Orca Books Cooperative

Henrietta Collins

2023-10

Lovely little independent bookstore with nice selection of books. They even have a resident cat, Orlando. He was snoozing in the big chair and when he saw me he stretched and let us pet him. He totally made our day! Staff is friendly and polite. Will visit again if I'm in the area.

Sara O

2023-05

Wonderful independent co-op book shop with possibly the friendliest cat I've ever met. Used books are mixed with new and there's a good selection of all your typical genres. They also have a selection of rare books which was interesting to look through and zines as well. Staff recommendations are marked throughout the store if you need a little convincing to pick something different out. There's some real gems on their shelves so take your time browsing!

Tracy Sung

2023-11

Love this bookshop! We wandered in on a rainy day and were so pleasantly surprised by the coziness and warmth of this bookshop.I was able to pick out a mystery novel, read lots of bookstore employee recs and visit the resident cat, Orlando!

Emily Einolander

2023-12

Everyone was nice, there was a cat, and I walked away with a big pile of books that I was really excited to read. It was clean, well organized, and easy to navigate as well. Can't ask for more than that!

Kelly ɹˈamsdɛl

2024-04

I didn't feel welcomed or even acknowledged when I went in there with my son. My son was disappointed with how the place made him feel . Considering how there were at least a couple employees and no other visible customers, we went un noticed. I understand the co op type process but the prices of the material was insane. Shocked. They had a cat in there which was cute but not even a gesture as we walked past them all several times except the cat acknowledged us. I can't believe they charge more than the original price for a book!! Booo

Norah

2023-11

10/10 books, 10/10 whimsical cat. Orlando himself whispered a mystical message in my ear after making a purchase. Best advice I’ve ever received in my life, very worth the trip!!!

Lindsey Witcosky

2024-01

The staff here is so thoughtful and helpful. I mostly order online and pick up in store, but I love shopping in store as well. If you can't find a book you're looking for, staff will set it aside if it comes in for you later. They have great used books and an excellent selection of local authors, plus an extraordinary sticker selection.

AirAngel

2024-05

Cozy place to stop and get a book! Great selection of new and used book.Walking distance from breweries and other thrift stores too!

Angie P.

2023-05

Well organized and lit little book shop. It was my first time in and most definitely not my last! I loved their pulp section as well as their vintage rare/signed section! Oh! They also have a cute little critter boy helping you along your shopping journey! Helpful and friendly staff as well as creative displays and recommendations!

Dustin Newman

2023-12

Pretty typical lefty bookstore. A bit cliche and quaint with its communism/socialism book displays, but if you look hard enough you will occasionally find something worthwhile in the used inventory. New book selection isn't much different then you would find in a chain store. If looking for independent or small press titles you are likely to be disappointed if your tastes don't align with middle of the road LGBQT or leftist themes

Keegan Wulf

2024-03

good selection of books with an understandable layout - they also have a cat(pro-tips: kitty responded well to chinny scritches - but be sure to get their attention THEN let them come to you)

Chy Chy

2023-11

awesome little bookstore! I must stop shop if you've bever been into downtown Oly :)

Nick Hart

2024-05

This is a great bookstore! I love their selection of local authors and poets.

Erika Dueñas

2023-05

Great books, good prices, cuddly cat. This is all I need in a book store and this one has it all!

Ching McColligan

2024-01

Very friendly kind staff, excellent new and second hand books. And being able to see Orlando the kitty is the best of it all.

Crystal Champion

2023-08

I've loved Orca books ever since I was a young college student. Revisiting the store recently, I was reminded of how supportive the staff are, how diverse the book options are, and how unexpectedly adorable the bookstore cat is. If you haven't checked this place out lately, please do. This place is truly something special!

Wayne Manselle

2024-04

Friendly staff, welcoming animal friends, and a nice selection. Would definitely visit again on my next trip to town.

Max Boock

2023-05

This place was recommended to me by a friend and it did not disappoint! Starting with their carts outside of $1 books, my mom and I both found a book for myself, which is usually rare for those books sitting outside. Inside, I had to control myself because there were so many good options. The vibes were calm, welcoming, and safe (masks still required inside), and the employees were super kind and helpful when I asked if they had a certain book in stock. Definitely felt they were very knowledgeable about their inventory and business in general. I cannot wait to finish the books I bought and go back!

Melissa Getreu

2024-01

Super interesting book options - great new and used titles and many that were previously unfamiliar to me. A fantastic place to dig deep.

Tim Ross

2024-04

A wonderful bookstore with a lot of charm. And a cat!

ez bug

2024-01

I always love coming in, the atmosphere is comfy and the staff are wonderful. Orlando is a special bonus!

Fiona Ryan

2023-05

Orca Books has been a favorite bookstore for many years; I make a point of stopping there anytime I'm in Oly. They stock an eclectic selection of new and used books that is hard to beat in a brick and mortar shop. The staff are very knowledgeable. I enjoy reading their very detailed recommendations on the books they sell. Their almost obligatory bookstore kitty is both large and gorgeous.

Murdoc Trammell

2023-05

It's like Powell's, but Olympia-sized and with a shop cat. Great selection, lots of amazing used books here. Handwritten recommendations.

Seth Bartels

2023-05

Fantastic local bookstore. Great selection of new and used books. It's always wonderful to be greeted by a cat, hi Orlando! We found fun reads for the whole family.

natalie

2023-05

This place is so sweet, jam packed with over a dozen genres, and hundreds of books for each. There must be hundreds of staff picks around the store, all along the shelves at eye level with a short summary to give a better idea of each book's personality, which i think is charming and really shows the love for the activity :)

Ann Randlette

2022-05

Great Independent, worker-owned bookstore. Lovely selection of new and used books scattered throughout the store; knowledgeable staff (and reviews by them on the shelves if you need to be aimed at a new author). You can order online, do curbside pick up or safely go in to browse and buy. I've been selling my books to them, and buying my books from them, since I moved to Olympia 6 years ago. It's a great source for kids and adults. And they have a resident friendly cat if you need a moment of pet interaction.

Stu Poston

2024-02

Great co-op bookstore with new and used books, reading nooks and community activities.

Mykal Mantyla-Mortenson

2023-05

One of my very favorite book shops! Great recommendations table and a (small but well curated) true crime section. And seeing their sweet shop kitty, Orlando is always a joy!

Matthew Gordon

2022-05

Lovely local book store! Worker run and the workers include a cat that lives there which is very nice as well. Lots of promotion of local events and issues effecting the community. They do online ordering and enforce masks indoors for the pandemic. Large selection of new and used books and a friendly staff to help navigate it all!

Kimberly Clunie

2022-05

Orca is a cozy and very well curated book store. It is much smaller than one of the big chain stores, but they cut out everything terrible/boring and have useful staff picks. Every time I walk in with the intention of getting a specific book I find half a dozen other books to buy. The staff is also very nice and there is a cat.