Truly a HUGE selection!! I felt overwhelmed right when I walked in and opted to ask the employee where to go instead of wandering around. She was insanely helpful! She clearly knows the store very well and was able to give great directions of not only which aisle I needed, but the exact section. They don't have everything, but it's definitely a great place to stop first! read more

Love this place. No, they don't have public restrooms, look at the area it's in and think if you were an employee, would you let everyone that walks in to use the bathroom you'd have to clean. Customer service is good, they are not overly friendly but very helpful when you ask them to help you find something. The place can be confusing as to how it's arranged but to me that's part of the fun. As for pricing, I think they're fair, about the same as the other more popular discount book store. read more

The selection is really good. The prices are higher than any other used book store or thrift store in the area. I have been here twice but can get books online with shipping costs, cheaper than at this store. It was fun to look around though. read more

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It was a fun excursions part of a trip to Tacoma. It was a bit crowded. The clerk was very helpful.

One of the most fascinating places I've visited recently. You definitely need to take your time when visiting this place. I only had 2 hours to spend here, and got to browse one isle. Can't wait to go back. read more

Tacoma Book Center - Amazing isles - Bookstores Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Huge selection of books in a cavernous space that is lined floor to ceiling with tons of options for every reader!

I could've spent hours here. A wide variety of genres and knowledgeable staff. I prefer to shop for used books if possible, and from a local business. I was looking for some popular literature and biographies, and they didn't have those. However, I did purchase some interesting cook books. I will return for more books in the future. Prices are reasonable, especially if compared with online retailers. read more

Visited her for the first time and man, there are so many books!!!! Holy guacamole. I found two Karin Slaughter books that I've been on a waiting list at the library for forever. I paid $9 + tax for 2 paperbacks! Love it! We will be back! read more

Stepping into the Tacoma Book Center entraps you into a world of imagination. Narrow alleyways, floor-to-ceiling shelves and filled to the brim with a large variety of books! Don't worry about getting lost though, the sections are fairly organized by topic but you may find trouble finding a particular title. No worries if you do though since the staff are more than happy to help. Great prices as well. Not a bad place to check out if you're in town. This is a local gem! read more

Went here for the first time the other day and I was very unimpressed at first glance it looks like an awesome used bookstore but when I tried to sell my books I had to wait a very long time because the book buyer was not interested in his job and moving very slowly once it was finally my turn he proceeded to offer me and insanely low offer for my books trying to tell me that they were all in bad condition which was not true most of them were in very good condition and worth more than a dollar each I was offered I felt very insulted when I thought that offer I've sent set offers for some of those same books for 20 30 and 40 dollars each this place is a ripoff and that guy is definitely not nice no customer service whatsoever I don't recommend bringing your books to sell here if you're looking to buy they have a lot of books to buy I'm going to sell don't come read more

Impressive book selection here! This place is wall to wall books so with some looking I'm sure you can find something you would want. There is also a very small section of DVD's that can be browsed at as well. My favorite section was the sci fi and fantasy area. I spent a great deal of time browsing through there. Another Impressive section is the movie section where there is a great selection of books that got adapted into movies. There's a pretty great Stephen King shelf in this area too! read more

Went on the long drive in, as a special little trip to visit the so called 'largest used book store in WA.' The man behind the counter greeted us with one word: 'Masks!' I said, 'Excuse me?' He repeated, 'Masks!' This is how the visit began. We put on masks as apparently required to visit this store (though it has been over a year since masks were required in indoor public areas). The man said nothing else to us. A little later I asked where the restroom was. He shortly responded that there were no public restrooms. There is literally no public establishments nearby to go and use the restroom at in the surrounding area. However I'm sure there is a restroom in the building that the employees use. So, I left and will never come back to this unwelcoming hole. Half Price books was just a hop away - and hey, they had people who weren't jerks! And they have a restroom! read more

It's smaller than I expected. They sell online via Abebooks, and I think those customers buy the good stuff first. Shelves are close together and organization is poor. Alphebetization within categories is also poor. The..fiction(? I saw signs labeling it as bestsellers and contemporary literature) section was super small. Just wasn't a fun place to browse/hunt. If you're looking for a particular book in a sci fi or fantasy series, this is probably your jam. Tonnes of mass market paperbacks. read more

