Ballast Book Company — Local services in Bremerton

This is a fabulous little independent bookstore. And since they are my local independent bookstore I am making a concerted effort to shop there, even if they don't have a book I want on hand. I ordered one through them recently, and they text you when it comes in.

Their science fiction and fantasy section is great. It's probably the best section in the store. The little recommendation cards they have are really useful and I end up following a lot of staff suggestions. I always enjoy the rec books. The stickers and cards--general merch they have on hand is also amazing.

The staff are also super friendly and helpful. They've got this deal going on with Cups, across the hallway, that if you spend over a certain amount you get a free 12 oz drink. It makes the visit to this little area all the more enjoyable.

If you're thinking of spending money on books anytime soon, please don't spend your money at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. Spend it here. It's a...

A perfectly fine small bookshop. It's colorful, bright, and welcoming. If you have been to an artsy contemporary bookstore in Seattle or the surrounding area, you probably know what you're going to see here. There is a lot of romance, some thrillers, a lot of deeply earnest books about activism and fighting Injustice. There are not a lot of books written before the year 2000, aside from the obligatory situating of The Great Gatsby, some Harlem Renaissance writers, and a few other American classics. There are certainly not a lot of older books in translation. You will know as soon as you step inside whether you are going to like the atmosphere of this place, as that atmosphere is quite well designed and well curated by the people who work here, who seem genuinely passionate about the shop and their work. Like all bookstores, it is cozy and peaceful, and I am...

I love this store. The staff are friendly and helpful and fun to talk to. They have a wide selection of books and many in depth recommendations. These people know their books and will be honest if they don’t like one. It’s got lots of cute stickers and gifts by independent artists, too. And it means so much to me that they have such a positive, kid friendly atmosphere that encourages youth to learn about the world and accept themselves and others. This sort of queer friendly bookstore would have been so positive for me growing up. They really care about and participate in community events. Sure indie bookstores may cost more on the front end but they give back to the community in a way that...