It’s common knowledge that downtown Centralia is recognized for their myriad of antique shops. However, nestled among the various shops of household treasures is another unique pearl, one that’s been in Centralia for sixteen years—Tilikum Books.
Owned by Geary Lockard, Tilikum Books was founded in 1996 in Olympia. However, after getting out of his lease, Lockard found a great deal and moved his business to Centralia, becoming the second owner of the established bookstore.
“You always have to buy good stuff when it’s presented to you—no matter what,” Lockard says. And he couldn’t be more pleased with his location in town on Tower Avenue. “I’m on the best side of the best street in town,” he said.
The same mantra goes for books. Lockard’s shop has more than 14,000 used titles, all in fair condition or better. If a book comes in slightly damaged, Lockard uses the skills he learned as a book binder’s assistant to make the book usable again. Lockard is most interested in purchasing science fiction and fantasy and mystery/adventure, his top selling genres.
“They pay the rent and utilities, and the rest become gravy,” Lockard says.

The spacious aisles of Lockard’s bookstore hold 62 genres, from the large romance section to the smaller young adult section. If a customer wants to sell back their books, Lockard will evaluate the demand for each book in his inventory, and price each book based on quality, demand and how rare it is. To appraise each book, Lockard places them in one of three categories: Yes (need), No (don’t need it), and Maybe (possible re-sell). Once a book is approved for re-sale, the seller will receive half the book’s value back in store credit, or can buy a book in half credit and half cash.
Although Tilikum Books is not the only used bookstore in downtown Centralia, Lockard makes sure that the inventories of each store overlap very little, creating no direct competition. Each bookstore reflects the personality of its bookseller, creating more variety among local business. Lockard is glad to support other businesses and even refers customers to Anderson Book Company and Book Quest when they can’t find the books they are searching for.
“I’m doing the customer a favor by referring them to the next bookstore,” Lockard says.

In addition to a great location on a busy street, Lockard’s business also benefits from the tourism of local businesses, such as McMenamin’s Olympic Club across the street. Comparing the hotel and theater to a wave, Lockard sees Tilikum Books as the surfboard that “feeds off the energy.”
Even without the use of technology, Tilikum Books thrives by word of mouth and local tourism, attracting many visitors stopping between Seattle and Portland. In an age of online retailers, the brick and mortar store is appealing because browsers can immediately have a book in hand and there are no extra shipping fees.
“Before the internet, books were the only way to find knowledge,” Lockard says.
A former president of the Lewis County Literacy Council, Lockard highly emphasizes the need for books in one’s life.
“When you surround yourself with intellect, that knowledge becomes yours. That’s an enormous pleasure,” he says. “It will enhance your life. It might even save your life.”
When asked what sets Tilikum Books apart among the other two bookstores in the area, he pointed out that he sells everything from “tools to jewels.”

As a measure of creative marketing in a booming antique district, Lockard sells antique tools and small items alongside his books. He jokingly admits that he was “forced into it” by the other antique shops around him, realizing that he could make more profit by getting into the antique market. It’s also great for customers, improving morale in case a couple comes in with different interests, giving Lockard the opportunity to appease both parties while they shop.
Since opening in 2000, Lockard’s other upgrades have included painting, upgrading, raising, and widening shelves for easier access, improving lighting, and constantly weeding out his inventory to meet the customer’s interests. The shop is run entirely by Lockard, who is completely happy with the way things are currently running. While there’s always a demand for new books (particularly good cookbooks and mysteries and romance that sell “like popcorn”), Lockard is content and confident in his small business.
Even in a time when it seems readership is dwindling, Lockard has unshakeable confidence in his clients.
“Most readers find the bookstores. You can’t hide from them,” he says.
Tilikum Books & Bindery
115 N Tower Avenue
Centralia, WA 98531
360-807-0791