We borrow from the library kids books and things that are consumable, but there are still so many books that are keepers out there. We either buy via addall.com (a great book comparison site), half.com if they are generic books. Costco also has very low prices on high runner books.
But, the books we love, we go to Bailey-Coy. Its a small speciality bookstore. Feels like we are helping the community when we do that. They've been around for years on Capital Hill. The original Bailey and Coy are out of there, but the new owners have kept it up. Also, you can get validation if you park across the street in the QFC underground lot.
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