Village Books and Paper Dreams — Local services in Bellingham

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 reprinted 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! The response from the owner is completely false, you know what they say, those who lie steal. Thank goodness, I recorded my conversation with Shawn the day I ordered, as well as my conversation with Stephanie and again with Shawn. I was able to play those phone calls for my credit card company and have already received my refund. Interestingly enough this “owner” that responded has never bothered to reach out to me the customer. I could have also shown the “owner” what actually transpired on that phone call because NOT ONE word of what they posted is true. Maybe they have me confused with someone else. I’m also turning this over to the DA for the bookstore knowingly dealing in counterfeit books. They can sort it all out with them. I have NO IDEA who you sourced the book from and information about it was never offered as proven on...

This is one if the best independent bookstores in the country. If you do nothing else when visiting Bellingham, find your way to Fairhaven and check-out Village Books!

Earlier this year I reviewed Skylark's Hidden Cafe, indicating that it has become a favorite "watering hole" and suggesting that it might be the de facto "social center" of the "Historic Fairhaven District" of Bellingham.

While many of Fairhaven's community events are planned and ultimately end at Skylark's fabulous antique bar, the heartbeat of Fairhaven actually lies a block away, within the walls of Village Books.

By far, one of the best independent book stores in the nation, Village Books is an essential part of Bellingham life.

Village Books is really so much more than just a great bookstore... located adjacent to Fairhaven's Village Green, the founders, Chuck and Dee are inextricably woven into Bellingham's social-political fabric.

Fairhaven has become a "regular stop" for noted authors who make a point of adding Village Books to their book tours, and the store is a dependable sponsor for a wide variety of Fairhaven and city and county-wide events.

Other than San Francisco's City Lights bookstore, there is no place I'd rather be during "Banned Books Week"! But don't wait for a special event or speaker to browse Village Books. Next time your in Bellingham (or if you live here, on your next visit to Fairhaven) make a point of picking up a bestseller or that more obscure title you've been planning to buy at Village Books. And if you're meeting friends in the area, tell 'em you'll see them at Village Books. That way if one of you is running a little late, neither of you will "stress". There's no better way to kick-off a visit with a friend!

Oh, and one more thing... if you get a chance, check out Evolve, the coffee and chocolate bar/cafe upstairs and Paper Dreams, the adjoining stationary...

Late 2021: Generally, a very good bookshop. I enjoy browsing the shelves. However, some of the staff are less familiar with the literary world, even “classic” books. E.g., I asked one staff member if the store had a copy of V. Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. The salesperson didn't know the author or the title. On another visit to the store that much later, I received a similar response for the poet R. M. Rilke. Both authors are exceedingly accomplished, widely read around, at least, the Western world. I was a little dumbfounded at the lack of literary background of these individuals. I will keep shopping there nevertheless, avoiding the Amazon machine.

February 2022: I made another visit to this gentle bookstore in Fairhaven, but regrettably the staff haven’t upped their game. My visit yielded similar conclusions: Nice environment for browsing and noshing at the small upstairs cafe. The staff that I spoke with really didn’t know their inventory well, nor did they possess a good grasp of authors and their works. I asked about whether the store had a discount for former teachers, which I am. Two staff members at the front checkout desk said “yes”, but when I further enquired how I could obtain one, neither person knew the procedure to apply for the discount. Finally, I had two gift cards on file (called in by friends for birthday gifts), but I was never called to notify me that they were in. Again, a pleasant place to visit and do bibliographic grazing but don’t expect too much staff expertise in the wide...