Tacoma Book Center is waiting for you!
This is a self-guided tour, but I’ll be chatting at you a bit, giving some directions, encouraging you to eat sweets, drink warm cups of coffee and tea, maybe a pint too. I’ll show you around Tacoma’s bookstores, and then I’ll quiet down and leave you alone so you can do what you came to do; get lost in a book. (King’s Books, 2019)
Wend your way through city and story. Seek the next poem or plot that may change you for good while making friends with Tacoma’s streets and sounds, its baked goods and brews. The times have altered Tacoma. Bookshops have closed in the two years since our last edition of the tour. We bid farewell to Culpepper Books in Proctor and Revolving Books in Lincoln. But bookshops have also opened! Go ahead and steep yourself in nostalgia; care for what is lost. While you’re at it care for what is new too. This tour invites you into the old and the new. Add the adventure, wisdom, and downright good company of literature to the mix and we think you’ll come away with the sense that things might just—possibly, maybe, perhaps—be okay.
It’s been over four years since I first traversed Tacoma with the intention of creating a bookstore tour that is also a tour of our city, a neighborhood scan, a journey that takes your hand and pulls you (after looking both ways) across Tacoma’s streets and into rooms filled to the brim with story and history, science and fantasy. We and our city are changed—visible changes like masks on faces, and invisible, yet palpable changes, related to the same cause: the pandemic.
Throughout the two years of this pandemic, reading has been a constant solace. Because of the life-changing magic of literature, and because of the presence of new book stores in our community, now feels like the right time to retrace the steps of this self-guided Tacoma tour for another season of reading. I read all year, turning pages during lunch breaks, on my back on an old quilt in the summer grass, knees tucked up in my grandpa’s old plaid armchair before the morning tea runs out in spring, covered in a blanket while rain blurs the window panes, beats the window sills, thrums the roof in fall and winter. There’s a bliss to not so much leaving my life for the story in the pages, but taking my life into them, feeling the boundaries slide away.
It may not be just like home, but there’s an armchair or two for you at King’s.
This article is for all of you Tacoma folks who also yearn to delve deep into a life beyond, who love books, who prefer browsing shelves to scrolling online, who thrill to an armful of volumes—crisp or dogeared, yellowed or bright, rare or reprinted. It’s also for anyone who wants to explore Tacoma with local bookshops as your guide. This new edition of the tour includes the new bookshops, updated suggestions for sustenance, and a map of the route as well. Let the journey commence.
1. 6th Ave Business District: Hi-Voltage Records & Books - 2714 6th Ave
Open Daily, 10 am - 7 pm
If a new bookshop is music to your ears, this one will really sing to you. Count on a soundtrack accompanying you through the aisles, a bit of a beat keeping time to your turning of pages. Hi-Voltage Records & Books brings literature to the center of Tacoma making us wonder how we got by for so long without a bookshop in the 6th Ave District.
Hi-Voltage offers a well-rounded inventory of new titles like Colson Whitehead’s Harlem Shuffle—easily spotted on the New Fiction shelf—as well as classics by authors like Willa Cather (Can one really say ‘like Willa Cather’ though? Isn’t she perhaps a category unto herself?). You probably won’t be surprised to know there’s a Music section, and may be delighted to find a dedicated Children’s shelf. Science Fictions & Fantasy, check. Nonfiction, certainly.
With big windows out front, a whole host of vinyl to browse (as well as CDs and DVDs) after you’ve said hello to the books, and so much to eat just down the street, this is a perfect first stop on the tour.
Sustenance Near Hi-Voltage
Image from The Cat and Rabbitt
Where to begin. Whole articles (a book, even) could be written on all that 6th Avenue offers. I’m going to narrow it way down. There are, after all, many more bookshops ahead.
If decadent layers of from-scratch cakes topped in colorful, rich frostings, stacked with luscious fillings (passion fruit, caramel, raspberry, chocolate, banana cream…) make your heart sing almost as much as the new bookshop above, then The Cat & Rabbitt Cake Shop is your ticket—and you won’t need any other kind of ticket to reach it, because it’s straight across the street. Look for the window with a line extending from it. Open Thursday-Sunday, so time your tour accordingly.
