Almost right across the street from Elliott Bay Booksellers is a gutsy place for a smaller independent used bookstore. The selection is average for a used bookstore. The pricing seemed a bit cheaper than average. The greatest advantage of this store is conversation with the owner, a real book lover who loves to talk about good books. read more

I was here August 1, 2026, but it is permanently closed. There a few other bookstores in the area, but they're expensive.

Like Brigadoon it reappeared...Strolling toward the U District Farmers Market we happened upon the Globe and greeted the owner, John, gleefully like a long lost friend. Wonderful selection of diverse titles, an auto-bio from Stegner, Tin Tin in the window and some illustrated first editions, all the classics and that really cool old bookstore smell. Dash on over for some magic. read more

This bookstore reminds me of the best of Seattle: an independent bookseller unafraid of being politically correct or being off-the-beaten-track. Playing classical music instead of the formulaic non-stop loop of pop music that is the staple of Trader Joe's, L.A. Fitness, etc. makes this bookstore a rarity in a Seattle. The Pioneer Square district, in which Globe is located, is the only neighborhood which is protected from the demolition ball that has razed so much of Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, and other once livable neighborhoods. The owner is interesting to talk to, having lived here since the seventies. I only wish there were more like him and his business left in this increasingly soul-less city. The selection of books is a good one: I noticed an out-of-print paperback copy of a Thames and Hudson book on Paul Gauguin. This is a bookstore she can spend a lot of time discovering little hidden gems in. read more

Old bookstores in old neighborhoods? Yes, please! I've been here twice in the past couple weeks. While the selection here isn't exceptionally vast, you have to really keep your eyes open for the good stuff. It's often tucked or hidden away, as I found a couple of first editions on books that were either in my queue or the author was one of notability. The price was right! True, they are old musty books.. but first editions for the price of less than if you were to purchase it new? That's a steal! The second floor has a ton of trade paperbacks which remind me of the mid 90s when I would go to Crown books and look for Stephen King or Dean Koontz books every month. There are tons of those books! The main floor seems to have a lot of nice editions and coffee table books. Everything is clearly labeled and if you have a few minutes to browse, you will probably find something you quite like. I found two! read more

If you love books, come here before going anywhere else in Pioneer Square. It is an oasis in a desert. read more

The Globe Bookstore - Bookstores Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The Globe Bookstore is a small bookstore in Seattle. They don't have a lot of selection when you compare it to big box stores like Barnes & Nobles, but what they do have looked good. I'd rather go to a store with a good small selection then a store with way more than you need. read more

I visited over a year ago but I never made a review. It may have changed since then but I doubt it as the bookstore was run by a lovely old man who I assume is the owner. I bought a few Dr. Seuss books that were in great condition and reasonably priced. But as another reviewer mentioned, this is a small and cozy store with a select collection. That being said, it's quality over quantity. There's a small children's section with classics, new titles, great older ones, and a hidden upper floor packed to the brim with novels as well. The owner was really helpful in finding architecture books and there was definitely a wide array of genres. The only complaint I have is that the books were a bit more expensive that I'd like as I'm a college student but it's understandable because of the quality provided. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area. read more

This is a very nostalgic shop that I like to visit occasionally on my lunch break. It has such a warm and charming interior and the book selection is great. I especially love that the proprietor makes special selections that he showcases in the seating area near the front of the store. It's helpful because sometimes I have limited time on my break and I know that this section has good selections and he can speak to them personally. This is great shop and I love supporting a local business that offers selection, personal interest and a place where you can go that has and interior space that feels warm and relaxing to spend a little or a lot of time in. read more

Nice selection, bad service. My preschool-aged son asked him if he had a particular book (we are encouraging him to participate in commerce) and the person at the counter (the owner?) replied that he was listening to the music and turned away from him. Whatever dude. I guess you don't want our business. We walked out and won't be back. read more

What a great place! I think the Globe Bookstore has one of the best selection of cards in Seattle-- really interesting beautiful blanks cards... and cards by local artists. Especially love the cards depicting watercolor scenes of ferries crossing Puget Sound, etc. The owner, John, is great-- really nice guy, very helpful, and down-to-Earth. read more

Walked by the bookstore today with no plan to buy a book, but John caught me again with a fantastic book in the window that I had to have - Alchemy and Mysticism. What a fantastic book at a great price! So fun to talk with John about it and sit in one of his comfortable chairs to browse it a bit before making my decision to buy the book. I have purchased many books at the Globe, which continues to deliver in terms of really readable and collectable works that become gems in my personal library. read more

Very special book store and love the owner. Happened upon the shop by accident, but now have earmarked as one of my favorites. The owner was helpful and extremely nice. I inquired about an out-of-print book I had long been looking for and he offered to locate a copy. I received a call within a few days to let me know he'd found me a copy and offered to hold until convenient for me to drop by and purchase at a VERY reasonable price. What a great place to relax, enjoy books and chat with someone very interesting! read more

Great selection--especially given the small size of the bookstore-- beautiful local cards, and a wonderful, knowledgeable proprietor. This is my go-to bookstore--especially since Elliott Bay has left the neighborhood. I appreciate the owner's commitment to books and to Pioneer Square! If you need to buy, sell or find any book, this is your place! read more

The store is small but has an excellent selection of books, new and used. We didn't have much time but would return again when in the area. No fault of the store, but Seattle's banning of plastic bags does not go well with bookstores and Seattle grade rain. Excellent, friendly staff as well. read more

This is a great bookstore to do your holiday shopping, especially if you're looking for classics in good condition; you'll forget the outside world as you browse; there's also a great mystery selection and if you can't find something you want the owner-operator will try and find it for you. The shop is in Pioneer Store and smells delightfully of books and the scent from the bakery next door; I don't find it pricey and I'm on a fixed income; John knows authors and books and is a delightful conversationalist about both; I can hardly tear myself a way read more

I love this place. They moved from a high-rise to this space in Pioneer Square a few years ago and it's now a beautiful AND book-a-licious spot! Interesting little selection of new stuff, hand-picked by owner John Siscoe and a great selection of used stuff. And yes, conversation with John is one of the great pleasures of this place. Check it out! read more

This has been one of my favorite bookstores for years. The owner, John Siscoe, has an astonishing knowledge of books of all genres and always has a fascinating and eclectic selection of "recommended" books on a display table. These will probably NOT be the books you see at Barnes & Noble! If you know the kind of book you want, John can suggest several possibilities. He can order anything and it usually arrives in just a couple days. read more

Good place near other used book stores in Pioneer Square. Good selection of music, mystery, art, history, etc. Knowledgeable staff. Check out the selection of vintage Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys! It's also got paperbacks upstairs. I like it. read more

Great selection of new and used collectable and interesting stuff. Also magazines, like vintage auto racing and etc. Old Hardy Boys. Science fiction. Art, history, etc. Staff is good to talk to. I like it. read more