Downtown Olympia is for Book Lovers!

National Library Week is right around the corner— April 7 – 13 and in celebration, we’re highlighting downtown Olympia bookstores, shops that sell books and, of course, our local downtown library!

An independent woman-owned business, Browsers Bookshop has been in downtown Olympia for 80 years. In that time, four different women have owned the store. Learn more about its incredible history here.

On Tuesday, Browsers celebrates the work of Mary Oliver. Confirmed readers include Nikki McClure, Corinna Luyken, John Dodge, Maria Mudd Ruth, Kathleen Byrd, Sady Sparks as well as other members of the Olympia community.

Much-loved poet Mary Oliver died Thursday, January 17, 2019, of lymphoma, at her home in Florida. She was 83. Oliver won many awards for her poems, which often explore the link between nature and the spiritual world; she also earned a legion of loyal readers who found both solace and joy in her work.

When: Tuesday, March 26, 2019 - 7:00pm
Where: Browsers Bookshop, 107 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501

“We will have about 15 members of the community coming to read their favorite Mary Oliver poems and people sharing their experiences, which will make for a very unique and intimate event,” says Elise, who handles poetry-related events at Browsers.

In addition to special events, Browsers hosts three book Clubs:

• The Browsers Book Club which meets monthly and picks a mixture of literary fiction and nonfiction. Attendees do not need to RSVP.
• The Cookbook Club which meets quarterly and attendees bring recipes from the selected cookbook. Space is limited and attendees must RSVP.
• The Modern Poetry Book Club is led by Elise Dressler and meets monthly. Attendees do not need to RSVP.

Want to host your next book club meeting upstairs at Browsers? They would love to have you. Send them an email.

National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. This year’s theme, Libraries = Strong Communities, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise.

Timberland Regional Library has a variety of resources including youth and teen programs, book clubs, technical assistance for seniors, tax help and more! They will be at The Olympia Farmers Market on April 13 to promote National Library Week with books to check out and the first ten people that sign up for a library card will receive an Olympia Farmers Market tote bag! 

Olympia Timberland Library
313 8th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA, 98501-1307
(360) 352-0595

Captain Little aims to make you proud, to make their community children smile, learn and laugh, and to keep their toy and book store open for generations to come. At Captain Little, it is the experience they really hope you love. Their store encourages kids to be themselves and to view the world with a sense of imagination and wonder.  From the classics to locally crafted, they have a little something for everyone.

Captain Little hosts community events to encourage interests in reading, science, and crafts with the hope of inspiring kids by getting them excited by the world around them.

Stop by and say hello and pick up a book for a little learner!

Captain Little
121 5th Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 352-5441

Are health and wellness your passion? Want to learn about natural cures and remedies? Radiance carries an exciting variety of books on herbal medicine, general wellness, cooking and nutrition, personal growth, mind-body healing, spirituality and metaphysical studies, and much more.

New Leaf Distributors, one of Radiance’s source for books and DVDs, shares many of their values, like environmental responsibility, contributing to the community, and fostering an environment of honesty and respect. Their mission is “to spread wisdom and joy by helping to make available books, recordings and other products that foster conscious living, natural wellness and a deep inner life of spiritual realization.”

Radiance is a locally owned massage studio and retail store in Olympia, WA. They conscientiously select their stock of herbs, personal care products and gifts and promote recycling, re-use, buying in bulk when possible and supporting fair labor practices.

Radiance Herbs & Massage
113 SE 5th Ave.
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 357-5250

Founded in Olympia Washington in 1998, Compass Rose offers beautiful and thoughtfully curated collections of jewelry, paper goods and home decor items. They carry a wide array of products, including brands renowned internationally and Pacific Northwest-inspired and crafted artisan pieces. From lovely stationery to swank kitchen supplies and incredibly fun gifts, Compass Rose is your one-stop daily gift shop. Their unique selection of gifts includes books, cookbooks, home décor ideas, design, fashion and more!

Compass Rose
416 Capitol Way S.
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 236-0788

Drees offers more than great products; they create traditions, nurture relationships, enhance homes, and provide a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Their unique product assortment includes beautiful gifts, home furnishings, decorative accessories, fine stationery, and seasonal décor, all chosen with great care and a focus on quality and great design. Drees has something for every occasion, always beautifully presented and ready to go home with you or to send to a loved one. Drees is like a treasured friend – they’re here for you when you need them, and always happy to help. Their unique product selection often includes books such as cookbooks, gardening books, design ideas and more.

Drees

524 Washington St. SE 
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 357-7177

Danger Room Comics is Olympia’s all-around-the-town local comics shop with the motto, "Everyone should read comics, no exceptions!"

Danger Room Comics 

201 4th Ave W
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 705-3050

Orca Books, Inc., is the largest independent bookstore in Olympia, Washington, located in the heart of downtown's vibrant shopping district. Orca stocks both new and used books, cards, and journals, and is proud to carry many locally-produced items by Olympia artists and craftspeople.
Orca Books
509 E 4th Ave
Olympia, WA 98501
(360) 352-0123

Last Word Books recently relocated and are excited for you to check out their new space! Stop by and peruse their extenstive book collection and learn more about thier Friends of Last Words Books and Press Memberships 

Last Word Books
111 Cherry St. NE
Olympia, WA 98501 
360-786-9673