Maybe all that indulgence has its place, but isn’t for you today. In that case, head toward one of these spots instead: Choose Bluebeard for locally roasted coffee in a sunlit, high-ceilinged, wood-floored coffee shop with windows galore to illuminate your reading.
Image from Gather Juice Co.
For revitalizing fresh-pressed juice and smoothies that taste like the tropical getaway of your dreams, head less than 300 feet east to Gather Juice Co. Take note of Field (bar meets bottle shop), set in the matching storefront beside Gather. If it’s not open yet for the day, don’t forget to come back. You’ll be rewarded with thoughtfully prepared small plates, inspired cocktails, friendly faces, and an intimate, date-night vibes interior. If it’s open, but you’re not ready to settle in just yet (bookshops are calling!) then step in and choose a bottle of natural wine to keep you and your books company later.
Or, if you’re seeking that tangy, light pep provided by the effervescence of fermented beverages, go west for Komadre Kombucha. But do take note that Komadre is right next door to The Red Hot, so you may find yourself delayed by the enticement of Frito pie, nachos, beer, hot dogs and vegan dogs topped with just about everything you can imagine. Consider yourself advised.
Display window out front at Teaching Toys & Books.
2. Proctor District: Teaching Toys & Books - 2624 N Proctor St
Tacoma Adventures book will guide you and kids you love through Tacoma sites and activities together!
Open Daily, 10 am - 6 pm
Head north to Proctor for a visit to Teaching Toys & Books where a seasonally changing creative front window display will entice you indoors no matter your age. The shop tends to live up to the fanciful window decor. Inside you’ll find a nicely curated selection of children's books from board books for babies, up through young adult fiction. Classic children's books like The Snowy Day and Goodnight Moon are present beside beautiful new books thoughtfully organized by themes like "animals" or "bedtime."
Teaching Toys staff are kind and helpful and will also offer complimentary gift wrapping. About 5 kinds of wrapping paper arrayed behind the checkout counter give you plenty to choose from, so if you stop here for a birthday gift on the way to the party you're in good hands!
Hardback classic and contemporary picture books at Teaching Toys & Books.
Sustenance Near Teaching Toys & Books
Olympia Coffee’s drip, or simple Americano will be delicious enough, but it’s always worth a look at their special, seasonal drink as well. I’ve never been sorry.
If you're looking for another coffee stop, just cross N. 26th to Olympia Coffee Roasting Co., drop by Metropolitan Market's cafe, or Top Pot, all within a couple blocks on Proctor St. If it's time for a brew of another sort, or a delicious sandwich, head north out of the store, turn right on N. 26th and stop in at Peaks & Pints.
When you’re ready to go, drive south to N. 21st St. and take a left. You’ll find yourself driving past Lander Coffee when you reach the Three Bridges District. If you missed your chance for coffee in Proctor, or just need more because you love it so much (to each their own), pull over here. Lander opened in summer 2019. With its big windows, it’s a perfect spot to sit and read the books you’ve found so far. And they serve a nice chai—not too sweet, with good spice.
King's is home to store cat Herbert.
3. Stadium District: King's Books - 218 St Helens Ave
Open Daily, 11 am - 7 pm
King's Books is probably Tacoma's most well-known, beloved bookstore. Home to Herbert the cat (R.I.P Atticus), book clubs, literary readings, live shows, printing arts events like Tacoma Wayzgoose, and craft fairs like Tacoma Is For Lovers (this list of events conjures the nostalgia I mentioned in the introduction, may they all return soon). You'll find a huge variety of used books here. King's also presents a trove of well-selected new books on display tables in the front, along with some card games, calendars, and greeting cards. I’ve ordered books from them so many times since the shut-down that I’ve lost count. They’ve adapted with direct shipping, curbside pick-up, and finally, a return to in-store browsing. You’ll find various armchairs and stools throughout the shop, as well as a sofa and chairs set up near the children’s books area where you just might find yourself settling-in now that the doors are open again.
