If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves getting lost among stacks of books, the Spokane area is a true paradise. From beloved indie gems to sprawling comic shops and hidden used-book nooks, there’s a spot for every type of reader.
Let’s get to it.
Wishing Tree Books
Nestled inside a lilac-painted house built in 1907, Wishing Tree Books balances neighborhood charm with a strong literary focus. Murals and stained glass add color, but the real draw is the extensive children’s collection. From picture books to teen reads, the youth section outshines many larger shops. Adult fiction and nonfiction occupy their own shelves, so there’s plenty for older readers too.
Staff picks and local author displays fill cozy corners. The store’s emphasis on inclusive titles means the LGBTQ+ selection stands out. In addition to books, you’ll find greeting cards, quirky journals, and bookish gifts. Though the space measures just 900 square feet, it feels larger thanks to clever shelving and a backyard courtyard.
Events run regularly, including story times, book clubs, chess workshops, and author visits. Wishing Tree Books works closely with local schools and literacy programs, and prices stay reasonable. After five years, this Spokane indie has firmly rooted itself in the city’s book-loving community.
Page 42
At Page 42 in Spokane, readers of all ages explore a well-organized trove of used books. Shelves are clearly labeled so you can locate sci-fi paperbacks, collectors’ Hardy Boys editions, or any genre without hassle. Most titles cost under $5, and about 80 percent fall below that mark, making it easy to browse without guilt.
A “Blind Date With a Book” table has gained local fame. Each title comes wrapped in brown paper with a few descriptive words, turning a quick stop into a fun discovery. Vintage displays rotate regularly, and signed books by regional authors appear at random times.
Families and repeat visitors form the core clientele. Page 42 sponsors a summer reading program, hosts free book fairs, and holds quarterly 25-cent sidewalk sales. The “Book Passport” lets patrons pick up a free title after visiting multiple times. Co-owners who met decades ago staff the store, sharing recommendations tailored to every reader. With 10,000 books processed each month, the inventory stays fresh and inviting.
Booktraders
Serving Spokane for more than 35 years, Booktraders stands out as a woman-owned, independent bookstore with shelves packed wall to wall. Whether you’re hunting romance paperbacks or classic sci-fi, the organization by category and author makes it easy to find your next read. Every spare corner doubles as a cozy nook perfect for lingering over new discoveries.
Their trade-in program is practically a local tradition—just note that the first five days of each month are reserved for other in-store business. Book prices remain low across the board, with hardcovers often going for just a few dollars. You can also volunteer in exchange for books, combining neighborhood spirit with a love of reading.
Community involvement runs deep here. Booktraders supports local schools and the VA hospital, takes part in the Garland Street Fair, and keeps Little Free Libraries stocked. The staff excel at matching readers with titles, and the welcoming space is fully accessible to wheelchairs and bikes.
Giant Nerd Books
Nestled in Spokane’s Garland District, Giant Nerd Books has been the go-to spot for antiquarian and collectible volumes since 2005. This shop shelves everything from comics and graphic novels to Inland Northwest history and Indigenous studies. You’ll also find fine literature, occult curiosities, signed first editions, vintage RPGs and even skulls or taxidermy on display.
Inside, it feels more like a private museum than a typical bookstore. Eclectic décor and cozy nooks invite you to explore, while staff with decades of experience help track down hidden gems. The owner’s forty years of book-finding expertise means personalized recommendations are always on offer.
If you prefer not to browse in person, you can discover selections at offsite consignment corners like Atticus Coffee & Gifts. Prices generally sit around average, but the real thrill comes from spotting something delightfully unexpected. From art shows and regional artist displays to themed events like live seances, Giant Nerd Books has built its own fascinating ecosystem.
Auntie’s Bookstore
For book hunters in Spokane, Auntie’s Bookstore offers a sprawling 15,000-square-foot space on two stories inside the historic Liberty Building. New releases sit alongside gently used books, graphic novels, and rare collectible editions. Upstairs, bargain racks and used volumes draw price-conscious readers, while the children’s area features a well-worn storytelling nook.
Auntie’s acts as a community hub with monthly author readings, nine active book clubs, and themed family events like Mermaid Storytime. Knowledgeable staff deliver genuine recommendations and include a specialist who can appraise most donated books on the spot. The trade-in policy allows one bag of books per day for store credit, keeping the shelves stocked with fresh finds.
Inventory turns over quickly, so every visit yields different surprises. Prices range from budget bargains to high-end collectible items. Since 1978, Auntie’s Bookstore has maintained a warm, local feel while serving as downtown Spokane’s literary heart.
Kaufer’s Religious Books, Gifts & Supplies
Operating since 1904, Kaufer’s Religious Books, Gifts & Supplies specializes in Catholic literature and church essentials. The shelves feature theological works, Vatican history, papal biographies and a dedicated section for Pope Francis items, including statues, medals, rosaries and tapestries.
The back of the store serves parish needs with vestments, altar wine, processional crosses, monstrances and custom furniture. Local churches have relied on Kaufer’s for candles and hosts for generations. Many staff members bring decades of expertise—one has served customers for over fifty years.
