Village Books is one of those places you instantly fall in love with if you enjoy browsing and discovering new reads. The space is huge, with multiple floors packed with a thoughtfully curated selection of books, gifts, and cozy reading spots. What really makes it special is the atmosphere--it feels more like a community hub than just a bookstore. They host tons of author events, book groups, and workshops, so there's always something going on beyond just shopping. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and it's easy to spend way more time here than planned. Between the café, comfy seating, and overall vibe, it's the kind of place you want to hang out in, not just pass through. Overall, a must-visit spot for book lovers--warm, welcoming, and full of character. read more

We love to see a bookstore thriving!! This is so much more than just a bookstore (and adjoining paper/confectionery/novelty shop). Its a community hub! I recently moved to Bellingham and Village Books (and paper dreams) actually really swayed me to move here. Its a book palace, 3 stories of well organized selection. The front facing books are well chosen, and the used books are interspersed with the new books. There are quite a few staff picks sections, all of which are super interesting and worth looking over. Three days before Christmas 2025 I was there trying to pick out a horror book for a friend of mine. Horror is not my genre (more of a fantasy and literature gal myself), so I for sure needed guidance. The shop lady spent so much time reviewing the whole horror section with me . When we couldn't find the main book we decided on me buying, she spent the time looking everywhere for it. She enlisted the help of two additional staff members. When she was needed for another task, she made sure one of the other shop ladies had me covered. I ended up ordering the book, which came in a few days and they texted me when it arrived. Easy peasy! I will never forget that experince, especially as the store was jam packed with x-mas shoppers. Village books in fairhaven is the spot! My only note is that their bookclubs could be better. The bookclubs are during the day and don't have different genre selections (they are mostly nonfiction). There is a silent reading bookclub that I might try. They could be cultivating different types of communities (ie book clubs geared towards romantasy, sci-fi, literature, etc.), but maybe that will come with time. read more

Village Books - Outside village books. - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I really wanted to love the store. I'm long time book lover and one who worked in the book industry for over 20 years. This store seemingly has it all; great selection of books, both knew and used, lots of old wood, and a staff that seems knowledgeable if a little bit unhappy. The last part can explain why the vibe is just off. It just doesn't feel comfortable nor welcoming, and if I had to put my finger on the cause, I would say it is likely due to management. I witnessed firsthand how the store manager ignored customers in line waiting to pay because he was on the phone. You never ignore the customers who are right in front of you. I wish the store all the best, but I'm gonna take my book shopping business elsewhere. read more

Mathis is one of my favorite bookshops in America. Trust me when I tell you that I have been to many in my lifetime. They have an excellent selection of books, stickers, and cute gifts. I'm consistently impressed with their broad selection and reasonable prices. I always swing by whenever I'm in Bellingham. read more

This is a store where you can just get lost for hours shopping and searching for books. It's a little confusing at times to find what you may be looking for, but the staff is eager to help. Everyone was lovely and I ended up returning a second time during my week in Bellingham. Great selection and I love that it's easy to spot the used, cheaper books. read more

Village Books - Front of store - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

A great adventurous book store combined with paper dreams and two really excellent cafes one tiny one upstairs and one downstairs.

It's so much fun to browse the books at this three story bookstore. We love the selection of local authors and have purchased several of their books on our visits to Bellingham. Love supporting independent bookstores! We also enjoy the attached Paper Dreams and have purchased several unique items there. If we lived in the area, we would love to attend the speakers' events. Friendly and helpful staff, always ready to provide a book recommendation. Bonus points for having the Colophon Cafe right there (literally attached and accessible from inside the bookstore)--perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon! PS--just saw that this store is dog friendly and they have dog treats. Love that! read more

It is a good book store. Is well organized. The downside for someone like myself who speaks and reads two languages, it lacks a Spanish section. Other than that the value of the books are very reasonable. read more

Such a good bookstore. I love how they have three floors. There was a wide range and selection of books. It was APIDA month, and the bookstore was able to curate a fantastic selection of Asian authors. The service was good, the booksellers were very nice. I also like how they have little blurbs for staff picks. The price of the books are pretty standard. They do have a second used section and they actually have really good books on that shelf too. Would definitely visit again! read more