Herbert offering customer service for over 6 years.
Find the latest volumes of Creative Colloquy at King’s! (Note: this is not the latest volume, they’re up to at least 7 by now!)
King's is a great bookstore choice if you're looking for reading suggestions; they even host several monthly book clubs. There's a shelf dedicated to staff picks with handwritten, mini reviews, so head there if you don't know what to read next. If you're looking for a book group, take a look at the book club shelf where you'll see a variety of clubs presented (groups include Banned Book, Classics, Seeds: A Queer Latinx Book Club, Tacoma Sister Cities Book Club, Buddhism Today, Night Owl Nature, and White People’s Work for Anti-Racism) with the current month's selection for each group on display and a small flyer you can take away.
Choose a book or two or twelve and settle in. There’s a bathroom, so you’re all set.
If you're a vintage lover or comic book fan, this destination is doubly good as Destiny City Comics is connected to King's by French doors that are often open, so you can come and go between them without stepping outside. You can also head straight into Pure Vintage Clothing (a collection of vintage apparel, cowboy boots, assorted decor and mugs) just turn left into their space before heading out the front doors.
Selected new books at King's. New books are also shelved alongside used throughout the shop.
Sustenance Near King’s Books
Of course, if you're hungry or thirsty at this point in the tour, you're just a few feet away from Doyle's Public House. A little further into Stadium District you’ll find Indo Street Eatery and Moshi Moshi ramen bar. If you want to warm up with some coffee head west up Division along Wright Park to Cosmonaut Coffee. If you’re on your way toward coffee and suddenly feel the need for a baked pretzel, stop and order a HUGE one (with lots of dips!) at Rheinhaus. You’ll find Anthem Coffee at 102 N. G (where the baked goods are prepared from scratch by our cousin, the local Vintage Baker). If all you need is some fresh air, take a stroll through nearby Wright Park before heading downtown to our next bookshop. And no worries, if you get on your way and wish you’d had more to eat or drink, there are still a couple of spots along the way for coffee and bites.
If the weather is fine, take your coffee and baked goods outside to one of Corina’s sidewalk tables (don't forget your book).
As mentioned, the menu is seasonal at ALMA, but this gives you a sense of the color, spirit, and flair of their food. Always lovely.
If you’re moving straight onward from King’s, head south on St. Helen’s. Now, if you wanted one of those “along the way” stops, you could turn up 6th Ave and stop in at Corina Bakery home to layer cakes, sweet and savory baked goods (with gluten free and vegan options), and coffee as well.
On the other hand, if you have brunch in mind, or just want to get further on toward downtown, you could stay the course until S. 13th. Head up the hill to ALMA where more espresso, vegan options, and a rotating seasonal menu beckon. Sit at ALMA’s Patio Wed-Sun or come back for the ALMA Cafe, opening summer 2022.
If you’re on a bookstore roll and nothing can come between you and your next browsing experience, it’s on to destination number four!
Union Station reflected in the University Bookstore front windows.
A glimpse of the University Bookstore interior, similar in character to a Barnes & Noble.
4. University District Downtown: University Book Store - 1754 Pacific Ave
Monday-Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 3 pm
Sunday Closed
Update: As of January 2023 the University Bookstore is closed. Take a look at the sustenance section below, or head straight on to the next stop.
This is much more than a student bookstore stocking textbooks. In the heart of Tacoma's downtown shopping district, this bookstore offers bestsellers, general fiction and nonfiction, a nice children's section, some YA, a small local history section, a bargain table, and a New York Times "New and Notable" shelf.
A look at the University Book Store’s Children’s Section.
