Two Readers,
One Bookstore
West Seattle had lost its only bookstore dedicated to new books, and for two lifelong readers and self-described bookworms, the timing felt like an opportunity too good to pass up. Eric and Desirae have always believed that every community needs a bookstore, and with a shared love of indie shops and a mutual appetite for a challenge, they made the leap and Paper Boat was born. Behind the warm shelves and carefully curated sections is a lot of unglamorous work, and keeping a small bookstore alive takes more than either of them anticipated. But when COVID hit, the West Seattle community showed up, and that changed everything. Eric, a musician by background, curates every book on the shelves and makes the playlists. Desirae, with an eye for design, shapes everything from the displays to the carefully chosen gifts and non-book offerings. And behind the counter, their team of knowledgeable booksellers brings it all to life, passionate readers who love nothing more than helping you find exactly what you didn't know you were looking for. What started as an opportunity has become a little corner of West Seattle where readers come to wander, discover, and lose themselves in stories.
Visit Us
Paper Boat Booksellers
4522 California Ave SW
Seattle, WA 98116
Email Us
General Inquiries // info@paperboatbooksellers.com
Book Orders // bookorders@paperboatbooksellers.com
Event Inquiries // pbevents@paperboatbooksellers.com
Call Us
206-743-8283
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A smaller, well-chosen shelf beats a warehouse every time.
A recommendation should mean something.
When we hand you a book, it's because we've read it, loved it, or know it's exactly what you're looking for.
A bookstore should give back more than it takes from the neighborhood around it.
The Paper Boat Way
And that the best thing you can do in here is slow down, wander a little, and see what finds you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to questions we hear often. And if your question isn't answered here, just ask.
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Yes. Our Bookshop.org store ships books and ebooks directly to you. If you need to return anything, Bookshop handles all questions, shipping, and returns directly.
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Gift cards are available for purchase online in a selection of preset values and will be mailed directly to you. Prefer a specific amount? You can also purchase a gift card for any dollar amount in store, by phone, or by email.
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Books purchased in store can be returned within 30 days with a receipt if they are in new, sellable condition. Books purchased through Bookshop.org cannot be returned to our store and must go through Bookshop directly.
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Yes. In most cases we can get what you're looking for, as long as it's still in print.
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Yes, we love book clubs. We host four through Paper Boat and currently support two community-based clubs. Check the calendar for dates and just show up.
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We work with schools and organizations directly. Email us to start the conversation: info@paperboatbooksellers.com
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Yes! We're proud to partner with local schools to help build and update school and classroom libraries. Educators receive a minimum 15% discount. Once we review your book list, we'll send you a custom quote.
To get started, email your book list or any questions to Desirae Judy at info@paperboatbooksellers.com with the subject line "School Order."
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As much as we adore them, we ask that dogs wait outside. The store gets cozy quickly and we want every customer to feel comfortable and at ease.
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Yes. Visit one of our neighbors and then stop by to browse the shelves.
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Yes, happily, and for free.
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Yes! We love supporting local authors and even have a special local author tag for your shelf placement. Before reaching out, please review the following:
Email us first at info@paperboatbooksellers.com with your book's title, author, ISBN, and a short synopsis. Please do not call or visit the shop with your book — anything dropped off will not be considered.
Your book must be orderable through Ingram at a regular discount. We do not offer consignment, and books must be available at our standard discount and be returnable.
We can't guarantee placement. We receive multiple inquiries weekly and decisions depend on local interest, quality, season, and shelf space. We'll reach out if we decide to carry your book.
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Yes. Reach out to our events coordinator at pbevents@paperboatbooksellers.com to discuss details.