Village Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This bookstore hqd a great selection of books of every kind! I loved how there's a staff pick and best sellers with reasons why it was their favorite. I really enjoyed my time at this bookstore and look forward to visiting this bookstore again. read more

It's a good bookstore for new books. If you're like me and I have tastes that skew more towards deep cuts it may not be the place for you. I perused the philosophy, history, and cultural theory sections and found them pretty unimpressive, but I'll admit (again) that my taste is specific and isn't indicative of everyone. While the new books are priced fairly, the used ones I checked were pretty close to retail price; they do have a decent bargain shelf, though. For most casual readers, this is a great bookstore, and I'd recommend it strongly over a chain like B&N. For those with more specific interests (specially academic), I'd say to check out some of the other stores in town. read more

While first time me was n this store I have been an on line customer for years. Three stores of books and gifts and a staff that knows their stuff. Clean labeled book selection. Price are list and discount on used. But shop here for selection read more

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I do love this bookstore. They have put in comfy chairs and even a rocking chair in various books and corners. Very inviting. There are 3 levels and they carry different genres. I feel the books are quite niche, so it is a good place if you are looking for gifts. There are also cute stuff stocked here, including items for kids. At the top floor, there is a coffee shop too. Fiction and classics books are here. My taste is more pedestrian, so I did not manage to find books for my reading pleasure. I like reading "fluff" to destress since I have to read more serious stuff for work. Don't bother looking for books which are more plebeian here. I guess this is to differentiate a smaller independent bookstore from the bigger chains. At the bottom level, it is also linked to a restaurant. There are also stickers to indicate if the books are used or bargain books. I do love second hand bookstore too and used to frequent those. Oh and dogs are welcomed here. They have doggie treats. read more

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Cute bookstore with a decent selection. Great location. Would recommend over larger, cookie cutter chains. Love the vibe.

This is the best bookstore I have ever been to. It is three full stories in an old brick building with fun discoveries in every corner! And it has a great cafe, too. You could spend hours in here between all the books and gift items. They offer both new and used books and use a dot sticker system to identify used and bargain books. I was able to score a signed copy of Jodi Picoult's By Any Other Name! read more

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A fun bookstore, three floors, and a cafe upstairs with an elevator. There were a couple of marked down tables and a good mystery section with the latest titles, including Richard Osman, our favorite. read more

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Local bookstore that has become a destination for many in the area with restaurant with some food; great coffee and cookies, some places to sit and read but good selection of books. read more

Three floors of treasures! This is my favorite kind of bookstore. There are lots of nooks of books: new and used. There's a coffee shop, a kids' corner, lots of cool gifts and the staff are very knowledgeable. read more

This store is so cute and you can't help but find something for someone. I ended up getting a ring since my wedding ring is currently in for repairs. Everyone was friendly and helpful. read more

Village Books - New ring! - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

This bookstore is such a gem. Take your time to browse all three floors, especially the cookbook/kitchenware/gift section if that's your thing (it's mine!). Great selection of cookbooks. Besides the fiction section (love the staff selection shelves), the third floor is home to the Evolve Cafe and a work/reading area, which is a great feature and LBTQIA+ owned/friendly. Lovely food and drink choices to keep you lingering. Village Books also carries used titles, so bargain shoppers and prolific readers will get great value. I visit every time I am in the area, and would definitely take advantage of all of their events if I lived nearby. read more

Three floors with an excellent selection of books-that you might need and some things you had no idea you needed!!! Staff is friendly and knows their stuff. New books, used books, cards, great gift options. Great prices. read more

I recently ordered a book titled New Water for a Thirsty World by Michael H. Salzman, along with another book, over the phone from Village Books and Paper Dreams in Bellingham, Washington. I spoke with Shawn, who informed me he could source the Salzman book from a third party that had one copy available. Although he mentioned it was expensive, I was willing to pay for an actual published copy rather than a low-quality reprint. I clearly stated that I had found a cheaper version for $35 and was not interested in a reprint and bound copy. Shawn assured me that the copy he was sourcing was a legitimate, dated edition and promised to inspect it before shipping. He noted there would be $10. charge for the sourcing and inspectIon along with about a week's delay for this examination. Shawn stated he would contact me if any issues arose. However, I did not hear back from him and received the book about two weeks later. Unfortunately, the book was disappointing: it lacked the photos found in an original version, was printed on cheap paper, and was bound in India. The book sold to me has no copyright. Selling this book as a legitimate edition feels fraudulent. I called the store a week ago and expressed my concerns to Stephanie, Shawn was unavailable. When he returned my call today, he informed me that they do not accept refunds and/or replacements. I reiterated my disappointment and the misleading information I had received, especially since I had explicitly stated what I wanted and expected the book to have a copyright. When I asked to speak to a manager, Shawn claimed he was the manager. I informed him that I would be warning others about this experience and advise potential customers to only buy in person to avoid similar issues. This bookseller appears to sell counterfeit books as legitimate editions and does not stand by their sales. Buyer beware! read more

