Few things beat the pleasure of exploring the shelves at a local bookstore, whether you’re hunting for a new novel, a rare comic, or a fun gift for a friend. The Eastside is packed with independent bookshops, used book havens, and specialty stores that invite you to linger much longer than you planned.
Let’s get to it.
BookTree Kirkland
BookTree Kirkland blends a cozy, independent vibe with a thoughtfully chosen inventory of new and gently used books. Since 2016, the shop has offered everything from recent releases to hidden secondhand gems. The owner’s deep knowledge helps you locate that elusive novel—blue cover or not—without judgment.
The children’s section stands out as its own world, packed with picture books that keep young readers engaged while adults explore poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Plush chairs and intimate reading nooks invite you to settle in with a cup of tea. Seasonal gift displays feature bookmarks, local art, and small literary treasures. A busy events calendar includes free writing workshops, author readings, poetry slams, and open-mic nights. This combination of warmth, expertise, and community focus makes BookTree a true neighborhood staple.
Deseret Book
The Deseret Book store has served the Latter-day Saint community for over 45 years. Specializing in LDS culture books, music, art, and films, its shelves overflow with scripture commentaries, hymnals, and faith-based children’s titles. A dedicated kids’ corner sits near the back, offering picture books and activity guides alongside small seating areas for families.
Rows of gospel study materials line one wall. Opposite them, racks of religious art prints and figurines share space with scripture-themed home décor. Clean displays and clear signage guide shoppers through categories. Staff members know the inventory inside and out. Ask for a specific topic and they’ll point you to baptism attire, church accessories, or limited-edition prints.
Located close to the Seattle Temple, the store also functions as a community hub during temple events and holiday seasons. Wheelchair access, in-store pickup, and special orders demonstrate a thoughtful approach to customer needs. Prices remain reasonable—higher than thrift-store levels but fair for quality products. Whether you seek a detailed commentary or a gift item, this store combines decades of expertise with a peaceful shopping experience.
Brick & Mortar Books
At Brick & Mortar Books you can see genuine passion for books in every corner. The family owners have teaching and library backgrounds so they organize shelves meticulously. Handwritten staff notes and personalized recommendations pop up throughout the stacks, guiding shoppers to new discoveries.
The children’s and young adult section covers nearly half the floor space. They host picture book events, illustrator signings, and YA reading groups almost every weekend. A graphic novel and comics corner features visits from authors like Ben Mauro, making it a true community hub for fans.
The store occupies about 4,000 square feet and holds roughly 20,000 titles. Card racks showcase curated finds alongside a display of fountain-pen inks with playful names. Cozy reading nooks and soft seating areas are scattered among the shelves, making it easy to lose track of time. New releases are priced at standard MSRP, and the customer rewards program offers store credit on purchases. Simple and straightforward, it encourages repeat visits without any complicated points system.
Half Price Books
Half Price Books in Bellevue sits inside the Crossroads Shopping Center with ample parking and a spacious layout. It blends treasure-hunt excitement with library-style organization. Shelves of used and discounted new books sit alongside records, comics, DVDs, and retro video games from the early 2000s. Local authors get their own display, while signed first editions and rare finds occupy locked glass cabinets.
A graphic novel section showcases both mainstream series and indie titles. Staff readers maintain a staff picks table near the front. The store atmosphere encourages browsing with beanbag chairs and seating islands throughout. Prices for used books are steeply discounted, and even new releases carry a healthy markdown. Teachers and librarians receive an extra discount at checkout.
Inventory turnover is fast, so you might discover unexpected titles. They also buy back books and games, offering store credit or cash on the spot. Half Price Books supports literacy programs and eco-friendly initiatives, donating to local schools and running recycling projects.
Walls of Books
Walls of Books offers bright, spacious aisles that invite browsing without crowding. Wide walkways prevent collisions with bags or carts, and overhead lighting ensures you can read spine details easily.
Staff here include former teachers and avid readers who know genres inside out. They are happy to recommend titles or locate a specific edition. New and used books mix on the shelves. Trading in used books can earn you up to 50 percent credit toward your next purchase.
Bestsellers and overstock titles are prominently displayed and clearly marked. Seasonal staff favorites or genre spotlights rotate on tables near the entrance. The children’s corner hosts regular storytime events and features popular graphic novels that local school librarians recommend.