Unlike some of our other small Tacoma bookshops, the University Book Store offers a searchable online catalogue of their inventory. This came in handy when a title I needed for a book club sat 14 holds deep at the library (beloved library, you’re not a bookshop, and that’s wonderful!). The University catalogue showed a match for just the book I needed. Tip: be sure to call the Tacoma branch (253.692.4300) to check if they have it here. In my case, the book was up in their larger Seattle store, but they brought it down for me the very next day. So helpful!
You'll also find notebooks, cards, calendars, and other gifts in this shop, and a variety of shopping on the street nearby. Speaking of what’s nearby, let’s pause and consider the possibilities.
Sustenance Near University Book Store
Image from Indochine Asian Dining Lounge
The University Book Store conveniently adjoins a Starbucks and is directly on the Tacoma Link light rail line. When you visit this shop you find yourself on Pacific Avenue just across from the old Union Station and the Bridge of Glass, so this shop is also a great starting point for a visit to the TAM, the Museum of Glass, or the WA State History Museum. Speaking of coffee and museums, Anthem Coffee is located in the history museum building. If you’re more than coffee-and-a-scone-hungry, head south on Pacific and you’ll soon find Indochine Asian Dining Lounge. But if it’s just sweets you’re after, you may have noticed Hello, Cupcake is nearly next door. Or, save all that for another day and continue on to the next four Tacoma bookshops.
If you’re thinking, “This tour is crazy! How am I supposed to eat and caffeinate this much?” Just remember, no one is suggesting you throw down a quad-shot with a pint at each location, or eat brunch, and triple-layer cake, and vegan scones, with a quiche, and some Pad Thai on the side before moving on to a hot sandwich and some phở. I mean, it’s up to you. Everyone goes at their own pace. Some people take parts of the tour on different days. Also, now you’ll have ideas tucked away for where to find a snack, or drink, or a meal when you return to just one or two of these bookshops in a day. Deep breath. Move on. There are more books waiting for you.
Bargain carts are just the beginning at the entrance to Tacoma Book Center.
5. Dome District Downtown: Tacoma Book Center - 324 E 26th St
Wind you way back, up, around, and over.
Open Daily, 10 am - 6 pm
Located near the iconic Tacoma Dome, this shop has tons of used books! You know you've arrived when you see the sandwich boards announcing "Washington's Largest Used Bookstore - 1/2 Million Books" on the corner of E. 26th and D. If you have trouble finding street parking, look for a free lot behind the shop on D Street. Access the parking lot from E. 26th, or turn into the alley from D and take a right into the parking area.
Head to the back (which back?) to find the section for books about Tacoma and the region.
Inside, floor to ceiling bookshelves and a quiet staff invite you to take your time here. The experience is immersive. You’ll find yourself surrounded by books, looking through a window in the book shelf to books, upon books, upon books beyond. Tacoma Book Center offers a huge variety of used books as well as some audio books and DVDs. The Classics/Modern Fiction shelves are labeled with famous author names such as Atwood, Bellow, James, Swift, and Wharton to help guide readers through the alphabetically organized section. In nonfiction, find books on crafts, music, pets, engineering, travel, religion, cookbooks, sports, etc. as well as atlases and other reference books. You’ll find a shelf just for books about Tacoma and the Salish Sea region. There's even a section just for hardback literature.
Old, clothbound beauties in the Children’s Literature section at Tacoma Book Center.
Did I mention the children’s literature and YA section? When you first step into the shop you’ll see several shelves for young readers on your left. They’ve shelved popular modern fiction like Harry Potter and other series together, with classics like Little Women and Heidi beyond. Many of these books are a pleasure just to look at, with their colorfully faded clothbound spines creating a patchwork, out-of-print menagerie. Enjoy the search, then on to McKinley Hill!
Looking through a window in the books to more books beyond at Tacoma Book Center.
Sustenance Near Tacoma Book Center
Image from The Valley
But wait! If you’re hungry (I mean, maybe you haven’t stopped yet, or perhaps you’ve taken all our food tips and just still feel ready for a sandwich) it’s only a 2 minute drive to The Valley. If you’re shopping with someone and can’t agree on the kind of food you’re in the mood for, head to Freighthouse Square where the food court can solve your disagreement (which could save the day). There’s even a tea house in the building if you really want to get settled in. Okay, now I’m actually ready to say, “Then on to McKinley Hill!”
