Book lovers in Tacoma are spoiled for choice when it comes to exploring cozy corners, indie havens, and well-stocked shelves. Whether you crave the scent of new releases, the thrill of rare finds, or a family-friendly spot that welcomes curious young readers, there’s a book store here for every type of shopper.
Let’s get to it.
Grit City Books
Inside Grit City Books, you’ll find a 1,600-square-foot shop bathed in natural light. A brick fireplace anchors one corner, while a children’s reading nook and comfortable chairs invite extended visits. Since opening their brick-and-mortar doors in May 2024 (after launching online in late 2023), the team has focused on a purposeful, curated collection.
The selection is compact but deliberately so… current bestsellers, under-the-radar gems, banned books, journals and even specialty teas are on offer. Fiction dominates, with contemporary voices, classic titles and a strong emphasis on queer and underrepresented authors. A dedicated shelf showcases local writers.
Regular drag story time draws families and readers of all ages. Staff members Jeff, Kaitlin and Kegan provide tailored recommendations. The shop includes an accessibility-friendly entrance and restroom. Community events range from fundraising drives to poetry readings and partnerships with nearby schools. Prices remain mid-range with no surprise fees. The atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming, so even first-time visitors feel at ease browsing for that next favorite read.
Half Price Books
At the Tacoma Mall location, Half Price Books packs shelves with both used and new titles across every genre imaginable. Movies, music CDs, vinyl records, puzzles, and board games expand the selection beyond books. Whether you seek a mystery thriller, sci-fi epic, romance novel, or a college textbook, you’ll find dedicated sections for comics, graphic novels, and rare first editions. Signed copies and collectible prints have their own display areas, while a corner set aside for out-of-print treasures invites scavengers. Customers can trade in old books for store credit, turning clutter into fresh reading material.
The store remains bright, organized, and easy to navigate thanks to clear aisle labels and plenty of seating nooks. Staff members greet visitors with genuine enthusiasm and offer tailored recommendations. Teachers and librarians enjoy special discounts, while curbside pickup and ample parking simplify quick stops. Frequent in-store events like book signings and themed sale days add to the appeal. With frequent new arrivals and a special order service for hard-to-find titles, the Tacoma Mall branch ensures that every visit leads to a rewarding find.
Teaching Toys & Books
Established in Tacoma’s Proctor District in 1981, Teaching Toys & Books specializes in educational toys and children’s books built to last. The shop features classic board books, sturdy puzzles and interactive sets that parents often request. Shelves highlight diverse and underrepresented authors alongside bestselling titles.
A hands-on area includes a train table, a magnet table and a playhouse. These stations encourage families to test products before purchasing. The staff maintains detailed reading lists for every age, from toddlers learning first words to school-aged kids exploring science and history.
Promotions include a punch card program and free gift wrapping. Customers receive a call when special orders arrive, eliminating rushed substitute buys. The store hosts monthly book readings and charity fundraisers, fostering a community atmosphere. Thousands of toys and hundreds of books fill the bright aisles, arranged for easy browsing.
Pricing reflects durable, high-quality merchandise. The shop carries products designed to withstand repeated use and often serve future siblings. With decades of experience and knowledgeable staff, Teaching Toys & Books offers reliable recommendations for families seeking both educational value and lasting play.
McCoy Kids
At McCoy Kids, a storefront at 504 S 11th Street, every item reflects a careful selection of children’s books, toys and art supplies. Bright displays organize titles by age group, from baby board books to adventure stories for older children. Curated “Tot” gift boxes mark milestones like first words or preschool graduations.
Since launching online in 2020 and opening its shop in December 2023, McCoy Kids has prioritized sustainability and small-batch makers. The book section highlights inclusive stories featuring diverse families and characters. Gifts start under $25, with higher prices for organic materials or elaborate sets. Local perks include free gift wrapping, complimentary delivery within Tacoma and a rewards program.
Parents handle the curation. They know which wooden puzzles withstand repeated use and which toys spark creativity. The store atmosphere feels calm and clutter-free, avoiding the overwhelm of larger chains. Staff members offer personal suggestions and practical gift ideas. Every detail aims to save shoppers time and research, making McCoy Kids a go-to for thoughtful, quality children’s gifts.
King’s Books
Nestled in Tacoma’s Stadium District, King’s Books invites you to wander through its 5,500 square feet packed with roughly 100,000 titles. Aisles wind between towering shelves, offering a cozy atmosphere cheered on by two opinionated bookstore cats, who sometimes recommend poetry selections. You’ll find signed first editions, rare out-of-print finds, and vintage paperbacks alongside the latest releases. Vintage clothing and board games tuck into hidden corners, adding unexpected surprises. The regular chatter of community events and cozy reading nooks make it a favorite gathering spot.
The store hosts fifteen book clubs, plus author signings, writing workshops, open mic nights, and a lively letterpress festival. Staff members know their shelves and typically offer three spot-on recommendations. Street and bike parking make visits easy, and late hours accommodate busy schedules. Prices span cheap thrillers up to investment-worthy collectibles, so budgets of any size can find a treasure. With its welcoming vibe and community focus, King’s Books remains a Tacoma classic doing things the right way.
Dightman’s Bible Book Center
For over six decades, Dightman’s Bible Book Center has served Northwest Washington since 1959. This family-owned shop specializes in Christian literature, ranging from study Bibles and devotionals to children’s stories and theological textbooks. Shelves feature both new releases and classic editions, giving theology students and casual readers plenty of options. Whether it’s a daily devotional to start a morning routine or an advanced theology guide, they carry titles for all levels of interest. On-site services include Bible imprinting and laser engraving for a personal touch, while special order requests fill gaps when popular titles run out.
