When winter settles into Bellingham, locals know there’s no better way to spend a gray afternoon than tucked inside a bookstore with a good read. From Fairhaven classics to downtown gems, these bookstores and reading nooks are all currently open and perfect for slowing down, warming up, and getting lost in a story.
Fairhaven Favorites
Village Books
A true cornerstone of the Bellingham community, Village Books is where locals go to browse thoughtfully curated shelves, attend author talks, and linger without feeling rushed. It’s especially magical in winter, when Fairhaven feels extra cozy.
- Address: 1200 11th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Website: https://www.villagebooks.com
- Phone: (360) 671-2626
- Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Local tip: Head upstairs to The Next Chapter Café for coffee and a quiet place to read.
Eclipse Bookstore
Eclipse feels like a secret you stumble upon and immediately want to keep. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, narrow aisles, and that unmistakable used-book smell make this one of the coziest winter browsing spots in town.
- Address: 1104 11th Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Phone: (360) 647-8165
- Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Downtown Bookshops
Henderson Books
If you love used, rare, or out-of-print books, Henderson Books is worth setting aside an entire afternoon. This is the kind of place where time disappears as you explore thousands of titles across multiple rooms.
- Address: 116 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Phone: (360) 734-6855
- Hours:
- Thursday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Comics Place
Not just for comic fans, Comics Place is a downtown staple for graphic novels, manga, and illustrated storytelling. It’s a fun, lively contrast to traditional bookstores and great for winter reading with a visual edge.
- Address: 107 West Holly Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Website: https://shop.thecomicsplace.com
- Phone: (360) 733-2224
- Hours:
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Stone Moon
Part bookstore, part metaphysical shop, The Stone Moon offers a smaller but meaningful selection of books alongside journals, oracle decks, and locally made goods. It’s a peaceful place to browse on a quiet winter afternoon.
- Address: 1304 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Website: https://www.thestonemoon.com
- Phone: (360) 393-4390
- Hours:
- Tuesday–Saturday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday–Monday: Closed
Meridian & Campus Area
Barnes & Noble
For a familiar and comfortable bookstore experience, Barnes & Noble on Meridian offers wide aisles, plenty of seating, and a reliable selection of new releases and classics.
- Address: 4099 Meridian Street, Bellingham, WA 98226
- Website: https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/2682
- Phone: (360) 647-7018
- Hours:
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
BTC Book Store (Bellingham Technical College)
This smaller campus bookstore is primarily student-focused but still worth a stop if you’re nearby. It’s quiet, straightforward, and often overlooked.
- Address: 3028 Lindbergh Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225
- Website: https://www.btc-store.com
- Phone: (360) 715-8342
- Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Weekends: Closed
Whatcom Community College Campus Store
A calm, low-key bookstore environment that’s ideal for winter studying or browsing without crowds.
- Address: Syre Student Center, 237 West Kellogg Road Room 101, Bellingham, WA 98226
- Website: https://bookstore.whatcom.edu
- Phone: (360) 383-3435
- Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
- Weekends: Closed
Final Local Tip
Winter is when Bellingham’s bookstores really shine. Pair a visit with a nearby café, walk Fairhaven after a fresh snowfall, or plan a solo afternoon downtown with no agenda other than browsing. These spaces are more than shops — they’re part of what makes winter here feel warm.
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