6. McKinley Hill Neighborhood: Parable - 3502 McKinley Ave, Suite A
Wednesday-Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
Monday & Tuesday, closed
Named in honor of groundbreaking author Octavia Butler’s novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents, the shop blends gathering space, marketplace, bookshop, and artistic venue into one welcoming room complete with a cozy fireside. This new shop is not only community focused it’s “family-owned, community-owned, lgbtq-owned, Black-owned, woman-owned.” This is a must-visit shop in the tour (with the added service of online book ordering in case that comes in handy).
Wander the whole shop to find new and used books tucked between displays of locally made goods. Children’s books grow from tree-like shelves at the back of the room. Fiction, short stories, and essays span a larger shelf with a classic library ladder reaching to the top. Memoirs resides near thriving plants. Spirituality might be found tucked into a diminutive shelf near a table lamp. A stack of cookbooks wait in a corner. There’s more than immediately meets the eye.
This is another bookshop that hosts vinyl albums alongside literature, but the only one I know of with live plants for sale too. A big garage door rolls up on warm days. Wide front windows face east on McKinley Ave. The marketplace concept—offering space for local makers to sell their goods—combined with the surprise inventory used books create means Parable feels a little bit new every time you stop in.
Title I found at Parable on my first visit—both on my list and highly recommended.
Sustenance Near Parable
Your face will look approximately this happy if you get tacos and waffle fries at The Top. Add a murder mystery to the table for company and you are guaranteed to be set.
Leave the car wherever it’s parked and just walk along McKinley for refreshments. Head south for prawn tacos, sheet-pan nachos, hot sandwiches, weekend brunch, soup of the day, cocktails and beer at Top of Tacoma, a bit of a local landmark, tried and true. Sit in, or sit out on the heated, covered patio.
Try LUX Coffee (just a few doors down from The Top) if you’ve reached the time of day when espresso is the potion needed to see you through. Pair it with pastry. Let’s face it, you’ve traveled far through the depths of Tacoma. You’ve encountered story upon poem upon essay upon biography upon travelogue. You may be just about done in.
Tots, slushies, onion rings, and a burger will see you through at Dusty’s.
If a boozy slushy and some tater tots is what will truly make you feel like your best self, turn around and head north on McKinley until you see a brown and orange oasis called Dusty’s Hideaway. Find a picnic table under the open sky, or go in for a table where it’s warm and dry no matter the weather. Then, if you’ve still go it in you, it’s onward, southward, deeper into Tacoma’s South End. Fern Hill awaits.
One of my favorite out-of-the-way Tacoma spots.
Years ago a few local bookshops combined to create Park Avenue Books in Fern Hill.
7. Fern Hill District: Park Avenue Books - 8304 S Park Ave
Tuesday-Saturday, 11:11 am - 4 pm
Sunday & Monday, closed
Update: Sadly, this bookshop hasn’t been opening recently. It’s still there, but doesn’t have regular operating hours these days.
As the open hours suggest, this is a quirky spot. It's friendly (a homey, neighborly kind of friendly) and it's packed with used books. It may be worth calling ahead to double-check that they’re open. The staff are sweet, willing to chat, and happy to help you find some treasure. On one of my favorite visits a walkie-talkie was involved in helping a fellow customer locate a book; it took some time, and team effort, but the search was a success. During another of my stops at Park Avenue Books, a volunteer worked diligently to restock and organize one of the romance sub-sections (they’re serious about the romance here). But they have it all at Park Avenue Books: Modern Fiction, Men's Adventure, Seafaring Adventure, Regency Romance, Local Romance Authors, Historical Romance, a UFO section, a VHS collection, and children's books too, of course.
For the Princess Diana collector.
Just a glimpse of what’s in store for you at Park Avenue Books.