Inside, warm wood accents and clearly marked zones for First Communion and rosaries create a straightforward shopping experience. If an item isn’t in stock, special orders are welcome. While their online shop handles many requests, the classic Boone Avenue counter service still attracts long-time patrons.
Zag Shop
On Gonzaga’s campus, Zag Shop provides every essential for student life, from required textbooks to a wide selection of branded gear. Jerseys, sweatshirts, phone cases and elegant diploma frames all share the same bright, well-organized space. Separate zones make it easy to find hoodies without tripping over stacks of economics texts.
The store hums with energy during basketball season and move-in day, often feeling as though half the city is shopping for Zags merchandise at once. You can pre-order or rent course materials, then choose curbside pickup if you’d rather skip the crowds.
Zag Shop staff know each semester’s requirements and can steer you toward the most durable T-shirts and study guides. Prices match typical campus bookstore rates, but authenticity and stock consistency make up for it. When basketball or graduation rolls around, pop-up sales and championship swag appear without delay.
Barnes & Noble
Stepping into Barnes & Noble feels like discovering a library that developed a serious coffee habit and expanded into a gift shop. New hardcovers stand tall near the entrance, while rows of fantasy, crime, romance, and a sizable comics section fill the wide aisles. Clear signage and open walkways ensure you can navigate easily, though pausing at the “Staff Picks” table often derails your shopping plan.
You’ll always find a seat in the reading area, and the café serves Starbucks coffee alongside free Wi-Fi. Local authors share shelf space with signed memoirs from familiar names, offering both regional voices and national bestsellers.
If a book is out of stock, staff members—who truly know their collections—will locate it in another store or place a special order. Regular events like kids’ storytime, author signings, and book clubs add to the community atmosphere. While prices match standard retail, a membership knocks down the cost of books and café drinks, making repeat visits more budget-friendly.
Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage
Inside Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage, a warehouse-style store near Gonzaga University, shelves stretch over more than 20,000 square feet. Since its 2022 expansion, the book department has grown to include thousands of used titles.
Every volume is hand-selected, so you won’t sort through stacks of outdated workbooks just to find a novel. Fiction, science fiction, mysteries, and academic texts are organized by subject, genre, and even color—an unusual system that speeds up your search once you get used to it.
This store carries only used books—no shiny new releases or comics—most priced around $3.50. Fresh finds arrive daily, giving you a good reason to hold off on that next online order.
Knowledgeable staff manage the book section like an indie shop. Shopping here also supports refugee job training and employment programs, so every purchase connects you with the local community and offers unique titles at bargain prices.
The Comic Book Shop, Division Location
The Comic Book Shop on Division caters to every type of comic fan. With 250,000 issues lining the walls and stacked in crates, the selection is vast. You’ll find new single issues, indie graphic novels, European imports, and entire aisles devoted to manga. In a back corner, vintage comics from the 1940s through the 1960s await discovery.
Longtime staff members help with obscure requests and last-minute gift ideas. A comfortable reading nook offers a spot to flip through recent purchases or unwind. The shop hosts regular signings, cosplay events, and the annual Free Comic Book Day celebration.
If you have a personal collection to sell, they’ll assess and offer instant payment or store credit. Prices cover everything from inexpensive grab-and-go titles to high-value collector’s editions. By combining deep expertise with an enormous inventory, The Comic Book Shop on Division welcomes both casual browsers and dedicated collectors.
Merlyn’s Comics and Games
Since 1980, Merlyn’s Comics and Games has anchored Spokane’s nerd scene with an impressive back-issue wall and a steady stream of new releases every Wednesday. You’ll spot classic X-Men runs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles deep cuts and the latest Marvel or DC storylines. A dedicated section showcases rare, graded issues for serious collectors.
On the gaming side, shelves brim with Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer figures and board games that promise to upend any family gathering. A spacious game room hosts weekly Magic tournaments, D&D Adventurers League sessions and casual board-game nights.
Family-friendly by design, the shop enjoys plenty of natural light and a team of staff who know both their superheroes and their gaming rules. For anyone into fantasy, sci-fi or tabletop adventures, Merlyn’s offers a well-stocked, welcoming home base—four decades of experience make all the difference.
Monkey Biz
Monkey Biz opened in October 2019 with seven local owners who turned a plain retail space into a destination for comics and pop culture fans. The shelves overflow with new issues, back issue collections, and rows of brightly colored Funko Pops ready to join your display. A dedicated section highlights local authors and illustrators, alongside oversized “sitcomics” written by a former Seinfeld writer.
The store layout is divided into zones: glass cases showcase rare finds, wide tables invite board games or puzzles, and private rooms host Dungeons & Dragons sessions. They’ve organized socially distanced Pop Swaps and birthday parties. You can buy, sell, or trade comics and Funko Pops for cash or store credit, which keeps the selection fresh and rotating. Staff members know their material and offer recommendations without judgment. If you spot something online, they’ll even arrange curbside pickup. With a constantly evolving inventory and friendly expertise, Monkey Biz has become a local nerd paradise.
