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Balderdash Books And Art
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Arts & Entertainment Art Galleries Shopping Art Galleries Bookstores, Art Galleries [Edit]
8536 Greenwood Ave N(between 85th St & 87th St)
Seattle, WA 98103
Neighborhood: Greenwood
(206) 784-4660
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 12:30 pm - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 11 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- By Appointment Only:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Balderdash Books And Art
Review Highlights
18 reviews in English
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Review from Natasha C.
Delray Beach, FL
4/25/2012
Glad we got a chance to check this place out before it closes in May. Cute store with an adorable cat (who doesn't love a used bookstore cat?), we were able to find some good reads for the plane trip home, and at a really reasonable "closing the business" price. It's too bad that this place isn't able to keep its doors open any longer.
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Review from Haroun K.
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Desperately in need of a good read, and in Greenwood, I was excited to find Balderdash. While the majority of the selection was sci-fi and other subjects I don't care much about, there was a respectable classics/literature section. I found a great translation of Gogol's Dead Souls (yay), but it was a little pricey compared to what it'd run at most other used-bookstores. That's ok, though.
I also bought some thank you cards, as I had some thank yous to write. Naturally, the envelopes included with the cards were all sealed shut (why?!). That sucked, and I'm pretty sure they overcharged me for the cards - comparing the receipt with the price tag.
Not a destination bookstore, but it is fine in a pinch, I guess. -
Review from Ron M.
Seattle, WA
5/4/2012
my favorite used bookstore in the area. a fantastic selection of used paperbacks. especially sci fi and fantasy. The staff is sooooo friendly. Just a really nice place to shop.
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Review from Kelly W.
Seattle, WA
10/16/2011
I've had two experiences with Balderdash, and they were completely different from one another.
Balderdash visit #1: I was on a stroll around my neighborhood, and I decided to explore this book store. Their prices aren't incredible, but they do have an impressive selection for such a small shop. Another reviewer commented on how many Danielle Steelesque books they have (a negative for many, myself included), but they also have hundreds and hundreds of what some consider "the good stuff."
The employee (a lady who gave the "owner" vibe, though I could be wrong) was helpful and friendly. That day, I walked out with a stack of books for myself and for my classroom.
Balderdash visit #2: I finished my book last night, and instead of heading to the library, I told myself I would "splurge" on a used book. I went to Balderdash with every intention of parting with cash.
My dreams were dashed by a useless (but kind) employee. When I came in, it took 3-4 minutes just for a salesperson to show up. (No biggie for me, but if I were a crook it might be for them.) The young(ish) man said hello and promptly started watching an episode of South Park on his computer. Very helpful.
When I finally decided to inconvenience him to ask for an author, he responded, "I'm not familiar with that title." I asked if he could use his internet to look it up, and he seemed surprised at my problem solving abilities. He kindly did look it up for me, and then let me hunt for it on his own while he returned to watch South Park. There were plenty of other books by the author (Ken Follett), but not what I wanted (Pillars of the Earth). It's a common enough book that I suspect he could have tracked one down if he really tried.
The guy was nice when I went out of my way to get service, but I used to work for a book store and I know that ignoring the costumer while watching dumb ass cartoons is not effective in providing a friendly shopping experience.
I walked out sans book. In the future, I'd wander into Balderdash if and only if it were convenient. Based on the inconsistent service, it doesn't seem to be a place you can rely on to find what you need. -
Review from Alan G.
Seattle, WA
9/26/2011
3 Reasons I love this place...
1) Gigantic collection of classic pulp-ish sci-fi. If I ever stumble upon an obscene amount of money, I will walk into this store and say, "I'll take that shelf."
2) Animals. A dog behind the counter is not unheard of. Neither are cats roaming around the tops of the shelves. Some are friendly, some not, others keep to themselves. What do you expect, they're cats, and they're a part of the store.
3) Staff is always friendly and helpful. The other day I had no idea what I was looking for, but was determined not to leave empty-handed. So I asked for recommendations for something scary (other than Stephen King). The gal said that horror wasn't quite her cup of tea, but pointed me towards half a dozen authors that were very popular and ta da! I walked away with three books that I can't wait to read.
I love this place and I will keep looking for excuses to stop in. -
Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
Walking back to our car after an evening at Gainsbourg, we cut through this store to avoid the increasing rain. We had always meant to stop in but parking can be scarce so we kept putting it off. The moment we entered the bookstore, the smell of old books filled our nostrils and I felt comforted.
See, I'm a bibliophile from way back. Books were the one thing that my parents let me have in abundance. New books, used books, library books... they simply never said no. And I always had my nose in a tome so upon entering this place... well, it gave me one of those Proustian memories that made me smile.
The shelves are packed with paperbacks and hardcovers. We grabbed a copy of The Hobbit for a friend who'd been meaning to read it. And it was relatively cheap and in good condition. The next time I'm in the neighbourhood, I plan to browse a little longer and hang out with the store cats or the sweet doggie behind the register. -
Review from Diego S.
1/6/2011
I was thoroughly impressed by the amount and vast knowledge of the worker at this book store! She was right on task w/what I was looking for and knew right where to go to find my other books I'm looking for!
It was sort of scary because she was like a walking computer of knowledge! I only say this because once I was done w/her and the other 3 customers went into what they were saying and she was right on point again answering there questions.
They have a little reading space up front... and I enjoyed searching there discount racks also! -
Review from Andy M.
Anacortes, WA
11/21/2011
This is a smaller store but jam-packed with books. Good selection of older paperbacks: sci-fi, mystery, romance.
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Review from wesh w.
