Love this place. Love the resident cats and the staff. They have a lot of very cool books, plus they can order any book for you as well. Great location, right next to the record store and down the street from the bank; very clever. I would honestly just go back for the cats, the books are a bonus. I love supporting small and independent businesses, check them out in downtown Oly. read more

there are two cats here, so when u enter and exit, ensure that u close the doors. the cats were chill and just cuddling each other. Got a book for Dillon while I was here with him because it was his birthday. it was $8 for a paperback, which was not too bad. different genres everywhere, especially with the philosophy, theology , and sci-fi ones, which are Dillon's favorite. service was okay. I did not feel really welcomed by them, but it is okay because the cats made it better read more

Orca Books - Bookstores Near Me - Olympia, Washington

We came into Golden Hour as a party of 2 at 2:00 on Sunday. We immediately fell in love with the ambiance-there is so much to do in such a chill and relaxed place! There are pool tables, places to read, and beautiful art that you can see everywhere around! They have carbonated teas and a variety of drinks that they serve including kava. We got to try a couple samples of the carbonated tea, and I am smitten by the "Capital Lake Walk". I could drink this tea for the rest of my life, it was so refreshing and good. It was a shame that I had a train to catch-I could have easily spent a day here. read more

Orca Books - Bookstores Near Me - Olympia, Washington

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A great bookstore downtown, if you are wanting to explore a place with character and perhaps allow serendipity to intervene with your next read. They aren't going to have the NY Times Bestsellers screaming at you from every end-cap, but that's very welcome when you just want to find something more unique or challenging to read. That being said, there is still a lot of representation by bestselling authors on the shelves. Also, a lot of local and independent authors/publishers. Prices are very fair for the used books. The cat (Orlando) is very sweet and keeps children happily occupied, so you can browse the shelves. read more

Cute little book store with a range of used books. Knowledgeable staff recommendations. Kids books too

Bookstore cat-check Good prices-check Great variety-check Funky vibe-check Nice kid section-check Definitely recommend checking it out. read more

Super bummed with their new policy of only allowing trade in credit to be used for used items. I didn't mind that I got pennies on the dollar for my used books (which are almost always only read by one person and in excellent shape) because I was recycling books and getting a new one to read. But now, the selection is limited to used books and often the title I was looking for had to be ordered (which can only be done for new books). I have always supported local book stores as I don't want them to all be overran by Amazon or Barnes and Noble, but with this new policy, unfortunately they have lost me as a customer. I spent a lot of money at this store to have this policy change before I can even use my outstanding credit. They said they had a 3 month transition period......unfortunately I haven't been in for 3 months so I was unaware of the change. read more

The selection of books isn't bad, but I come in semi-frequently and the staff is not friendly- at all. They have never once greeted me as I walk in, even though they are sitting there right next to the door reading. If you're busy, fine, but you're just sitting there. The only time they will speak to you as you walk in is to immediately tell you to put a mask on. Even during check out, they act like you're bothering them. I don't need the staff to wait on me hand and foot, but a simple "hello" or "are you finding everything you're looking for?" would go a long way. read more

I've lived in Oly 20 years and have been to Orca many times. Today I had many high quality books, and I thought I would take them there to support a local business and perhaps get some credit to support them more. I didn't take them anything shabby. Bottom line: they don't want your books, they seemed annoyed, the employees are barefoot, and they want you to come back THAT DAY to get your rejects. They took 2 of my books. $5 credit only on used books. Barefoot employee didn't even hold the door open as we schlepped out almost all of the books we had brought in earlier. read more

I stopped by this bookstore while in randomly. This book store is soo great it's dangerous. I found two hardback books i HAD TO HAVE as soon as I entered the door! One I looked up when I got home, and it's available like nowhere! If I spent too much time in this book store I would be a pauper, it is so worth shopping here! I LOVED this bookstore! read more

Orca Books - Books! - Bookstores Near Me - Olympia, Washington

Orca Books is an Olympia institution. It has a marvelous collection of new and used books (fiction and non-fiction), a staff of book lovers, and an anchor business in the Olympia downtown in the arts district. Most importantly, the "owner" of the store includes over 650 book enthusiasts, the staff, and a number of allied organizations. It is a community "solidarity" co-op! The members of the co-op serve on the board of directors and the manages collectively. When you are shopping at Orca and speaking with the staff you are always talking to an owner of the shop! What is more, there is a really good chance that a person browsing the stacks near you is also an owner! The have gift cards and if you have gently read books, you can trade them in for store credit. Browsers can join for as little at $25 (but more if you can afford it). They are the alternative to the big boxes and e-tailors!! read more

Nice bookstore with scores of used books everywhere to paw through! From my experience at least some of these used bookstores are untidy and not organized but no such issue exists here. This bookstore was recommended in the "Best of" for the year in the Tacoma Volcano for the year and I have to say that it hit the mark quite nicely! read more

Wonderful gem of Olympia. Friendly & professional staff. The new location is just as charming as their former location.