What a great bookstore. We were exploring Bellingham without too much of an agenda, and this neighborhood is just great -- full of restaurants and great shopping. Coming across this bookstore, I expected a small operation. Nope! This place is large -- 3 stories -- with a great selection laid out in a way that facilitates browsing. We were inside for several hours, and my kids found a few books they wanted. Stop by, you will love it! read more

Village Books - There stories of great browsing! - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Catching up on Yelp reviews. I spent nearly two hours at Village Books wandering all the sections and floors on a drizzly Saturday back on 8/25/18. Paper Dreams, Colophon Café, and a brand new chocolate destination also share the same vast space. Easily this can be ranked beyond five Yelp stars! I love the layout that encourages exploration and pauses along the way with sitting nooks. There is also a writer's zone, readings area, an onsite publishing service offered. Something for everybody. Love this indie bookstore in Fairhaven! Ironic that I ended up not buying any books, but instead items from Paper Dreams and a Village Books baseball shirt. But after visiting nearby Iron Rooster Bakery and Village Books plus knowing Western Washington University is here, make a compelling case as a serious contender for relocation. read more

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Do you like books? Do you like coffee? Do you like dogs? If you answered yes to these questions, you will like Village Books. Right in the heart of Fairhaven, this is one of Bellingham's most beloved businesses. Village Books has three floors of books spotted with detailed staff recommendations and an updated selection. If you are searching for a book, they will most likely have it, and if they don't, they will order it. I love the fact you can bring dogs in, and I don't know if I love anything more than finding a great new book and turning around and a puppy is sniffing my leg. On the top floor is a cute little coffee shop with excellent espresso so you can find a book and give it a sample while sipping a perfectly prepared latte. Check it out next time you're in the 'Haven! read more

Village Books - Bellwether Bell spotted at Village Books! - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

We love Village Books! Everything from books to gifts, and a cafe downstairs to boot! Go in to browse and find yourself still inside hours later, stomach grumbling and dark outside. It's truly a space where one can spend hours, listening to book readings, perusing the selection, playing with stuffed animals and more! read more

Village Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

I loved this place and I wish I had more time to truly explore. It was within walking distance of the hotel I was staying at and I was so glad I stopped in before meeting up with a coworker for dinner. The staff are so nice, the atmosphere is so welcoming and it has the all around small bookstore feel, you wouldn't know it's actually 3 stories with an amazing gift shop next door! I advise if you're stopping by, give yourself at least 90 minutes to walk through and take everything in. I only had half that time and wish I could've gone back for more! I am itching to come back to Bellingham just to hit the 3rd floor and check out the gift shop more in depth. read more

Village Books - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

fun and lovely. wish they had better bathroom service. books and atmosphere are fabulous though

This is one of those places that make Bellingham Bellingham. Village Books is definitely more than a bookstore. This is where I used to bring my son for the story time with Claire on Saturdays. He took his first summer camp (literature camp) here, again with Claire. Today, on a rainy Thursday afternoon, there were so many kids just hanging out at the bookstore after school (Bellingham schools are on early release on Thursdays). It just makes a fiber, a very important one, of the Bellingham community. Once you're inside, you do not want to leave (and you do not have to leave) because they have everything you need. Book Fare Cafe on the second floor serves food, baked goods, hot drinks, even beer and wine! If you are visiting Bellingham, you owe it to yourself to come inside Village Books and relax, browsing books. ****************************** If you found something useful in my review, please hit "useful" so that I can improve my reviews. If you love food and traveling, follow me, or better yet, let's be friends on Yelp! Thank you and happy Yelping! read more