Seattle, WA
Updated - 8/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love used bookstores. This is a used bookstore. I love it.
1 Previous Review:
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12/19/2009
Great little used book store. Well-selected stock. Definitely run by book lovers.
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Review from Emily T.
7/13/2009
For the first time in my life, I walked out of a used bookstore empty handed.
I descend upon used bookstores like the crowds descend upon Nordstroms during their Anniversary Sale. I'm focused, determined and prepared to spend money. I will dig through piles, climb on bookshelves, blow away dust and not judge by the cover.
Sadly, my passion for books lulled at Balderdash. While the store is filled floor to ceiling with books, most seemed to be of the paperback novel variety ala Danielle Steel. Instead of spending your time scouring the shelves, it'd be more efficient to head to the nearest grocery store and look at the paperback bestsellers display. You're going to find the same selection for around the same price. -
Review from Deborah S.
Seattle, WA
10/6/2006
Haven't I told you how much I love going to Vanessa's store? I'm shocked that I havent written this review yet. Let me tell you how I met Vanessa.
Standing at the bus stop for the five going north, I'd often see the big rolling bookshelves with the throwaway novels sitting out there and take a peek. Danielle Steel, VC Andrews, John Grisham. Not bad books mind you, but the common ones that are easy to find. For a buck or less you can grab one to enrich your bus ride. I never bit the bullet though.
Months later a book appeard in the front window " Square Foot Gardening." I hemmed and hawed and finally a few weeks after first spotting it , I stepped over the threashold. After asking for the book. I discovered it had been sold. I began to slowly wander down the aisles looking for books of interest picking up one here or there.
"Wait I think I have another copy" Vanessa disappeared into the back as I kept browsing. Sure enough after a little digging the book turned up. I made my purchase and made up my mind to return.
And return we have. With fantastic book buying policies, a friendly puppy, a rotating selection and a fantasticly friendly book seller, my family is now addicted. Stopping off to drop books off, being seduced by books in the window. This is one of those local businesses that it is a delight to visit. -
Review from Robyn H.
Seattle, WA
12/21/2006
I'm with Deb on this one. I love this little store with the smell of books drifting through it and the wonderful treasures I find tucked away here and there.
I can't walk past the shelves of bargain books outside without wishing I had a whole room to store books in...uh, I think that's a library....anyway, the bargains are numerous and some of the books are actually ones I want to read!
Vanessa's inventory changes fairly regularly so check out what is new in the window.Listed in: "Outside a dog, books are…
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Review from Austin K.
Seattle, WA
10/3/2009
It's little gems like this that make Greenwood sparkel... Okay that's a stretch, but Balderdash is a great little used book store.
I went to the library and failed to find two books. I walked over to Balderdash on a whim and *they had both* at a very reasonable price.
Also they have cats roaming the books, which the SPL lacks. -
Review from Natalie B.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2009
As a resident of Greenwood, I love this place and visit at least 3 times a week. Often, I don't buy anything, but I still love looking at the interesting books they carry. This is a key factor for one to consider before visiting Balderdash. I've read some reviews where bibliophiles have been disappointed with the selection. However, I think the visits on which these reviews were based most likely occurred before a new shipment arrived. Balderdash carries a lot of books that don't "move". This is mainly because they have built their customer base by taking all books given to them and giving store credit to the donators to encourage them to come back and spread the word. It's not the perfect business model, but there are times I go to Balderdash and leave with a dozen or so books (in excellent condition) for less than $35.
Lately, they have been featuring a $2 book rack outside, which is a GOLD MINE for used book enthusiasts like myself. No first editions or anything, but really great authors abound: Margaret Atwood, Daphne Du Maurier, Pat Barker. And all are in very good shape.
They also have a nice selection of 50-99 cent-books in the other outdoor shelves. But inside is the real treat.
It's quiet and uncrowded most times. And yes, there are adorable cats and a sweet dog that hangs out up front. The staff is professional and will help you as much as possible if you are looking for something in particular. But in the end, this is a small, unassuming bookshop. For me, it's therapeutic to just spend time around books -- especially ones that have been read by other people. Balderdash has that library quality but without all the rules and overbearing staff. -
Review from Loree B.
Seattle, WA
1/23/2010
You would think that a small bookstore would have a decent selection....but my goodness!!! My head was spinning with the array of books they had! Huge collections of Star Wars & Star Trek chapter books that my son's eyes were glued to...I was looking at the Non-Fiction self-help/philosophy/spirituality sections and it took me a half hour just to browse through them. A few books I really wanted to get, but my budget was too tight at the time.
It definately smells like a used book store, and has books literally seeping through the walls and piled on the floor. Would be scary in an earthquake scenario.
The lady that was working was very friendly, helpful and had great ideas on other books my son would be interested in pertaining to WWII.
We will definately be visiting here again- perhaps to even do some trade-ins. -
Review from Beth W.
Seattle, WA
11/9/2010
Great staff, great selection, great condition for the books, and great prices!
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Review from Stacy S.
Seattle, WA
10/12/2009
I love this bookstore! The owner is so wonderfully friendly and helpful, and the book selection is great! She has a huge selection of vintage and antique books, and shelves full of sci-fi, fantasy, and hardcover as well as paperback.
Roaming kitties add ambience, as well as the rotating art by local artists.
I just found this place a year or so ago, but now I stop in about once a week to browse -- and I don't think I've ever left without a couple of books! I can't wait until she finishes remodeling the back and opens that up too. Thumbs way up! -
Review from R R.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2009
I love this shop! The owner is a true book lover, very friendly and helpful. I wish the selection were deeper, but I almost always find a book to buy.
