Trigger warning: I came into the shop today and a male behind the counter made me feel uncomfortable, and I felt racially profiled. I was taking pictures of the beautiful marble book ends, and had even commented to him how cool and unique they were upon first (5-mins) arriving. I started taking pictures to send them to my partner from out of state. Unfortunately, I don’t think he felt comfortable with that because I noticed him glancing at my handbag as I walked near him, and then the persisted to follow me around the store while I was there. There were other customers present as well. I asked him before I left if it was a problem that I had taken pictures of the book ends to which he nervously responded “no, I was wondering if you got all of them?” I nervously laughed and left as quickly as I could. I wasn’t doing anything wrong or violating any privacy concerns, as he confirmed to me, and yet I left feeling like I’d done something wrong and anxious from my experience with our interactions.

I love this place, maybe because this charming book shop helped me rediscover my love for reading! Mercer Street Books caught my eye as I was waiting for the signal at the Mercer St, Queen Anne Ave N intersection. The shop just looked inviting. And I finally went in recently and browsed through the many options here! There was enjoyable music playing; quiet except for a few minutes where a group of customers were excited about the books (can’t really complain, though) . The collections for Mystery and Fiction are large, sections on Romance and Science Fiction are quite decent and then there are an assortment of other genres and some interesting finds stacked among them. Many of the books are second hand, but the books are in good conditions. I grabbed a couple of books on a whim and ended up reading through one of them the same day! They sell, buy and trade books. If you’re a book lover or looking to discover the joys of reading, visit here!

When I moved to QA I didn’t expect to have such an awesome bookstore so close to me. I’ll do errands and look at the cart outside or wave at the window. When I do go and take a long trip, it’s such a nice quiet place—the shelves are amazing; there’s no wooden shelves like these anymore—and what’s on the shelf is amazing too. The book is filled with interesting titles, classic titles, and the rarest gem you’re hoping to find in a used bookstore. Also honestly out of all the shops I’ve visited this shop has a robust, unique, and diverse section on feminism and LGTB!!!! I appreciate it so much

Hard to beat a good second hand bookstore with everything could you want when discovering and getting lost in old books with enough curation not to make that journey feel confusing and disjointed. The owner has great book and restaurant recs and generally is willing to offer her thoughts on all thing books with a welcome attitude and droll delivery resulting in a good bookstore experience. If you don’t find what you want or something adjacent you are sure to find something you need. One of my favorite bookstores in Seattle, hands down.

For any bibliophile this is Mecca. This second-hand bookstore is anything but common. Each book is specifically chosen to grace the shelves and that will keep you from ending up with a worn out copy from your favorite author. A book for half the price that is in pristine condition. That's what you'll find here. Lots and lots of pristine condition books at excellent prices. Come check them out! So far they are my favorite used bookstore in the city by far!

I don’t know how they do it but this is truly the best used bookstore in the city. I’ve sold my books here and I always walk away buying at least two books every time I walk in. Very organized, very calm, great selection. They can be selective about what they buy but that’s a GOOD thing as a reader because their inventory is absolutely top notch! I have to limit myself to a once a month visit or else I will go a little wild.

This bookstore is a Seattle treasure. It houses a beautifully curated collection of old and new books in an intimate space that is filled with plants and collected objects (an old classroom clock, framed screen prints, a sculpted giraffe bust!). When you walk in it feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Be warned- you will want to linger! A great spot to take a date or spend a couple hours on a rainy afternoon.

Adorable little shop. Fair prices, especially when the 50¢ cart is outside! Owner is very friendly and nice to chat with. Definitely worth a visit when you're in the neighborhood. Edit 8/31/18: I'm so sad for the loss of Mercer Street Books' owner, Debbie. She was a kind soul who created such a warm, inviting space. I will miss her, as will her family, staff, and other repeat customers.

This bookstore has such a nice, welcoming feel to it. A lovely calm space with beautiful decor. The selection of books feels very thoughtfully selected... if you find bookstores overwhelming or anxiety inducing because of the sheer amount of books squeezed into every nook and cranny then this book store will delight you with its neat, clean and well organized shelves.