Beyond books, the store offers faith-based music CDs, church supplies, greeting cards, and a selection of inspirational gifts. Staff members combine deep product knowledge with genuine friendliness, guiding customers toward resources that fit their needs. The local community vibe keeps visits warm and personal, a stark contrast to impersonal chain outlets. Dightman’s commitment to service and fellowship makes it a reliable destination for faith-driven readers across the region.
Hi-Voltage Records
Stepping into Hi-Voltage Records & Books, you’ll discover a carefully curated mix of vinyl, CDs, and books under one roof. Owners Meredith and Brian Kenney fill every shelf with care, showcasing over 40,000 record titles alongside an impressive book collection. Graphic novels sit next to cookbooks, while New York Times bestsellers share space with niche music biographies. New books run between $15 and $45, and new vinyl LPs usually cost $25 to $40, so most shoppers avoid sticker shock. They maintain a family-friendly environment that welcomes collectors and casual shoppers alike.
Friendly staff members know music and literature equally well and often suggest unexpected gems. Displays stay orderly, and recent arrivals move quickly into the spotlight. The website updates daily, letting customers preorder new releases and receive email alerts when items arrive. A dedicated children’s section often keeps young readers engaged. With no wait time and attentive service, Hi-Voltage Records & Books has become a local hub for music and book lovers alike.
Atomic Comics & Toys
Atomic Comics & Toys has built a reputation on its legendary ‘Wall of Wonder,’ a back-issue display that spans multiple longboxes. Mainstream superheroes share space with independent titles, manga, and horror series, while rotating rare bins hold elusive single issues. Open floor plans and bright lighting make every shelf easy to scan, and the shop’s wheelchair-accessible layout ensures all collectors can browse comfortably. Parking sits right outside the door, so pickups never require a long walk.
Featured alongside comic books are vintage action figures, model kits, and a range of Funko Pops. The family-owned staff greets collectors with detailed knowledge, guiding searches for variant covers or specialty prints. Special orders arrive promptly, and Free Comic Book Day sees them handing out free issues alongside anniversary prints. New arrivals post quickly on Facebook, keeping fans in the loop. With over two decades in business, themed events and community engagement remain central to Atomic Comics & Toys’ ongoing success.
The Logger Store
Located in the lower level of the Wheelock Student Center, The Logger Store at the University of Puget Sound offers everything students need for their courses. Whether you prefer physical textbooks or eBooks through the VitalSource portal, you’ll find required titles for midterms and finals. The general-interest section is thoughtfully arranged, so you won’t be sifting through random leftovers. On top of books, there’s a variety of Puget Sound sweatshirts, mugs, and greeting cards for friends in need of a pick-me-up.
Friendly staff know the inventory inside and out. They can point you to core texts or suggest alternatives if you’re tempted to splurge on another water bottle. Each term brings fresh stock, and occasional sidewalk sales help ease sticker shock. Textbooks and novels are priced fairly for a college shop, while branded apparel can range from budget-friendly to premium. Since it’s run by the university with a focus on community, they’ll even ship orders across campus or to addresses a few states away.
Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium
Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium in Tacoma feels like a playground for collectors. More than 10,000 items fill floor-to-ceiling shelves, showcasing Funko Pops, Hot Wheels, comic books, and more. You’ll find vintage Xena action figures next to just-arrived Star Wars collectibles and a rotating selection of T-shirts that celebrate decades of fandom.
The shop strikes a balance between museum-style displays and a casual trading floor. Owner Eugenia Kirk hand-picks each piece, so every corner holds items with a backstory. Customers can buy, sell, or trade memorabilia, with price tags ranging from affordable vintage finds to high-end rarities that draw serious collectors.
Tricky’s accepts credit cards, Apple Pay, and even offers bike parking right out front. Operating since 2007, the store constantly refreshes its displays, ensuring regular visitors always spot something new or unexpectedly awesome.
Memory Lane Toys
On Tacoma’s Antique Row, Memory Lane Toys has operated since 1990. The veteran-owned, family-run shop carries vintage die-cast cars in display cases, Lego sets priced by condition and action figures from past decades. Incomplete sets receive transparent, condition-based pricing.
Aisles tend to be narrow, but that layout fits the antique-style atmosphere. Alongside toys, the shop stocks fine china, paintings, household decor and memorabilia. Customers are encouraged to handle items, browsing through comic back-issue bins or inspecting vintage board games.
Staff members offer assistance without hovering, sharing knowledge of collectable values and rare finds. The store is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and accepts both cash and cards. Prices reflect genuine vintage condition and honest market rates.
Memory Lane Toys feels like a retro showcase where touching the exhibits is welcome. Regular visitors appreciate the evolving inventory and friendly, low-pressure sales approach. Whether hunting for a childhood collectible or exploring antique toy history, shoppers can count on detailed information and straightforward pricing.
Stargazer Comics
Stargazer Comics maintains a diverse selection of new and back-issue comics. Every Wednesday customers find fresh releases alongside organized bins of vintage issues. Back-issue racks include Bronze Age treasures and hard-to-find single issues, while manga shelves feature both recent volumes and out-of-print editions.
Staff members are experienced comic enthusiasts who recommend series, explain genres and offer guidance for new readers. A subscription service with pull boxes ensures customers never miss favorite titles. The open floor plan includes a seating area where visitors can browse graphic novels before buying.
The shop also supports local creators with signed editions and staff pick displays. Monthly events range from tabletop gaming nights to cosplay gatherings, creating an active community hub. Special promotions on bundles and collectible sets appear regularly.
Bright lighting and clear signage make navigation quick, so customers can locate superhero comics, indie series or manga without hassle. Reasonable pricing combined with occasional sales and loyalty discounts adds value. Stargazer Comics focuses on quality and variety, providing a dependable spot for casual readers and dedicated collectors alike.