In addition to books, you’ll find bookish merchandise like candles, mugs, socks, and puzzles. Walls of Books hosts book clubs and community meet-ups in a cozy back area. The store strikes a balance between retail and gathering space, making it a comfortable spot for readers of all ages.
Christian Science Reading Room Issaquah
At Christian Science Reading Room Issaquah, the atmosphere feels like a calm retreat more than a standard bookstore. Shelves display Bible editions and Mary Baker Eddy’s “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” along with authorized biographies and study tools such as Bible dictionaries and concordances. A subscription corner holds The Christian Science Monitor, offering news from a spiritual perspective.
A children’s nook ensures families feel welcome rather than overwhelmed. Most items are priced moderately, yet you can borrow nearly anything through the lending library. The Reading Room opens only on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 11 to 2, but a friendly attendant is always available to answer questions and guide you to the right resources. They offer audio CDs and computers linked to over a century of back issues via JSH-Online. Knowledgeable staffers encourage conversation and exploration, making the space inviting for both study and casual browsing.
Barnes & Noble
Barnes & Noble serves as a comprehensive hub for readers of all tastes. New releases occupy prominent tables, while genre sections span fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, sci-fi, romance, academic titles, and niche cookbooks. Shelves of toys, puzzles, and games add an extra layer of discovery beyond books.
The staff bring genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge to every aisle, guided by management experienced in the book world. Regular events range from author signings and community readings to virtual presentations. Seasonal displays rotate often, keeping the layout fresh each visit. Whether you need a special order or advice on a Nook device, the team can assist. Spacious aisles and a welcoming design invite visitors to spend an afternoon browsing titles and exploring new interests.
Bel-Kirk Stamp Coin & Comics
Bel-Kirk Stamp Coin & Comics has operated since 1982, selling comics, coins, and stamps in a tightly packed, hobby-shop atmosphere. Aisles narrow between high shelves and floor boxes, perfect for dedicated collectors who enjoy digging through back issues for Silver Age gems.
New comic releases stand alongside indie titles and a graded collectibles section behind glass. Horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and mainstream superhero issues share shelf space. Graphic novels and trade paperbacks fill a separate corner.
Beyond comics, the shop stocks coins, stamps, trading cards, and collector supplies like archival sleeves. A weekly pull list program offers subscribers a 10 percent discount and reserves new issues on arrival. Owners and staff members know the inventory and offer quick answers to detailed questions.
Free Comic Book Day turns this store into a lively event with special promotions and half-price deals on select items. Prices on most stock remain reasonable given the collectible nature of many items. Whether you’re hunting for a rare back issue or starter coins, this shop combines expertise and variety in a compact space.
Sten-Bros Toys Video Games Comics & Collectibles
Sten-Bros Toys Video Games Comics & Collectibles has earned its collector-hub reputation over nearly 30 years in Kirkland. The shop’s curated displays showcase high-end graded comics alongside bins of back issues that stir nostalgia. You’ll find Pokémon and Magic trading cards, Star Wars and G.I. Joe figures, plus ’80s icons like Ninja Turtles, Thundercats, and Masters of the Universe.
Inventory rotates frequently, so rare finds appear alongside budget-friendly options. Comics get special attention, from premium graded issues to half-off bins for bargain hunters. Owner Jeff and his crew share their expertise readily, helping you track down a sought-after item or guiding trades. Regular Saturday gatherings and community meet-ups make the store feel like more than just a retail space. It’s a local hub for hobbyists and collectors of every level.
Sir Lonebuck’s House of Comics & Geekery
Stepping into Sir Lonebuck’s House of Comics & Geekery reveals a boutique-style treasure trove of current single-issue comics and thick omnibuses. Kid-friendly corners sit beside displays of signed editions and first-print variants. An intentional section highlights LGBTQ+ titles and works by local artists, giving these books equal prominence. Collectible figures line elegant shelves, from superheroes by the Big Two to indie gems and horror novels.
The brightly lit store is impeccably organized, combining the polish of a chain bookstore with a distinct personality. Owners Shane and David, along with their team, offer tailored reading suggestions that feel genuine. Their pull-list program includes complimentary bag-and-boarding, and a rewards system encourages repeat visits. Since opening in 2021, the shop has hosted Free Comic Book Day and partnered with local schools. Pricing stays in line with industry standards, so you can dive into back issues without breaking the bank.
