Harbor Bookstore

This was our last stop before leaving Friday Harbor. Seemed like a perfectly fine bookstore filled with a wide variety of books — everything from fiction to children’s to maps. There were plenty of souvenirs as well, like postcards, jewelry, Native American art, and magnets.
The store itself is pretty cramped, especially when there are more than a few people inside. It was fun to browse briefly, but I felt a little pressured with all of the people moving around. There is a small area to sit and read, however they also have books on display there as well, so it, too, can feel cramped very quickly.
Staff seemed friendly and knowledgeable.

I’ve been shopping at Harbor Bookstore for several years, every time I visit the San Juans. Keith has gotten to know my tastes, and in fact for my last several birthdays my parents just let him pick out my presents. Books are always what I want, and Keith never fails to pick out fascinating fare I haven’t heard of before.
As the other reviewer notes, he can (and will) converse on almost any subject knowledgeably. Don’t get him started if your ferry is coming in.
Better to visit with him when you first arrive. That way you’ll have great books to savor during your stay, and you’ll be motivated to stop by again on your way out to thank him!

Friday Harbor apparently has 4 bookstores and this one is probably the best. Just as you get off the Ferry, look to your left and you’ll see the Cannery Building and the sign for the Harbor Bookstore on the 2^nd Floor.
The bookstore is on the small side, but is light, bright and a comfortable place to browse and even sit and read. The book selection is excellent as are the choices of wall maps, of which I bought one.
I then ended up talking to the very engaging and knowledgeable owner about local history, particularly the Pig War, San Juan Island’s role in helping SF rebuild after the 1906 Earthquake, the comings and goings of various entertainment and business types, his own immigration here from Maine, and of course the store Hedgehog (he was asleep during my visit). That conversation then expanded into the late 19^th Century Yukon Gold Rush featuring Col. Steele of the RCMP and the associated corruption me in Skagway Alaska under Soapy Smith. It was a really fun and informative chat!
In addition to the map, I left with a nice little history of the San Juan Islands (Magic Islands) written by David Richardson) and a Blue Pig War key chain. This independent bookstore is definitely worth a stop and a purchase.