I enjoy just going to Island Books to look around. They have a surprisingly great selection of books. They look much smaller than what is actually there. Plus it's a neighborhood bookstore rather... More

I enjoy just going to Island Books to look around. They have a surprisingly great selection of books. They look much smaller than what is actually there. Plus it's a neighborhood bookstore rather than a large chain.
Less

In this era of super-sized hardware-, grocery-, box-good- and book-stores it is refreshing to visit a bookseller sized for the neighborhood in which it resides. Island Books is just such a place,... More

In this era of super-sized hardware-, grocery-, box-good- and book-stores it is refreshing to visit a bookseller sized for the neighborhood in which it resides. Island Books is just such a place, small enough to feel cozy and large enough to discover nooks and crannies where you can feel alone in your book browsing. I have found the staff to be both knowledgeable and very helpful. Selection is very up-to-date and if they don't have something you're looking for they can get it quickly...and ship it to you at no charge. They even have a semblance of a classic used book section. My only regret is that they aren't open more evenings than just Thursday.
Less

This is a great independent bookstore with a truly terrific children's section. The children's programming is very well done (live music, popcorn - and the dress code is pj's!). what fun.

This is a great independent bookstore with a truly terrific children's section. The children's programming is very well done (live music, popcorn - and the dress code is pj's!). what fun.
Less

Island books is wonderful! The selection is amazing for this little shop, especially the children and teens sections! They gift wrap and ship for free, something you'll never get from your mondo... More

Island books is wonderful! The selection is amazing for this little shop, especially the children and teens sections! They gift wrap and ship for free, something you'll never get from your mondo store. They're also great at pointing you towards books you'll love. A great place to purchase gifts, they've got tons of wonderful, unique greeting cards and with that free gift wrapping, it's one-stop shopping. They carry some music, a great cook book selection, journals, coffee table books, and some antique books as well. The store is well rounded and they excel in the customer service field! they'll order anything for you for no fee. I love that. The children's section is wonderful. They have all the classics, tons for tots, a fun play house and toys to boot! Books and music on tape for children as well. Definately worth going to Mercer Island for!
Less

Island Books is everything you want in an independent bookstore and nothing you don’t. In addition to the selection offered (and free shipping if it’s not in stock), Island Books is one of the few... More

Island Books is everything you want in an independent bookstore and nothing you don’t. In addition to the selection offered (and free shipping if it’s not in stock), Island Books is one of the few bookstores that features local storytelling programs (oral tales, not read from books) for children ages 3 and up, on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. and Thursday evenings at 7 pm. Programs are free (call or check website for schedule details), the storytellers are imaginative, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The bookstore is located in a strip-mall, but because it’s on Mercer Island, it’s a nice-strip mall.
Less