Orca Books Cooperative — Local services in Olympia

Not only does Orca have a remarkable selection - their graphic novels, poetry, leftist and decolonial books, field guides, Speculative Fiction, and YA sections are especially impressive - but they are surprisingly affordable.

The staff is easy to approach and very friendly, very willing to take special orders and help you find that one obscure book on african birds or rojavan history you know you saw that one time...

Since they became worker-owned and moved, the store has improved dramatically - both from an accessibility standpoint and a customer service one. It is cozy, in exactly the way you want a bookstore to be, and its layout makes it easy to find what you need.

I was always a place I would check out when in the mood to expand my library, but it's become one of my favorite places in downtown Olympia, and my favorite...

This place was recommended to me by a friend and it did not disappoint! Starting with their carts outside of $1 books, my mom and I both found a book for myself, which is usually rare for those books sitting outside. Inside, I had to control myself because there were so many good options. The vibes were calm, welcoming, and safe (masks still required inside), and the employees were super kind and helpful when I asked if they had a certain book in stock. Definitely felt they were very knowledgeable about their inventory and business in general. I cannot wait to finish the books I bought...

My first stop for looking for a specific book, and any time I just feel like browsing. Solid selection, friendly and extremely knowledgeable staff, and a wide variety of national/international best sellers along with local PNW reads.

Added bonus: Orca Books has been extremely proactive during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure customer and staff safety. No surprise, given this shop has always done just a little extra to make the customer experience enjoyable.

For sure worth a visit for locals and visitors alike who are looking to grab a new read or...