my cup of tea, and I have always appreciated the informed and helpful response to my questions or needs, when I have asked. On several occasions, I have called to see if they have a book, and the staff has always cheerfully looked for it, usually found it, and held it for me to pick up. I love the bright, clean feeling of the store. read more