Book inquiryUnsent
- Kind
- A used copy
- Title
- —
- Author
- —
- Copy
- Any reading copy
- Note
- —
Used · Rare · Out of print — Port Townsend, Washington
The art of finding.
A bookshop for books with a past and readers with a question. Browse used, rare and out-of-print titles on Water Street, or write ahead about the one you’re after.
- Where
- 829 Water Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
- Open
- Thu–Mon, 11am–5pm per the official site; check before you travel
- Selling books?
- Not buying at present
Independent design concept, not the shop’s official website. The drawer and cards are illustrations, not stock records.
01 The drawer
Every card is a different kind of find.
William James Bookseller deals in used, rare and out-of-print books, and keeps a searchable inventory on its official website. Flip through the drawer to see what you can ask about.
Scroll to flip the cards forward on their rod, or choose a tab.
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Used books
Good secondhand copies of books worth reading again. Ask whether a title is on the shelves before you make a special trip.
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Rare & collectible
Uncommon editions, sought for their age, printing or condition. Describe the exact edition you need; the details matter.
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Out of print
Titles no longer in print that can still turn up secondhand. Give the author, the title and any edition you remember.
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The inventory
The shop’s official website has a searchable inventory. Check it first, then write if you still have a question.
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Your card
This one is blank. Type it in chapter 03, and it goes back in the drawer at the end.
Search the real inventory (official site, opens in a new tab) Cards here are illustrations, not stock records.
02 Pencilled in
The facts, pencilled on the endpaper.
Booksellers pencil a book’s particulars inside the cover. These are the shop’s, each taken from its own website on 28 October 2026, plus one phone number from a directory listing.
- Used, rare & out-of-print booksofficial site
- 829 Water St., Port Townsend, WA 98368official site
- Open Thu–Mon, 11 to 5official site
- Inventory searchable onlineofficial site
- Not buying books at presentofficial site
- WillJamBooks@gmail.comofficial site
- (360) 385-7313directory listing
03 Your card
Type the card for the book you’re after.
- Search the official inventory first.
- Type a card here: the kind of book, the title, the copy you’d accept.
- Send it from your own email, or bring it in Thursday to Monday.
Good to have ready
- The title and author, as best you know them
- Whether any readable copy will do
- A way for the shop to reach you
Your email app opens with the card as a draft. Nothing is sent, reserved or checked against stock from this page.
04 Visit
829 Water Street, Port Townsend.
Browse the shelves in person in Port Townsend’s historic downtown. If you’re coming for one particular book, write or call first.
- Address
- 829 Water Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368 - Hours
- Thursday to Monday, 11am–5pm
From the official site. Hours can change; check before you travel. - Selling books
- The official site says the shop is not buying books at present. Please don’t bring books to sell without checking first.
- Phone
- (360) 385-7313
From a directory listing; the official site lists email.
05 Filed
Your card goes in the drawer. Then it’s yours to send.
Your card: a used copy
The email opens as a draft in your own app. The shop only sees it if you send it.