I even noticed a shelf dedicated to material about Princess Diana. Who knew? That’s not a section I noticed at the other 7 bookstores, but I wasn’t looking for it, either. In the end I found a novel in the Modern Fiction section (a very orderly shelf along the far wall to your left when you enter). The proprietor seemed so genuinely pleased that I was going home with a book. “How about $4 even?” he said. I agreed. $6.25 was pencilled in on the title page, but I’m not one to argue. If you're okay with stacks, scooting over a bit to let the next customer by, and finding books in every nook and cranny, then make a stop at Park Avenue Books and delve in with good humor.
Note: A sign in the front window encourages donations of books and magazines, cardboard boxes, and bubble mailers. Bring those along if you have some to spare. Volunteers are welcome too!
Shelves, stacks, racks, and piles at Park Avenue Books.
Sustenance Near Park Avenue Books
If you haven't visited the historic Fern Hill Business District, this is a great reason to get there and get to know it. There's a library, a barber, a thrift store with one of my favorite Tacoma murals on the side (once the home of Foam & Fabric), a clock and watch repair shop, and a couple of places to eat.
Image from TibbittsFernHill
Interested in experiencing award-winning, chef-driven, farm to table brunch fare? Visit TibbittsFernHill if you’re in the area on an open day (check ahead, it’s a small spot and a reservation may be needed).
Fern Hill has more to offer in the way of filling your stomach up. Where else can you find such a thing as Little Jerry's Seinfeld themed diner (thank you, Tacoma). From breakfast to burgers they’ll take care of you.
8. Fircrest Neighborhood: The Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop - 2061 Mildred St W
Monday-Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday, 12 - 4 pm
You’ve crossed great distances in your mind and over Tacoma’s streets. The tour brings you to a final stop on the west side of the city, to Curious Bear Toy & Book Shop, one more place aimed at inviting wonder, play, and the love of reading into the lives of little ones. Don't get sidetracked by all the puzzles, games, polished rocks, art supplies, dolls, crafts, and colorful, shiny, glittering objects at the front (okay, go ahead and get sidetracked, it’s pretty fun). But push on. The books wait in the reading corner, a plush section toward the back of the store surrounded by low shelves of picture books, board books, alphabet books, chapter books for young readers, and some local guides for exploring South Sound cities with kiddos. I have an aunt whose gift to me on birthdays or at Christmas was always an illustrated book, carefully selected, signed and dated. Now books are my favorite thing to give kids too and I often think of her when I’m choosing books. Choose a few yourself. Take a rest on a soft tree stump. Read a silly rhyme. Find a book you’ve always known, as long as you can remember. Find a book you’ve never seen before and see where it takes you.
Sustenance Near Curious Bear
Sit in or out at Express-O-Yourself in Fircrest, then see if you can find your way back home. It’s been a day!
Okay, this isn’t 6th Ave where we started with restaurants and cafes calling out on every corner, but if you have any space in your belly, we can help you fill it.
For starters, Pint Defiance is just a few doors down. Select a bottle or can from its wide array of beer and cider, pull up a chair and have a drink on site, or fill a growler to accompany you home.
Depending on the hour (a phrase that applies to all the recommendations) you may even be able to get another cup of coffee around the corner in Fircrest at Espress-O-Yourself—going strong since 1995. Sit awhile under an umbrella on the patio with a sandwich, salad or a fair scone stuffed with raspberry jam.
In case it’s helpful, here’s a map of our Tacoma Bookstore Tour for you with each of the 8 bookstores marked!
This is the last stop on the Tacoma Bookshop Tour. I hope it's also the beginning of a good read—a journey into the fantastical realm of Earthsea, a tour through the history of women’s suffrage, an exploration of the thrills of paperback romance—and maybe even the start of a new or renewed relationship with a Tacoma neighborhood and our book-loving community. And if you’re hungry (that’s not my fault!) you could go back to any of the spots already suggested. Better yet, head home, snuggle deep into that chair in the corner with the lamp beside and stick your nose where it belongs, deep in a book.
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