University Book Store - Seattle

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4326 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105

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(206) 634-3400
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University Book Store - Seattle - Seattle, WA
Reviews
( 7 )
( 25 )
( 7 )
( 3 )
( 0 )

Best

Kid friendly and a good hang out. They have a great selection of books and decent prices. With Barns and Noble out of business this is one of the only book stores to browse books...

Worst

Student shopping for textbooks at the U-bookstore? DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT 200$ The textbook wing of the U-bookstore is, first and foremost, a monopoly: Professors c...

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Great place to hang out or shop 1/3/2012

Kid friendly and a good hang out. They have a great selection of books and decent prices. With Barns and Noble out of business this is one of the only book stores to browse books and relax. more

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A Little of The Best of Everything 5/3/2006

The University Bookstore covers many fronts: they have noted authors speaking about their most recent books, free internet access, free shipping for book purchases, a small art store in the basement, huge book sales on a regular basis, office supplies, fireplace and comfy chairs for those who wish to relax and read, an espresso bar, and of course University of Washington Souvenir stuff. Oh yea, and free parking if you buy something. more

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Order books here 5/3/2006

The University Bookstore is really helpful in getting hard to find books. They've been able to order books that I can't get on Amazon. I just ask them for it and they place the order then call me when it's in. I can come in and buy it, or if I've found it elsewhere, they just put it on their shelf. Plus, I love the college feel! more

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Gifts, Mags, and Office Supplies 4/23/2006

U Bookstore is a great place for art supplies. When I was in art school I came here more than any other art store because they had the more obscure supplies (electric/battery-operated erasers!). They also validate for parking no matter what you buy. They have a great selection of books and of course textbooks, and I like to look through their magazines for any new ones that aren't widely distributed yet. They also ship books for free and wrap them too. more

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University book store --- Neat 4/14/2006

The university book store on the Ave (university way) is a pretty neat book store. Other than all the expensive textbooks, they also carry stationaries and art supplies. They have a husky gift shop on the first level as well as a clinique counter. The husky gift shop is relatively expensive in my opinion but the gifts seems to be delicate. I like shopping in there although I don't necessarily buy things there often. more

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A surefire bookshop, just stay out of the basement. 4/8/2006

Student shopping for textbooks at the U-bookstore? DO NOT PASS GO! DO NOT COLLECT 200$ The textbook wing of the U-bookstore is, first and foremost, a monopoly: Professors can determine whether or not to allow buyback, and it is often hard to find a text of the correct edition/color/whatever online that isn't as expensive as the U-bookstore issue ones. Pray for a merciful professor who is sympathetic to his students. And, never take a class with Joseph Weis unless you're into pissing your money away. more

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Buy your books on eBay and head straight to the gift section 3/10/2006

I hate the bookstore just as much as the next Ave-dweller.. it's always crowded, the books are ludicrously priced, and you always have to dodge the Save the Children folks asking you if you hate kids to get inside. However, I have been totally impressed by their gift section, if only because you can find those awesomely funny slang vocabulary cards there (the ones with words like "props," "dis," and "hella dope" fully explained, complete with 1950s style explanatory cartoons). They also have a bitchin magazine section, perfect for loitering in on rainy days to read about the latest exploits of your favorite celebrity. more

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Expensive Education 3/10/2006

Man do I hate paying for school. Every quarter, I stand in line at the book store, filled with trepidation and resentment over the fact that not only do I have to fork over a couple thousand dollars to just go to class, but I have to spend around $400 per quarter on books. Of course, the bookstore offers book buybacks but come on! Why would I want to sell my book back to them for $20 when I paid $130 for it? It really doesn't make sense. Higher education should be available to everyone in the United States and yet so many people cannot afford it. I shouldn't have to save a whole week of pay to purchase text books because the publisher has decided to come out with a "new" edition that just has a different intro. GRRRR more

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Its a bookstore! 3/9/2006

The University bookstore is a great place to stop in if you are last minute present shopping. There are a ton of nicknack's and little things you can get that are cute gifts. It is apart of the University so there is the section where you can get whatever your hearts desire in Husky wear. I have never ventured in that area, not really a sports fan. The bookstore section has awesome sales on calendars each year. Toward the end of January the have a 50% off on all calendars and I go crazy. more

How much time can you waste here 3/1/2006

About 25% of the time I even walk PAST the bookstore I end up going in, even if it's just to look around for 5 minutes. They often have a bargain table of cheap books (last time I was there I found a copy of The Onion Ad Nauseum Volume 14 for $9!). They have a new customer service desk which is very visible; the employees are happy to help you get the book(s) you need. Across from the main books area on the main floor, you can find newspapers, magazines, gifts, and Husky merchandise. There is free wi-fi access and tables and chairs near the windows, as well as a cafe. Right now they are featuring several shelves worth of sudoku books, so if you need your sudoku fix, check out the section right across from the cafe. They have an awesome art supplies department (but for staple items, like envelopes, notebooks, binders, and ballpoint pens, go up the street to Bartell Drugs - their prices on these items are way better than the bookstore). The textbook department is not generally cheaper than going online for your books, but it's always good to check. Overall, I very much recommend this bookstore. more

