Shop Small: Nine Seattle Bookshops to Support
Sprinkled throughout Seattle neighborhoods are bookstores that bring character to their community, from independent, used, general, and commercial stores. In a time where it’s easier to listen to an audiobook, buy a book on Amazon, and shop at chain stores, smaller bookshops rely on book lovers and the public to bolster their businesses. Below are nine Seattle bookshops to support when you’re thinking of shopping small and boosting local businesses.
Elliott Bay Book Company
1521 10th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122
Elliott Bay Book Company is a vast bookstore that’s nestled in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and was founded in 1973. The company is independently owned and not only offers an array of books, genres, and author options and events, but it also houses Little Oddfellows, a small coffeeshop related to the nearby restaurant Oddfellows.
Third Place Books
Third Place Books was founded in 1998 and sells new, used, and bargain books at their three locations. Including a diverse selection of books, Third Place Books also holds multiple events and offers a community gathering place that includes food and drinks.
Secret Garden Books
2214 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107
Secret Garden Books is located in Ballard and emphasizes the sale and their selection of children’s books. The bookshop also offers discounts to book clubs and educators, showcasing their support of their community and encouraging people to read.
Magnolia’s Bookstore
3206 W. McGraw St., Seattle, WA 98199
Magnolia’s Bookstore is an independent bookshop that’s been around Magnolia Village since 1992. The store hosts author events and the staff offer well thought out and diverse book recommendations, in-store and online.
Queen Anne Book Company
1811 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109
In the Queen Anne neighborhood, the Queen Anne Book Company is an independent bookstore that closed in 2012, but opened up their doors again in 2013. They support local and neighborhood organizations and institutions, while also hosting regular events and book groups.
University Book Store
Many in the western Washington area may be familiar with the University Book Store. The bookstore first opened at UW in 1900 in a cloakroom in Denny Hall and moved around campus before settling on the Ave. The student bookstore also has multiple other locations and beyond books, sells apparel, souvenirs, and supplies.
Lion Heart Book Store
1501 Pike Place #432, Seattle, WA 98101
Lion Heart Book Store, at Pike Place Market, offers a variety of genres in a quaint setting. The bookstore has been a Pike Place Market staple since 1961 and is open every day of the week.
Twice Sold Tales
1708 NW Market St., Seattle, WA 98107
Located in Capitol Hill, Twice Sold Tales is an independent business that’s been in Seattle for over 30 years. They offer a happy hour, where books are 25% off, and multiple rooms of books to choose from. They also have four cats that hang out in the store!
Ada’s Technical Books & Cafe
425 15th Ave. E., Seattle, WA 98112
Ada’s Technical Books & Cafe is a great place to wander book aisles, grab a quick bite, or meet up with friends. Ada’s provides a Book Subscription Package, in multiple different genres. The company also offers an upstairs workplace and event space.
What small Seattle bookshops do you support?
