Culpepper Books

Opening the door to Culpepper Books for the first time was akin to taking a trip directly back to my childhood where I tagged along with my father as he went from book store to book store looking for ‘that one missing treasure’ from his library.
This time however, the tables were turned: instead of me being the tag-​along, I was the dad and my son was the tag-​along.
Finding ourselves standing just outside the entrance, I helped my son pull the door open and I stood there, marveling at what we found on the inside. The smell, oh the wonderful smell of books — the smell of adventure — the smell of ancient volumes one read under candlelight — the smell of page upon page upon page of amazing worlds waiting to be beheld.
We were warmly met and acknowledged by the shop owner himself, Jerry Culpepper, whose face lit up at the sight of having customers to help. Instantly he was on his feet, leading my son and me toward that which we sought: the ancient words of past story tellers and biographers.
He knew exactly where the book we were looking for could be found and brought us there without hesitation, extolling the virtues of the author we sojourned for. His smile and easy going manner instantly made this already warm shop just that much better, and his love and care for the written word matched my own, a rare treat in this day of electronic and digital words.
What’s more, he had no problems in allowing my 6 year old son free run of the shop — even as he climbed to the very top of the ladders placed about the store in order for customers to find just the perfect volume or collection. Jackson, his eyes wide, darted about, eyes wide and taking it all in — I remember that same feeling from when I was his age: so much to see and read and only so many hours in the day to read it.
Eventually we found even more than what we were looking for and, settling up with Jerry, we departed — happier for having found a quiet little corner of the universe in which we could block out all of the electronic noise and enjoy getting lost in The Great Conversation.
I have a new monthly stop to make.

This is the real deal: an interesting and varied selection of fiction and nonfiction — including a really first-​rate local history section — combined with leather-​bound treasures, first editions, interesting bindings, and rare books. Book lover’s heaven. It may be small, but plan on giving yourself lots of time to browse — the books are really packed in there.

Owner is really nice. The outside of the store is charming.
Store is small. Nothing original about it. It is suppose to be organized in ABC order but isn’t. In the corner of the store «it is not sorted» well neither is all of it for the most part.

Another example of someone who loves books and loves owning a bookstore more than they love helping customers buy those books.
I was never acknowledged when I entered the store and when I asked a question I was looked upon as a pariah that had soiled their pristine existence.
Not only was the old guy behind the counter unfriendly and gruff, but when I politely thanked him anyway I was treated to an extra dose of snark as I left.
I’ll not only never purchase anything from this jackwagon, I’ll make sure everyone I know never sets foot in this «store».

They have all these, these bundles with bunches of, of… Paper, paper, and more paper stuck in the middle… Each paper has words, in black, on it… On BOTH sides of the paper… And You Don’t Plug ANYTHING in !!
And they have these bundles of paper pushed onto shelves ALL OVER the place !! It’s like, «OK. I get it. You LIKE these Paper BUNDLES !» I think they’ll even sell you one, if you ask…
…Not a bad idea, really. I’m going to look into this fad further…

This isn’t the largest used book store in Tacoma, but it’s certainly the best! The service is really good and any book that they don’t have, they can locate for you.

This shop has one of the most excellent collections of Northwest-​related antique books I have ever seen. If I am feeling especially nostalgic and full of hometown pride, Culpepper is one of the first places I stop. They have a staff that is… if not exactly friendly… full of character. I’m into it. Whenever I am in the Proctor area during business hours, I stop here.
Along with King’s Books downtown, and No Dearth of Books in Gig Harbor, this is one of my favorite used bookstores in Tacoma!!!