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Selection is Hard to Beat... 2/23/2006

....but it can get pretty crowded. It's definitely not the type of bookstore to sit around and browse books, as space is tight and people are always squeezing by. If you're looking for something in particular, they'll get it for you. I've been sent their by other bookstores to find stuff when I had something particular in mind. When I'm browsing, they still have the best selection around and their staff picks section is nice, because the staff fills out placards describing what they picked and why, instead of just setting them on a ?Staff Picks" shelf. It's also a good place to buy UW logo gear and gifts. I used to like it more before they gutted the camera/music section, but then again, it's a book store. My only hesitation is that parking on the Ave is a pain and the crowds at this store can be annoying. more

Best bookstore in Seattle 12/12/2005

This bookstore is one of the best in the Northwest. The statistics section is one of the best in the country according to a UW statistics professor. All of the hard sciences are represented here which is rare for a general bookstore. The bottom floor contains textbooks, supplies for decorating dorm rooms, and art supplies. University Bookstore now buys and sells used books. Overall service here is excellent and the selection is great which makes up for the slightly higher prices. more

Very Helpful Staff 12/9/2005

I went to the University Book Store in search of gift ideas for my family, but I didn't have anything in mind. The friendly staff here helped me by giving me recommendations when I told them what books my father enjoyed. They also have other small gift ideas perfect for anyone. I got a few bookmarks that were on sale that might hopefully encourage the young ones of my family to read more. more

More than just books! 12/8/2005

They have a great assortment of books and magazines. Better yet, they have UW apparel and coffee shop inside. Text books are always overpriced, but you need them. The staff is great and will help you find what you are looking for. Then shop is 2 stories and is locate in the middle of the ave. All in all, great book store! more

bookstore and more 10/21/2005

the university book store, located in the middle of "the ave", is one of the largest bookstores around,three stories but its not just a bookstore! there are gifts, clothes, jewelry, espresso and food, books galore, calendars, an entire textbook and art department in the basement, and also a wide variety of sale and bargain books.the staff are all very helpful, and will show you exactly where the book you are looking for is located, always happy to be of help. more

Not just great books! 9/22/2005

I started shopping at U Bookstore as a student, but am still shopping there 5 years after graduation! Sure, they've got all the textbooks you'll ever need, but they've also got a great art department, nice selection of book and great gift items. If you are looking for a fun gift, try the general merchandise section. Staff is very knowledgeable and will help you find what you are looking for (or help you order it). They recently renovated and now have a cozy coffee shop as well. more

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Good Local Bookstore 9/20/2005

The University Bookstore is primarily the outlet for textbooks and school supplies for students at the University of Washington. However, it is a great place to shop for books. They have a large selection and usually helpful and friendly staff. The parking in the U-District is to the rear of the store. The store will validate your parking when you make a purchase. There is also a large selection of gift items and art supplies. The bookstore also often has visiting authors who do readings in the store. more

Not just a book store! 9/20/2005

University Book Store is a great example of a thriving independent book store. University Book Store carries a great selection of books ranging from textbooks and non-fiction to current best sellers. There is also a great gift shop, and an excellent art supply section downstairs. In short, if they don't have it, you probably don't need it. Best of all they host a great deal of the authors who come through Seattle. The University District location is generally easy to access - except at the beginning of each academic quarter when it is an absolute mad house. more

Great Bookstore with tons of things to browse!! 9/10/2005

If I have a pick over Barnes and Nobles or this bookstore, I pick this bookstore any day. It's received extensive remodeling, and the interior is really nice. They have a coffee place (But cannot remember which retail coffee chain is there), a store selling UW clothing, stationary, picture frames, household goods, cards, and even a mini Clinique counter. Downstairs you will find college textbooks, and office / school supplies galore. There is a regular bookstore upstairs with a vast array of books. Prices are equivalent to Barnes and Nobles. more

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Universtity Bookstore always has a book or stationary supply that I have to buy 8/31/2005

This is the grand bookstore of all bookstores in the area. They have everything. Good bargains. Textbooks. I often buy picture framing supplies here, along with stamping and scrapbook supplies for my sister. They have an onsite coffee joint, readings by many authors. Lots of free parking if you buy. more
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It doesn't take a scholar, or even a student, to appreciate this book collection.

Editorial
  • In Short
    The University Book Store doesn't attempt to beguile customers with cozy charm; it aims to provide the most comprehensive book selection in town. Mission accomplished. Ferret out...

  • 8/30/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 12pm-5pm
  • Payments: American Express, Cash, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Northeast, University District, Northeast Seattle
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