Inkwell's Bookshop - Soldotna, Alaska

Bella Archibeck

Gem, this place is a true gem, and the owner is too. The store has so many books and so much presence, definately recommend, especially if you need help in what to buy, the owner has so much knowledge and there to help. They sell vinyl albums too!

Shane snader

Love this place! Definitely my favorite book store on the pennisula. The owner is very helpful if you are looking for a certain book. The books are very well organized too which is super helpful.

Noelle Merrill

12/2023 Update ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’ve been in the store a few times since my original review and while most books are cheaper to buy new on Amazon, I’ve found some new releases and a box set of Twilight for cheaper than MSRP prices. You have to really hunt for these books as they’re a rare find but thats part of the experience of booking hunting at a store like this. The dog was still there but barked significantly less which was appreciated.

Original Review ⭐️ ⭐️

I was pretty bummed when I stopped into this used book store. I was immediately greeted by a shop dog that was nice 60% of the time (to me) but aggressively barked at my friend constantly which made peacefully finding books difficult. I noticed most of the books were very dusty, full of creases, water damage, broken spines, and dog ear folds which can be normal for used books. However a good chunk of the books were shockingly more expensive than brand new on Amazon. I asked the lady working named Bethany if they ever had sales and in a not so friendly way she chuckled and said they’re already on sale and walked away. (Even though you could find them cheaper or same price on Amazon for brand new) Some books had stickers for $6.97 but she was charging $12 for it. A used dirty paperback book with water damage and covered in dust should not be $7. I ended up going to Already Read in Kenai and they had much better quality books at much better prices and when they saw me with my big stack of books they kindly offered me a box AND cut me a great deal since I was buying so much. I will unfortunately be passing on Inkwells for the most part and will be going to Already Read unless Inkwells has a sale that makes their books reasonably priced. I will say I found a new release (I found 1 in the entire shop) that was $13 which is $4 cheaper than the MSRP price. So that was a good (but rare) find. I asked about their buy back program for store credit. She gives you $1 per book, no exceptions. Already Read gives you 25% of the MSRP price for store credit and cuts you a percentage off if you shop there that same day. So even trying to save money there by trading in books is honestly pretty unreasonable in my opinion. An overall disappointing experience for me personally but may work for other people’s needs.

One positive, it did appear that she had a large children book section that was in this cute little loft. I didn’t check prices, but it may be a good option for moms and fun for kids.

Marybeth Schooley

Such a lovely little bookstore. Clean and organized with a super helpful owner/shopkeeper who helped us feel welcome.

Dan and Debbie Y

Cute bookstore. Friendly staff. Allow yourself time to wander through the many rows of books.

Breanna Snyder

What a great treasure in town. I loved how organized it was and how friendly the owner was when we came in. We got the grand tour and it was warm and welcoming. Had a great selection of books! I will definitely be going back again!

Gavin Grey

A true Gem….

Going into Inkwell’s and visiting with Beth is always a pleasure.

When I walk in, I am almost always greeted by Haddie with her sweet puppy kisses and before I even get a chance to start wandering around, Beth is already pulling a few books out from behind the counter that she has kept aside for me because "she was thinking about me when she was book hunting in Anchorage". Now THAT makes me feel like a valued customer.

To boot, she’s always spot on with her book recommendations.

I have read books on her recommendation that I would have passed over if she hadn’t brought them to my attention and for that, I can truthfully say that I am a better version of myself for having read them. That is the power of reading.

And that is the VALUE of having a relationship with someone in the book world.

Beth knows not just my tastes or what I’m in the mood for but she seems to be able to sense when and where she can challenge me to try something new.

For the extra dollar or two I may spend at Inkwell’s (not always mind you…often times I find myself getting excellent deals) over "other options" both online and in Kenai, I receive the guidance of a literary psychic; someone who is not only paying close attention to me but someone with the intuition to know what I NEED to be reading. (Oh how sad it is when people feel the need to make it all about the money, especially when you are talking about a dollar or two in profits for a small business that provides such a wonderful experience.)

Beth’s ability to really see into a person and get an accurate idea of what they are about has ensured that I haven’t wasted my money on "highly rated" books with "glowing reviews" that just weren’t my cup of tea. Instead, she has encouraged me to invest my money in books that I will truly enjoy and value…books I will read again and again.

Beth knows her business well and wants others to experience what the written word can do to move, entertain, and elevate our hearts and minds.

She will go out of her way to acquire and guide readers toward books that she knows will appeal to the individual.

Inkwell’s is a true asset to our community and I will continue to spend my money here to keep this wonderful woman and her business in Soldatna. I would not want to spend my money anywhere else.

Bob Stark

As a local author, father, husband, and book fanatic- Inkwell's Bookshop consistently stocks and sells copies of my book while providing endless gift opportunities for family and friends. The owner is kind, knowledgeable, and supportive of local writers- and the collection is extensive. I highly recommend this place for book lovers!