Village Books - I can't remember how many books I read to my son on that bench! - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Truly the most fun bookstore to browse. I always find something of special interest. Today I perused the history section. Was enthralled by a book on the history of the North Cascades and other books of local interests. I had to pay special attention to their extensive magazine selection. Going to Village Books is more fun than the library! read more

Village Books - Latest books! - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Village Books is the true definition of a local bookstore. With its classic Fairhaven location, multiple levels of books on any subject, and regular appearances by authors this is one of those stores that makes you want to buy a book (even if you had no intention of doing so). It's well laid out, full of natural light, and the employees are happy to help you find what you need. I was especially impressed when they didn't have a book in stock that my daughter was looking for, but quickly ordered it for her. Upstairs there's also a nice cafe where you can sit and enjoy a coffee and/or pastry while flipping through the pages of your new purchase. And on the lower level don't miss the used books section as well as - my favorite - the local books section. Who knew there were so many amazing books about Bham and Whatcom County! read more

To quickly sum up how much I love Village Books: I live almost two hours away and I immediately signed up for the mailing list. The first time I came here I was with my 3 year old niece. She was so excited about the selection of stuff available for her! Her mom bought her some books and she was just so excited. The selection of local books is absolutely amazing. I love Village Books' dedication to local authors and the community in general. There were so many Washington-specific books I had never even heard of, and I of course had to get a couple. We came here again on 10/12. I could've spent hours just walking around looking at the huge selection. When I went to check out, the staff were super knowledgeable about what I had picked out. They even had a suggestion for me if I liked what I read. I can't wait to come back! read more

I was in the area recently and was looking for a used book store. Village Books came up as a used book store...obviously its not. Aside from not having any used books the selection was ok. For a 3 story book store a lot of the space was taken up with nic naks, food and games. Not what i'm looking for in a book store. read more

Village Books reminded us a little of Powell's Books in PDX. This is an awesome bookstore! Three stories, a cute kids area, a lot of books on display/featured on social injustice and racial inequalities- very appreciated. It is connected to a cute gift shop with lots of knick knacks, bags, household goods, etc. Note, if you are shopping and have to use the bathroom, you need to exit the store and walk a little ways to the public outdoor bathrooms. A little annoying that you can't use their bathrooms. read more

This is a very big book store in Fairhaven. It's two floors. They not only sell new books but also used books, board games, mind or IQ puzzles etc. They even have an area for author to come in and talk about their books. This place gives you that Harry Potter feeling. read more

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What a QUAINT, ADORABLE little cozy spot to explore! This place is so adorable and dog friendly! With a cafe next door and more shopping upstairs, this place is a GEM! There's a WONDERFUL olive oil shop upstairs from the Cafe, with wonderfully helpful people and deliCIOUS oils and balsamic blends! The shop above the book store has so many knick knacks that you could shop for hours! The book store itself has some amazing finds, gifts, odds n' ends, and definitely an awesome variety of full price AND clearance books! Excellent location and great spot to go with friends, family and visitors! Will be back as much as I can! read more

This is a book store that you need half a day to go to. They have three shops inside the store and a coffee shop. I found myself in awe over all the pretty things! read more

The selection of books and helpful staff are awesome! I like that they have discounted books among the full price ones. Good bargains in good shape. read more

Plan to spend quite a bit of time in this awesome store. It just doesn't have books but tons of other great gifts and things that you never realized you needed but you do. And the selection of books is fabulous, and the store spans multiple levels so it's easy to get lost in all of the great stuff it has to offer. read more

Village Books - This is an example of something I didn't know I needed but then I ended up buying. - Newspapers & Magazines Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

"Are you looking for anything in particular?" "No, i'm just fangirling the bookstore. It's amazing!" Yeah, that was me on Friday night. I had heard about Village Books, and had read their reviews, and checked out the website, I still wasn't ready for how amazing it is. Three levels of shelves and nooks, and books and games and gifts and cards. AND a cafe. Definitely my happy place. There was even some of the top new releases, but more from local Bellingham authors, and quirky science. The children's selection is amazing. I love the reading bench for kids. Village Books has free writers groups and reading events (all ages including children) and support the local colleges too. read more

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