I love this bookstore! I always find a book when I go in there (usually more than just 1). The owner is so lovely and helpful. It’s very well organized and they always have so many books that are in great condition. Half of my personal library is stocked with books from here :) I have to limit my visits so I don’t take the whole store home with me PS- they allow dogs

This is a hidden gem bookstore. It has a vast selection of books, arranged in a way that makes it easy to explore different subjects. Some the books appear to be very unique, if not vintage. The vibe of the shop is stellar, featuring full shelves and many healthy plants. Also, the owner seems like a cool and knowledgeable person. Book fans, visit here!

All bookstores are wonderful, and I wish I can visit Mercer Street Books everyday. I love its ambience and just enjoy perusing the titles. Most of the time I like to discover what I want to read on my own, but when I did have a question, she (maybe the owner?) answered it kindly. I really need to push myself and read more books this year.

The cutest book store in Seattle. It's really charming with lots of lovely design elements throughout the store. The wooden shelves add this aromatic element that enhances the experience. It's a mix of new and old books. It felt curated and filled with surprises if you took the time to look. Very cool highly recommend.

Fantastic place to find books as gifts, to fill in gaps in your collection, or just to read. Great selection of modern lit, with some nice signed copies sprinkled throughout. The owner has encyclopedic knowledge of what's on the shelves, and makes solid recommendations on what your next favorite book will probably be.

I spotted this pretty bookstore while strolling through the streets of Uptown. This store has a great collection of books and is aesthetically pleasing. Despite being a used bookstore it’s very organised. You can spend hours browsing here! :) Bonus tip: Do notice the unique bookends on each shelf.

I like that this bookstore has tall shelves, it makes me feel more immersed. There were a lot of good books here! I ended up buying one of my favorite books and the employee was really nice. There was a small carts of books outside. My favorite part was the bookmark I got when I bought a book!

Beautiful shop, lovely selection which has been perfectly curated. If I lived here, I absolutely believe this would be my go-to first choice bookstore every time. My only beef is even though it's Stephen King Eyes of the Dragon should totally be in the fantasy section.

Visited Seattle and found this charming little bookstore! Eclectic, and a variety of different types of genres and books! Grab a coffee/tea and pop into this beautiful gem to pursue the bookshelves and get lost on the pages in the books here!

I've recently rediscovered my love of reading, and one of the reasons was this bookstore. It's not particularly large, nor is the selection as diverse as a library, but I've found a lot of sci-fi, fantasy and history books here. It looks

BEST bookstore in Seattle. Anyone who loves a unique, utterly curated selection of new and vintage books at great prices needs to go here. What a beautiful store as well! Very clean, organized, smells great, and the details are adorable.

I love book shopping and shopping for books here is just awesome. Everything is incredibly well organized in the store and the service here is exceptional. Do yourself a favor and stop in. You'll definitely enjoy it.

Adorable little shop. So much fun to browse, and I found some great gems. Super well-kept and clean. I wish this was my neighbourhood bookstore! As it was, it made for a very fun outing on my Seattle vacation.

One of my favorite secondhand bookshops - great book selection, well organized with detailed section labels, and lovely decor. I love to browse and see what treasures I find - I seldom leave without a stack!

One of the best bookstores in Seattle. Has the best selection I have seen. Usually you cannot find trendy books in used bookstores but this one has them often.

The best kind of neighborhood used bookstore. The selection is just delightful, and the atmosphere and layout of the store makes you want to stay forever.

Cute book store! Lots of books to look through has a big selection for such a small space. It's organized very well. The staff seemed friendly.

Well I got stuck outside waiting with kids cause mom went crazy in there. What a great place to find for this family from ky. Thank you !

First time in there. Nice book store. Didn't have too much time to look around. Hopefully will make it back again at some point.

This really is a wonderful used bookstore. It’s well curated, clean, with an extensive selection. They play great music too.

Have visited here several times -- always find something - very nice used book store -- books are all in great condition!!

Can often find some great and unexpected books here. Not a huge selection but an interesting one. Love this shop.

This shop is small but has a vast selection of used books. Great vibe - feels very whimsical and bookish

I am fortunate to live within walking distance of this incredible book store and I frequent it often.

Such a great low key indie bookstore with a good selection and helpful staff! Can’t ask for better.

Good selection and easy to navigate. I found one of my favorite books that I hadn't seen in years.

Amazing, curated selection. Often unbeatable prices! Love this little shop!

Always liked this one. The proprietor has very good taste.

Always find a gem strolling through the stacks here.

Five stars for five shelf’s full with Stephen King

Cutest little book shop!