Bookstores (especially used bookstores) are a sanctuary for me. I've been in love with used bookstores since the 80s when I was a teenager who had just discovered Science Fiction literature. The joy of discovering a book you've been hunting for is indescribable. Sadly, used bookstores have become a rare breed since the 80s. I've lived in the PNW since 2006 and can attest to the decline of them here. Thankfully I discovered Tacoma Book Center in 2010 and I'm happy to see they're still around. This place is huge! It's easy to get lost in here and you will have to ask directions to orient yourself. The ceiling is tall and books are literally stacked floor to ceiling. The first time I went in I of course went straight to the Science Fiction section. It occupies one long, tall aisle and all of the well known and even lesser known authors and titles are represented here. I'm also well acquainted with the Horror section as I like to satisfy my Stephen King fix from time to time. The Horror section will not scare you because it lacks selection. I do have one quibble which is why I am giving 4 stars instead of 5. Most of the books I have seen have been marked or altered in some way. The paperbacks have the publisher's price marked out in ink and the hardcovers have had the price clipped off the dust jackets. If you're not collecting books and just want a cheap book to satisfy your craving for reading then these books are fine. I, however, fancy myself a book collector and like the books I buy to be in reasonably good shape with no markings or parts cut off. Tacoma Book Center does sell collectible grade books but I have found these usually through their online sales outlets like Abebooks.com Whether you're a picky collector like me or a teenager on a budget who loves books and constantly needs to read you can't go wrong here. Long live Tacoma Book Center! read more

I am so happy to see that Tacoma Book Center has survived. With all the area's sale and development of old buildings I was afraid it would disappear like the Long Beach, CA Acres of Books, another West Coast treasure. Because I now work from home, I no longer have the public transit commute time I used for reading. That means I have racked up library fines for overdue books. The prices at TBC are so good, I can avoid the library fines and buy books for a little more than I spent on fines. I have not been since before Pandemic, so I need to visit it soon -- looking for Howard Zinn's book and a few others. read more

They have so.much.stuff. It's all packed in there from floor to ceiling! The employees were friendly and helpful. The way things are organized is kind of confusing. Areas are labeled but it's hard to see all of them and you can't see most from the end of the aisle. The aisles are narrow so we were constantly having to move out of the way of other people. If I was looking for something older I would definitely come here to find it! read more

Tacoma Book Center is the kind of bookstore that bibliophiles search out. Stacks and stacks of books. Floor to ceiling books. The kind of inventory that sends a book lovers heart all a flutter. If you are looking for older books, newer books, or anything in between this is the spot for you. There is always an employee hidden behind a desk that seems to magically know how to find anything. There are always hidden gems in the multitudes of rooms. There is clutter of books everywhere (as a previous book seller I had a strong urge to start straightening) but that Is part of the charm of Tacoma Book Center. You can spend an afternoon here and probably never scratch the surface of all of the treasures. I will say that I think this would be a very difficult store for anyone with balance issues or disabilities to get around in. There are a ton of trip hazards and the rows are extremely narrow. Go at your own risk. read more

So much fun to explore. I sell my books here and believe I receive a fair exchange: store credit or cash.

Absolutely horrible customer service and extremely rude! My daughter had to go to the bathroom really bad. She was told to use the bathroom at the Freighthouse Station. I was not going to let her walk two blocks through homeless camps by herself. We purchased what she wanted with plans to come back. The old man owner started screaming at us from his car about leaving my truck in the lot. I told him what we were told about the bathrooms. He did not care and practically hit me with his car trying to chase me down. Stay away from this place! Over priced junk! read more

I LOVE this place - it's been endlessly fascinating to me for more than a decade. Whatever topic you have, you're going to find something - maybe quite a few somethings - in various conditions and at various prices. If you're military or OCD, the place will drive you nuts. But if, on the other hand, you're a book lover and love to browse spines on a shelf, this is the place for you. The staff is eminently helpful. Treasures abound. Try it - you'll like it! read more

