Liberty Bay Books - Poulsbo, WA

Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA

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Readers, go to the dictionary and look up the word, "energetic."  If there's a picture by the entry it might just be Suzanne D., owner of Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo.  This woman was a dynamo on the day of my visit ringing up customers, answering the phone, finding books, hosting Waldo hunters, and even advising a couple from the state of New York who are considering opening a bookstore.  Multi-tasking at its finest!  But as I've learned on this journey, this tends to be the rule rather than the exception among these terrific people who own bookstores.

I don't know how this bookstore could have a better location.  Its corner location in downtown historic Poulsbo is surrounded by multiple small businesses with excellent foot traffic.  That foot traffic includes many locals who understand the importance of shop local as well as tourists, including many from Europe.  When these customers enter Liberty Bay Books they're going to see a one-level space that is chock-full of inventory.  If you can't find something, you're not trying.  Of course they have a large inventory of mostly new books and a few used.  The sidelines offered are very diverse as you'll see from some of the pictures below.  For as many indies that I've visited, I still see things I've never seen before.  Mini Twister game with finger socks, dog butt magnets, and Poo-Pourri Before You Go toilet spray can all be found here.  If you go to the back of the store, you'll find a cute cafe and can enjoy a coffee while you browse.

Liberty Bay is well-established, Suzanne and the store have been here for 22 years.  That longevity is evident with the store's partnership with local schools.  They also host events, with the smaller ones held in the store and larger events held in the local library.

Suzanne was great to meet and if you have a question, she'll have an answer.  But be prepared, she's a whirlwind of energy and she'll keep you on your toes with a terrific bookstore experience.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Wolf Hollow, Lauren Wolk.  11-year old Annabelle becomes friends with a WWI vet living in the backwoods of 1943 rural Pennsylvania.  Her life is challenging because of a bully she encounters daily on the way to school.  A tragedy occurs and the lives of these two people intersect in a way that will really drive you nuts.  This book is probably classified as a middle-grade reader but there are many in this category suited for readers of all ages and this is one of them.  Outstanding.  Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Modigliani Scandal, Ken Follett.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman.

View of a beautiful bookstore from across the street.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Shelf display of what some of the bookclubs are reading.  I always enjoy seeing these.  

Only at an independent bookstore.  

Find this book cart for some great bargains.  

Check out the book shelf of staff favorites.  

Many indies offer unique bookstore magnets (if you want to see some REALLY unique magnets, continue scrolling down).  

Find this bookshelf for the indie bestsellers.  

Many independent bookstores and small businesses around the country had a Where's Waldo promotion in July.  Kids love this.  

Now this is my kind of chair.  Big enough for me and lots of books to try out.  

Check out this display to find out what books are included in The Great American Read.

Unique socks can be found in many bookstores.  

Partial view of the cafe seating area.  

Books and coffee, a perfect fit.  

Another partial view of the cafe.  

A few of the books of regional interest.  

A great cause at this indie.  

Greeting cards can be found in many places throughout the store.  

More staff picks.  

Plan ahead for an upcoming book.  

Make a gift basket of this and the Poo-Pourri.  

Display of recent non-fiction.  

A partial view of the children's section.  

An unbelievably unique sideline.  

With Suzanne, the fine owner at Liberty Bay Books.  Thanks for a great visit.