Lopez Island, WA

Island Bookstore Offers More Than Just Books...

Islehaven Books is a general bookstore in the San Juan Islands near the US & Canadian border. It serves a small but literate community augmented seasonally by visitors from throughout the country and world and reflects the resultant diverse interests.

We pride ourselves on a carefully chosen selection of fiction and non-fiction, striving to “pre-filter” choices from the overwhelming quantity of currently published books – thus attempting to offer the “best” of what is available… be it literary fiction, mystery, beach read or biography.

Islehaven Books features a wide array of distinctive art cards, many of which are by local/regional artists. Fine boxed stationary, beautifully bound journals, prints from local artists, and “art” coasters are among the sundry other carefully chosen gifts for yourself or others available at Islehaven Books.

We welcome Special Orders and and Gift Certificates! Join our Mailing List to get periodic news and updates.

It should be mentioned that at least as many locals (and many visitors) come into Islehaven Books to visit the “duty Hound” as to browse books. Hounds have been a part of the bookstore “staff” since the very beginning when sweet Sarah, the Doberman, started the tradition. She was soon followed by the first Borzoi, Pippa, and there have been Borzoi “working” the shop since then, including a Pippa daughter, two Pippa grandsons, and a great-grandson. For more on the Hounds at Islehaven Books, please see their own page.

"Get books and cards from cozy Islehaven Books ... Owner Phyllis Potter is a great source not only for book recommendations, but also for information on the island. You're likely to meet one of her borzoi (Russian wolfhound) assistants, who rotate duty in the shop."
-- Moon Handbook San Juan Islands

At Islehaven Books "you can buy a book and feed a dog. Phyllis' two long nosed dogs -- Russian wolfhounds -- greet customers year after year. Islanders often bring these canines their leftover and frozen steaks. Interesting books, too."
-- San Juan and Gulf Islands Best Places

We are located in the Village Plaza Building, just down from Bucky's, Caffe La Boheme, and Holly B's.

HOURS: Mid-May through September: Open daily. Fall hours may vary slightly. January through mid-May open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary by season...