Tacoma Book Center

Category:	Used Book Store
Address:	324 E 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98421, USA
Phone:	+1 253-572-8248
Site:	tacomabookcenter.com
Rating:	4.5
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

chas ames

Im sure Ive written a glowing review for this business in the past, but today was, sadly, not up to standard. Took a bag of books in and asked if they were buying. One individual, whom I will refer to as Scary Hipster, said only when the buyer is here. I waited for a follow-up then finally said when is the buyer here? Then the second party, whom Ill refer to as Balding Aunt said all the time. Taking the books out, she said were not taking these kind. I placed them on the only open surface I could find, since every other surface was stacked high with books. She said dont put them on the printer. (The what?) Fine. She offered $2 for four books and said I could try to get rid of the rest at Half-Price. I donated a couple others to her and said "$2? You can keep it" and left. While leaving I said Say thank you, to which she replied, Uh-huh. I donated the rest to the library for their book sales. I used to love TBC.

Jim Bowman

My kinda bookstore. Go in and wander! I intended to attend an event at the Car Museum till I found the ticket price to be unbelievable. Walking back to the streetcar, I stopped to check out their outdoor carts of 25 cent books. Intrigued, I wandered in and discovered a browsers heaven. I could easily have spent an hour, pulling books off the shelves. Not 10 books on Aviation, but, easily, a hundred. Not 3 maritime fiction authors, but a dozen! All of Hornblowers shipmates are here. Gardening. Woodworking. Fiction up the wazoo. Im easily reminded of old Shoreys Books, now long gone from Seattle. Theres also a hint of Powells, only cozier. I grabbed a copy of Annie Dillards childhood memoir. $6.00 . Cant be beat.

Ryan Liebman

Had to hunt down an obscure book in trade cloth. Searched and searched until I came across Tacoma Book Center. Friendly phone etiquette, prompt attention to finding my book in inventory as they placed it on hold for a day. Called to pay for it and shipped promptly. They didnt just throw the book in a box and send it out, they took care to prevent damage in transit to my out of state address, halfway across the country. Wrapped in plastic, sandwhiched between old hardcover flaps and taped for security. Professional through and through. Would shop again should the need arise. Thanks!

Rebekah U

This place is incredible. Every book-lover in the state needs to visit. Its beauty comes in its extensive collection--aisle upon aisle, shelf upon shelf of books of every genre. Looking for something specific? Ask the man at the front counter. Out of the hundreds of thousands of books, he can tell you whether or not they currently have a title, and, if yes, exactly where it is--the mans a genius! Check it out!

Jodi Henley

Just a big wow. Its like the old book used bookstores used to be. Huge, huge selection, lots of creepy rooms and spaces and ramps and stairs and hidden corners and lofts--all full of books. Not cheap, but fairly priced (at the normal 1 penny plus shipping youd get on Amazon or more). It was mostly empty, but I think they do a lot of online stuff to keep it afloat. I spent way too much money. But Id go again.

Kalen Mower

This place is way bigger than it looks from the outside. Multiple stories of floor to ceiling bookshelves. Very reasonably priced used books of all genres. The staff is friendly when approached but dont annoy you with an endless stream of "are you finding everything okay" questions. They let you browse through their thousands of books in peace. GREAT place to spend an afternoon.

Reanna LaCasse

My favorite bookstore hands down. I LOVE this place. Floor to ceiling book shelves and narrow rows stuffed full. I can get lost in here. Smells amazing. Rarely crowded. The owner and staff are insanely knowledgeable and if they dont have something they can always find it for you no matter how obscure.

DeAnna Dupree

Was an awesome experience visiting this store. I am from "small town" Louisiana and thoroughly enjoyed the smell of the old books, which in my opinion should be preserved or bottled for future generations to enjoy !! What a vast collection/inventory and accommodating & friendly staff !!

Daniel Cole

Wife and I went in the other day. Left with 4 books. Such a great little surprise. We happen to see it when driving home. Stopped in. They had every Author that I read and a HUGE selection of books. Very impressed. This will now be my new used book store.

Kae Gaebora

Shelves as high as the ceiling .. not sure how to get those books down though! So many books and friendly staff, but not very organised, hard to find what you are looking for on your own. Staff though is very knowledgeable and will find what you need fast

Jeff Kogut

This is my favorite type of bookstore - jammed to the rafters with books - mostly used - on every topic. This bookstore is what Powells in Portland used to be 20 years ago. I easily spend an hour here whenever we pass through Tacoma!

Jonnie Yandall

I have spent, more than once, a whole afternoon of just looking at books. Just in the Bible section alone. Love the staff! Always willing to go that extra mile with you in search of "the one" book that you cannot live without.

Chris Huish

In this new world of electronic books, the Tacoma Book Center is like stepping through the looking glass back to the happy moments of childhood when I first fell in love with reading. Fellow book lovers: This is the place!

Adam Kellar

I love used bookstores and this one is up there. Amazing selection, great staff, and pretty good prices too! My first visit I found quite a few "hidden gems" and was pleased with a few things that surprised me as well.

Judith A Rowland

What an adventure! Ive always been surprised and often amazed at what Ive found here. People are great. Selection is amazing..........Greta place to go when you need a pick me up and its raining in Tacoma!

Bob Babigan

Reminds me of the time spent in the stacks; the basement beneath our library where the project/paper research really took place. Even smells the same. One of my favorite haunts.

Kenny Anton

A book lovers paradise. This store seems to be unending rows of floor to ceiling used books. They have paperback and hardback and almost every genre of book imaginable

London Danielle

I CAN BUY THE SAME EXACT BOOKS BRAND NEW!!! THIS BOOK STORE IS RAPING PEOPLES WALLETS!!! WHY WOULD I BUY A USED BOOK WHEN I CAN BUY IT NEW FOR THE SAME PRICE?!?!?!?

Darren Anderson

Aisles of books reaching up to the high ceiling. Its a maze of books so perfect it feels fictional. Great prices, great selection. Support a local classic.

Spencer Branting

I make a special trip at least twice a year to this book store. They have a good selection of engineering books that have amplified by professional library.

Brittney Lee

My dad took me here once on a book shopping date and I LOVED IT. It has so many titles in such good shape. Plus free bookmarks dont hurt <3

Rebecca Mielcarski

Great place to find all kinds of books. Staff was very helpful, and prices were reasonable considering the terrific shape of the books.

Renee Johnson

There are so many books here! The shelves go up to the ceiling. Theres a big variety of books too. Its fun to see what they have.

Amanda Finch

I would live here if I could. Its a dangerous stop though because I never spend less than $50 here. They have so many books!!!