Book Stores in Langley, WA

“I’m an avid reader and love visiting bookstores when I travel. I try to support independent, BIPOC and women-owned bookstores and shops whenever possible, even though it would be easier to purchase books through my Kindle app.

I came across Moonraker while exploring Langley and was drawn in by how bright and inviting the space looked on a cold and gloomy day. I saw books by Black and LGBTQIA+ authors prominently displayed, and music by Black artists playing throughout the store. The staff initially greeted me and mentioned there were additional sections upstairs, which I was happy to explore.

However, once I went upstairs, the experience began to shift subtly. I was the only person in the store, yet employees suddenly became very busy in every area where I was browsing. They began shelving or straightening books wherever I stopped, and it quickly became apparent that I was being surveilled.

I want to be clear that I have worked in retail in the past in boutiques and understand the concept of using attentive customer service to prevent shrinkage. This may have been unconscious on the part of the staff. However, the experience became uncomfortable for me. Whether intended or not, it came across as hyper-vigilant monitoring of the person of color the longer I remained in the store.

While I did purchase a couple of books, I had initially planned to return after lunch with my partner to purchase a few more titles I thought they might enjoy. I ultimately decided against going back.

More broadly, this is something I’ve encountered in the Pacific Northwest. Businesses often display messaging about inclusion and representation, but that should also be reflected in how customers who don’t look like the targeted demographic are treated. Otherwise, it can feel like performative lip service and socially correct branding rather than genuine values.

I’m giving Moonraker Books four stars because the bookstore itself is lovely and withholding one star because of this experience.

A better approach would have been for staff to simply engage in small talk, find out about my interests, ask if I needed help finding anything, make suggestions about items, or even recommend other shops to visit in town. That kind of engagement would have felt welcoming rather than uncomfortable.

Most BIPOC customers who have this kind of experience would probably just write a place off and tell their friends not to go. I’m sharing this in the spirit of hoping the management and employees of the store will reflect on it and do better in the future.

I hope future BIPOC visitors can experience the truly welcoming atmosphere the store’s messaging suggests.”

“This place was awesome! Visited for the first time this past weekend and had a great experience. Employees were kind/on top of things and my bagel/coffee were delicious. They accidentally rang in my coffee wrong and when I pointed it out after getting a different drink than what I’d ordered they were so kind and went above and beyond, remaking my drink and offered me a free treat for the inconvenience. I really appreciated that! Will definitely stop by again next time I’m in Langley.”

“Updated Review:I purchased a book from a used book marketplace online, and it turns out the vendor selling it was Gregor Rare Books. It arrived several days before the quoted delivery date, and was in pristine condition. It was an extremely hard-to-find hardback, so for it to be as flawless as it was (seriously, it was as good as new) shows just how much Gregor Rare Books cares about their products. Now I *really* want to go back for that First Edition "Master and Commander!"Original Review:I only had a few minutes to peruse the shelves before closing time, but I saw a first edition UK printing of "Master and Commander" that I was absurdly tempted to buy, so Gregor apparently knows what's good!”