Moonraker Bookstore

Lovely bookstore on Whidbey Island.nHad a wonderful time reading fiction and chatting with the friendly staff. The ambience is clean, artistic, and peaceful. A quiet and relaxing place to unwind. Glad to have found a book here to learn more about Seattle.

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.nnI 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.nnHowever, 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.nnI 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.nnWhile 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.nnMore 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.nnI’m giving Moonraker Books four stars because the bookstore itself is lovely and withholding one star because of this experience.nnA 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.nnMost 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.nnI hope future BIPOC visitors can experience the truly welcoming atmosphere the store’s messaging suggests.

I just love this bookstore! The selection of books is very well curated, and the shop has a bright and cheerful vibe. There are two floors of books! The staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I always find interesting books that I haven't seen elsewhere here.

I have always loved MoonRaker so much. I came here often in my childhood.nI hadn't been in since some time before the pandemic, so I finally made the time to stop in the other day.nnIt was so good to see Josh and her amazing selection of calendars, greeting/ note cards, jigsaw puzzles, and books had not changed from how I remember it from my childhood.nMoonRaker will always feel like home to me and forever hold a special place in my heart.

My favorite bookstore to get lost in. An excellent selection of books for all readers in our family and such a chill vibe. It’s our first stop off the ferry!