We are visiting Tacoma and looking for some local treasures so we stopped by on a Sunday afternoon. This place is big with a huge selection of children's books which was of interest to my gang but I was surprised by the high prices. $10 for a hardcover kid's book. $8.15 for a softcover adult fiction book. We bought about 7 books for $45 which is oddly high for a used book store. There were a few sale racks but otherwise it seems most books are $3 and up. Musty smell. Piles of books and boxes in the aisles. The clerk was pleasant and helpful in directing us to certain sections. read more

Tacoma Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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I am used to Powell's and Half-Price Books. This place is different and awesome in its own way. Lot books are everywhere. Impressive literature novel sections. Poor self improvement selection. Really cool place to get lost :) I hope it could be better curated. read more

As a little boy I would take the city bus into downtown Tacoma from Lakewood where I lived just so I could go to this bookstore, which was then located on 9th street off of Pacific Avenue in a tiny space. It was a rough city then and I was scared but this magical store had everything I wanted at an affordable price. Now, years later, I live within walking distance of where they're located in the Dome District in a much larger spot and the passing of time hasn't dimmed the childlike feeling I get each time I go there, as if it's 1986 again and I'm picking up Michael Ende's "Neverending Story." There's literally something for everyone here , with books up high, books on the floor, books on racks and books in piles in stacks. I can't imagine anyone walking out empty-handed with so many treasures to be found inside. I'm so glad they're still around all these years later. read more

Just got a book in the mail I ordered from Tacoma Book Center through a used book site- It was shipped in the absolutely best wrapping I have ever received a book in. Wrapped in a double layer of plastic inside two old book covers, inside a water-proof shipping bag. It was so well wrapped I was almost afraid to unwrap it- almost... Not only that but, the book was exactly as stated. Thanks- read more

Time stopped. Let's just say that this million-n-half used book store is so spectacular that I accidentally spent 3 hours inside. Time travel or lost in paradise? Unknown. read more

Tacoma Book Center - Bookstores Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Greatest inventory of used books in the state. There's not only a large store--but a warehouse packed wall to wall with books. Great space for the book lover to hunt gems. Staff is super nice and can help direct you to finds. read more

Extremely unfriendly and this place is a disaster, dangerous and a fire damage. I'm guessing the fire Marshal has not been around to do an inspection lately. You can't even get to the art books. Tripped multiple times. They are a lawsuit waiting to happen. Good luck with your business model. I was told it used to be a great place. Times change. read more

A friend had described this as the best used bookstore in the Northwest next to Powells in Portland. Big talk, especially to a book freak like me. When we pulled up to the squat white brick building in the middle of a monsoon last weekend I was less than Impressed...until I opened the door and practically heard angels singing. I was that stunned by how huge the place is inside. The kid's section alone is as big as some other bookstores. There are 2 solid aisles of mysteries(not to mention an entire room with more mysterys, suspense and thrillers. We ended up spending two hours just browsing. I love pulp novels and found an awesome 80's era series called The Survivors, about a guerilla force trying to defend the U.S from a Russian Invasion. I also found an awesome series from the 30's called G-8 and His Battle Aces. If this was in Seattle I'd probably never go to Twice Sold Tales or Half Price Books again. read more

My verbatim email exchange regarding a book listed as "like new" on their ABE site that I wanted some more detail on... Me: "Are there any flaws to the book? Any bump corners, fading of the spine of the dust jacket, etc?" Them: "Book has never been used. We do not claim it to be a mint flawless copy, just like new. For a mint copy I would advise you to only buy new books." Me: "I understand. I was inquiring what flaws it may have, if any." Them: "I do not see any defects but you seem to be super fussy. Don't quite know how to answer you if you expect perfection." It's the oddest exchange I've ever had regarding a internet book inquiry. Most online sellers will gladly tell you of any particular flaws or condition points because used books are used books and buyers can't evaluate in person. Not a good way to deal with a potential buyer of a $50 book. read more

