Island Books

Specialties

Welcome to Island Books. We are the only independent bookstore proudly serving Mercer Island for over 40 years.

Our store has a special atmosphere, where booksellers remember who you are and the kind of books you read. We may not be big, but everything inside is hand-​selected with care, including cards, gifts, games, toys, locally-​made chocolates and most importantly, the titles we personally know and love. We wrap your presents with a bow and ship them for free anywhere in the United States.

Mercer Island is a great place for families and children, and Island Books reflects that with its magical children’s section and playhouse. We host weekly morning storybook corners and monthly PJ story times. Every year we host book fairs for all the local schools and donate 20% of the proceeds. Countless children have grown up in our aisles and now bring their grandchildren.

We pride ourselves on being a community gathering place. Beside story times, our schedule is filled with monthly book clubs, author events, sip and shop nights, and more. You’ll find cozy chairs, old typewriters, bulletin boards, and good friends around every corner. If you can’t visit in person, drop by our website. You can check out what we’re reading and raving about, email us, sign up for our acclaimed blog and monthly eNewsletter, follow us on social media, and order books to be picked up at the store or mailed to your home.

We look forward to seeing you!

Laurie Raisys

Owner and Bookseller

History

Established in 1973.

Once upon a time, Lola Dean, a local nurse, mother, and community organizer, decided that Mercer Island needed a bookstore. A woman of great energy and action, she rallied friends and family to get the business going. Marge Wilkens, Fam Bayless, and Elinor MacDonald began the next chapter of Island Books in the late ‘70s.

Roger Page arrived as a gift-​wrapper in 1984 and bought the store in 1991. Roger’s wife Nancy came aboard in 2001. The store developed a spectacular children’s section and expanded its inventory of toys, cards, gifts, and chocolates. They hired employees with great experience in the book industry, writing talents, and a knack for social media.

After 30 years at Island Books, the Pages welcomed Laurie Raisys as the new owner in 2015. The store continues to develop new programs and events, buoyed by devoted community involvement and our ongoing passion for books and reading.