Mt. Baker Books

I always appreciate a book store that allows me to trade in my not-​so-​well-​loved books (in today’s case, a barely readable one). The guy that runs it is super friendly, wears a top hat and has specific hours when he is at the store. He has a nice selection and it is well-​organized. I easily found a few things that I knew I would enjoy. My one caveat to my good review (hence the lack of a fifth star) is that you don’t necessarily get an even trade. I went in with the expectation that I would go in with one book and just trade it in for another, but it doesn’t work that way. He gives you a credit that can be used in the store. I traded in one practically brand new hardcover book and got a $ 4 credit. I bought another hardcover book (not as new or in as good of shape) for $ 8. Essentially, I traded in my book and got another one half off. Trade might not be a good way to describe it… perhaps ‘large discount’ would be more appropriate. But I appreciate cheap books and I will use their services again.

Mt Baker Books is a grand place to buy used books for a fair price from a friendly local vendor.
This isn’t a traditional brick-​and-​mortar store. The bulk of their selection is rotated and chosen daily by the owner, and displayed at the entrance to the market. On a nice summer day, you can find them tabled in the parking lot at the Public Market. The owner is super friendly and carries a comprehensive variety of books from histories to manuals to cookbooks to a huge spectrum of fiction. If you’re looking for a specific book, you might want to go to Henderson’s or another storefront (or just ask the Mt Baker guy to bring it in) however, Mt Baker Books simply cannot be beat for browsing and chance finds.