I love old book stores. I love book stores. I love finding these type of book stores! Also, an immediate star for the store cat! Pros: It's a book store Not very noisy Kids section fits more than 1 child They have a store cat! Cons: We couldn't take the cat home As soon as we entered, we were greeted by the cat. Any place with animals gets a star from me. It was an open space and very inviting. I don't get that a lot from used book stores. Usually they are crammed full of shelves and books to get as much inside as they can. I didn't feel that here. There are books, little pictures, magnets, book markers, and of course I have to mention the kids section. My daughter had space to sit down and go through a few books as the cat tried to climb into her stroller. The kitty wanted to come home with us. We weren't allowed to take the cat home. No worries, we'll just come visit more often. read more

Overpriced books and no manners towards me at least. Plus they were counting all their money on the table but they should have waited till the dealing was done. read more

The worst. Their Native American section is abysmal, filled with nonsense books, and with few to no actual native authors. After searching the shelves for books I needed including God is Red by Vine Deloria Jr., and House of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday, I approached the cashier to ask about the books. There was a book discussion going on in the shop that I didn't want to interrupt so I offered to write it down and he glared at me and loudly demanded "just tell me!! They can't hear." Pardon me for trying to be polite and also, eff you for lacking the common sense and courtesy to carry at least a couple of native authors in your "Native American" section. You won't be seeing my business ever again and I will warn others of your complete and total rudeness. read more

I've been going to Orca for years, and I truly want to support local bookstores and have a good relationship with fellow bibliophiles. But the customer service demonstrated by some of the staff is sometimes just so poor. I often feel like they just don't care about me as a customer. If I ask a question, I'll get short/snarky replies, as if I'm bothering someone. And I buy a lot of stuff from their store. The book trades are really inconsistent--sometimes they reject books without even looking at the title (literally), and I'll bring the same stack back and they'll take them all. I just wish Orca cared a little more about its customers and provided better service. Or at least courtesy. I do purchase and sell more and more on Amazon because the prices are better. I go to Orca because I want to support local businesses and experience a kind of bibliophilic connection. But the staff at Orca never seem to care, and I gradually take my book business elsewhere. read more

Nice bookstore in downtown Olympia. I've had success finding specific books at low cost, and I always enjoy seeing the random cats roaming the store. I've also traded in a used book before for store credit. I'd go back. read more

I adore Orca books. They are holding true to a disappearing icon - the independent, local, used book store. Growing up I loved going into these kind of places, with the smell of paper and scattered comfy chairs, where you could spend hours browsing or reading. There is no place I'd rather be on a rainy day. Orca books has an excellent balance between used and new books, and an amazing selection of every genre. I regularly browse here to see the best of new titles - from urban gardening to modern fiction, handpicked titles are on tables throughout the store. Most of the staff are committed bibliophiles and are able to suggest titles perfectly suited to your taste. Orca also has a large selection of used dvds, blank journals, calendars, book marks, and other items. Even if you buy nothing, if you care anything at all for books it is a wonderful way to spend part of an afternoon. read more

I love Orca Books for their selection. I can guarantee you will find several interesting books! Browsing and Buying are my two favorite things to do. I always kick myself for not buying a particular book because I can never find it a second time. Books go fast here! Orca Books offers a wide variety of topics. Their used books are usually in good condition, but not always. I would suggest leafing through a used book to see if any pages are ripped. I almost bought a book with some old pages repaired with tape. (I don't mind this with some books, but I do care if it is a field guide.) My daughter is a big fan of Orca Books. She is a bibliophile and would hoard books if it wasn't for the book swap at her school. Twice a week she demands to go to the book store and always attempts to leave with a huge stack of books. She loves the children's section. There are picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and educational books. It's easy to find stories that feature girls as heroes, which are my daughter's favorites. My number one problem with Orca Books is I am not a millionaire and I can't buy half of their inventory. My number two problem is I need a bigger house for all of the books I have bought here! read more

Pretty nice bookstore. Good selection with relatively low prices and a (usually) friendly staff. The reason I'm giving them two stars is because they lost my books. I traded in ~15 of my old paperbacks that I had read throughout middle school and high school in hopes of having enough credit to get a new book for free; after about two weeks, I asked about the status of my books, only to find that no one knew where they were. I did not get my books back, and my only consolation was a simple "sorry" from the cashier. read more