I love this place! I have been stopping in here occasionally for years, and always coming out with some new treasures. On my most recent visit (today): they had EXACTLY the book I was searching for, and at about 1/3 the price of Amazon. SCORE!! There is SO MUCH MORE in here than it looks like there would be from the outside... check it out! read more

Thanks to my son for asking and asking to stop at a bookstore even though we were just at Powells in Portland a few days ago. He had gotten some loose change from my sister closed to ten dollars and wanted to buy a Minecraft book. I found this bookstore closed to I5. Aisle after aisle of bookshelves packed to the brim. Books were discounted. And easy parking on the side of the building. It's easy to miss if you're not from the area. It's the red brick building right after the purple cake store. But of course there's a lot of red structures in the area. Upon entering, we were greeted by the musty old book smell. I forgot about the smell though as soon I saw all the books. I had to stay focused and do only what we came there for. I asked if they had a children's book section. And alas, they did. My son asked certain things and the staff were nice to him. My son spent some time reading and finished reading two books. Although he didn't want to spend his money on any of the books, I got two classic story books for him and three travel books for me. I found a set of history books but I didn't buy it. My total for six books was $36. The books were not published recently but I know they were useful. I love to read and so as my son. We could probably camp out at this place and would forget to eat. I love to hold a physical book and places like this is a gem for us. What a nice discovery this is! I don't know when I'd be in the area again but I will definitely keep this on my list of Tacoma's things to visit again. read more

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I LOVE this book store! I was looking for a couple specific items but was so enthralled with the selection I was there 2 1/2 hours before I knew it! Helpful staff members! Can't wait to go back! read more

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True used bookstore! Piled high with used and new books that are mostly categorized and alpha. Prices fairly reasonable but I would not say your getting a deal. They definitely know their worth. So paperbacks that are used in good condition are half price. A whole wall of kids books from the 50-80s. Lots of hardcover and kids books from recent years. Large selection of all types. read more

A maze of a bookstore. They tend to carry older editions of books, but the selection is amazing. A great store to get lost in.

Did a long walk to this book store, its got an old cranny feel to it. I think i was kicked out of here because i am too smart, even the police dont bother me for being my skin color. She wanted to call them if i didnt leave so i left, police police police are not gonna do anything to me. I have them where they should be read more

King's has my heart, but I always have more love to share. That love I share with Tacoma Book Center. It's HUGE. Big wooden shelves much higher than your head, overflowing with books. The smell of the place. Mmmm. I can't leave without at least two books. They have a huge selection in every genre. Excellent variety of children's books, including favorites from our childhoods. Super cheap. A great place to spend a rainy afternoon. read more

What a gem. I did not know this was in Tacoma. It's like stepping into something on Diagon Alley. Is Ollivanders Wand Shop close buy? Dropped in on a cold fall evening only to see what they had. Ended up shoving myself in a dark corner surrounded by books for an hour and a half. Truly an awesome place. And I ended up walking out with a $2 spanish dictionary for school! Take that B&N!!! read more

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We hadn't heard of this bookstore until we drove by it en route to the nearby car museum. We stopped here after our museum visit --- This place is deceptively huge! 5000 square feet--it is jam packed with shelves of books on every topic under the sun. It is clean and well lit despite its cavernous interior. It's probably best to go here in the morning when you are well rested since there is SO MUCH to see here. Our energy was a little low by the time we entered the museum around 2pm but maybe that is just as well. I focused on the music selection and found several songbooks, harmonica instruction and recorder instruction. I must be an optimist who thinks she can still learn to play those instruments. Nice staff, great selection, great prices! read more

I was driving around Tacoma, saw a sign, followed it, and hours later, was still rummaging among the stacks in this oddly organized, unassuming heaven. No used bookstore I've seen in Seattle comes even close to the selection and great prices you'll find here. Well worth the drive south. read more

I just realized that I have not reviewed this place, and I really should have. This place might be a little hard to navigate, but they have such a huge variety, that it makes it well worth the trip. I've sold books, and they've been very fair in the trade. We took our kids here several times over the summer, our whole family would always leave with something, and we'd leave very happy with our purchases. I like to check out other book stores, but I always find myself right back here. I love it, crammed packed and all. read more