Brought in 4 boxes of books. Went through all of them as I waited about 45 minutes. Ended up taking over half for trade value. Well worth my time. Better yet, upon leaving my car battery was dead! Allowed me to use their phone several times to call for a jump start. (Yes, I Do Not have a cell phone) Very nice to help out someone in need. read more

I LOVE THIS BOOKSTORE every time I visit olympia i go here and find amazing literature. shop local read more

I was having a bit of a sad day once. Went walking around downtown and randomly happened into this dusty old bookstore. Sat down in an old vintage chair to read a book & next thing you know, there is a sweet little old kitty climbing up on my lap. He curled up in a little ball like he had always lived there (in my lap) and went to sleep while I read my book. I have loved this bookstore ever since. It just has that magical old bookstore ambience. Cozy & warm. read more

Really great service! Open late, plus they have two great cats that don't mind being petted if you're not aggressive. (Allergy sufferers need not worry: the cats will not follow you around and the only traces of fur are on the cats themselves.) Wonderful small business feel at Orca Books and the staff really deliver on the friendly atmosphere you'd expect at an independent bookstore. read more

Such a great local bookshop! A wide and wonderful selection, friendly staff, and willing to work with you for special orders. This is my go-to alternative for Amazon and I haven't really ever regretted it! read more

Great general bookstore. Very clean and well organized. About average sized, good selection of books. No one section stood out, but none looked skimpy. You should find what your looking for. If not ask upfront. Folks here are friendly. read more

Sweet bookstore, great selection, kind staff, and a sweet kitty to pet while you're there! I sat for the bulk of an afternoon, reading the books that I'd selected at random: a collection of short stories by Margaret Atwood, a book about the inner workings of the brains of crows and other corvids, and a travel memoir by a woman who left her home in Sweden to start a new life in France! It bears repeating: Great selection, great atmosphere, and great for the eclectic mind! read more

Our favorite book store for over 20 years - smart and friendly, with cool new (and classic old) books on rotating display. If Orca doesn't have it, they can get it. Great buy-back option, and a relaxing place to browse for gifts. read more

Orca has an immense collection of books, perfectly categorized and immaculately kept. I was good friends with their old cat, Henry, may he rest in peace. read more

Olympia doesn't have much to choose from when it comes to bookstores with a good variety of books so Orca is better than nothing. There is always a chance of finding a gently used copy of that bestseller you wanted to read. Don't expect much in cash or trade when you take in books to sell. Barnes and Noble hasn't taken over our capital city quite yet. read more

A nice book store in town with all sorts of fun things to discover. Browse through carrots sections until you find something that captures your fancy, you're bound to find something on the shelves. read more

Love it, beautiful bookstore, lots of little seats, reading the merchandise seems welcome. I always find the store cats to get a little love. Some pretty obscure titles. A little pricey, wish they had a sale now and then. read more

I came in one day looking for wrapping paper out of desperation (where do parents buy wrapping paper? I still don't know.) The guy who helped me was great; he found some wrapping paper behind the counter and let me cut off a piece. I figured I should at least buy something small to be polite, so I started browsing, and ended up finding my new favorite book! Will definitely be back the next time I need more reading material. read more

Awesome book shop. Great organization and really great options. I love a good independent book shop and this is one to support.

Although not many new books are in store and they don't have a huge selection, it's a nice local bookstore with friendly and helpful staff.

Great book store. I wanted to write this review before the last independent book store in America closes. We got a fair amount of credit for books we traded in, and then we found books of interest for all ages: Grandma, myself (advanced middle age), and 10 year old James. I will definitely return on the next visit to Olympia. read more

I have gone to quite a few used book stores, but this one was a joke if you are looking to trade. I walked in with 25 bestseller paperbacks. Most were nearly new. My name was taken and I was told to wait ten minutes. I browsed around and picked out 4 books that I wanted to read. But, when I returned to front desk, the fellow said curtly, "We don't want any of them...they're a dime a dozen". When I asked the cost of the books I was holding, a gal said coldly, "those are new and are $10 each" (They would sell for $5.49 at Costco). Let me tell you, I gleaned no warm and fuzzy feeling at Orca Books. If I want to pay $10 for a paperback and do so in a warm, comfortable environment, I will go to Barnes and Noble. I will return to my local used book store even though their selections is limited as compared to Orca. At least I won't leave with a bad taste in my mouth..and not from the expresso! read more

Awesome little bookstore! I really like the selection of magazines and used DVDs. My two complaints about Orca would have to be some of the employees have a crappy attitude and their lack of meat themed cookbooks. I respect the fact that they are catering to the large vegetarian/vegan community of Olympia, but they seem to go out of their way to not carry meat heavy cookbooks. Other than those two items I have enjoyed shopping here for years. read more

They have a good selection and only take in great condition books. Just be aware there are many full price new books also so not all are discounted. read more