Independent bookstores in the Seattle-Tacoma metro region are staffed by passionate, well-read booksellers. These neighborhood fixtures are the ultimate storytelling backdrop. They are places where you can quietly immerse yourself among the bookshelves, join a lively book discussion group, listen to an author reading, and collect first editions or the latest best seller.
UNESCO declared Seattle a “City of Literature”. This award goes to cities that promote a diverse cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary creative scene. To be approved as a City of Literature, cities must meet a number of criteria set by UNESCO. These criteria include: quality of publishing resources, educational programs, literary events and festivals, libraries and bookstores, foreign language material, related disciplines such as drama and poetry, and other factors.
Our literary history includes ten-thousand years of native story-telling among the various peoples who lived around the Puget Sound region. More recently, newcomers to the Pacific Northwest have brought stories from around the United States. They also come from far flung places in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. So past and present, we’re a city of storytellers. We use words to capture the imagination, present diverse points of view, and change lives.
The thriving independent bookstores are part of this storytelling scene. And an integral part of the diverse communities they serve. Independent bookstores promote book publishers, small presses, local authors, and reading. In a world now consumed by digital media, many people find it reassuring to walk into a bookstore, hold books in their hands to read, and talk with booksellers and authors.
Seattle has an extensive library system that connects to systems throughout the Puget Sound region, a vibrant theater scene, and many resources for aspiring and professional writers.
Seattle Independent Bookstore Day
Seattle Independent Bookstore Day is part of a national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country. The one-day celebration is held every year on the last Saturday of April. On Independent Bookstore Day, official Passport Maps are available at every participating store throughout the Seattle-Tacoma metro area. When you visit each store, make sure to get your passport stamped by a store employee. When you visit your last store for the day, turn in your passport.
Every participating store is unique and hosts its own party. Store events might include visiting authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, contests, and other fun stuff. PLUS, exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Not before. Not after. Not online. Only. That. Day. Use #SEABookstoreDay in your social media conversations.
2024 Independent Bookstore Day April 27
In 2024, participating Seattle-area booksellers are offering the Bookstore Day Passport Challenge. Local book (and bookstore) lovers are challenged to visit all 28 participating Seattle-area independent bookstores (listed below). You will have ten days to complete the challenge—by Monday, May 6, 2024. Book fanatics who complete the challenge will receive a Bookstore Day Champion Stamp Card, good for a one-time 25% discount coupon at each participating store and valid until April 25, 2025.
Intermediate challenge! Like last year, those who don’t complete the full challenge but get their passport stamped by at least five participating stores during the ten-day period will receive a single 25%-off coupon, good at any of the participating stores. Also please note that not all participating bookstores are open for all ten days of the challenge.
More info: Seattle Independent Bookstore Day (seattlebookstoreday.com)
Seattle-Tacoma metro area Independent Bookstore List
(alphabetically by city and in Seattle by zip code)
- Eagle Harbor Book Co, 157 Winslow Way E, Bainbridge Island
- Ballast Book Co, 409 Pacific Ave, Bremerton
- Page 2 Books, 560 SW 152nd St., Burien
- Three Trees Books, 827 SW 152nd St, Burien
- Edmonds Bookshop, 111 Fifth Avenue South, Edmonds
- BookTree Kirkland, 609 Market Street, Kirkland
- Saltwater Bookshop, 10978 NE State Hwy 104 Ste. 109, Kingston
- Third Place Books (visit any location)
- 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park 98155
- (Ravenna) 6504 20th Ave NE, Seattle 98115
- (Seward Park) 5041 Wilson Ave. S, Seattle 98118
- Island Books, 3014 78th Ave. SE, Mercer Island
- Liberty Bay Books, 18881 D Front Street NE, Poulsbo
- Brick & Mortar Books, 7430 164th Ave. NE, Redmond
- Left Bank Books, 92 Pike St, Seattle 98101
- Book Larder, 4252 Fremont Ave. N, Seattle 98103
- Charlie’s Queer Books, 465 N. 36th St., Seattle 98103
- Phinney Books, 7405 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle 98103
- The Wise Owl Books & Music, 2223 N 56th St., Seattle 98013
- Arundel Books, 322 1st Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98104
- Open Books: A Poem Emporium, 108 Cherry Street, Seattle, WA 98104
- University Book Store, U-District, 4326 University Way NE, Seattle 98105
- Secret Garden Books, 2214 NW Market St., Seattle 98107
- Fantagraphics Bookstore, 1201 S Vale St., Seattle 98108
- Queen Anne Book Company, 1811 Queen Anne Ave. N, Seattle 98109
- Ada’s Technical Books, 425 15th Ave. E, Seattle 98112
- Madison Books, 4118 E Madison St., Seattle, WA 98112
- Nook & Cranny Books, 324 15th Ave. E, Seattle 98112
- Elliott Bay Book Company, 1521 10th Ave., Seattle 98122
- Paper Boat Booksellers, 6040 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136
- Magnolia’s Bookstore, 3206 W. McGraw St., Seattle 98199
- Ridgecrest Books, 512 NE 165th St. Shoreline
Other Literary Organizations
- Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 on Capitol Hill is a place to read words, hear words, and make your own words better. HH provides classes, events, and fellowships for emerging and established writers,
- Town Hall Seattle, 1119 Eighth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101. A vibrant gathering place in the heart of Seattle, Town Hall fosters an engaged community through civic, arts, and educational programs that reflect—and inspire—our region’s best impulses: creativity, empathy, and the belief that we all deserve a voice.
Free author readings in bookstores and libraries
Book readings or author readings are casual events, held in bookstores and libraries. An author talks about their work and reads selected portions of the book. The reading is often followed by a Q&A period and signing—where you can purchase the book and the author will sign it during the event.
Most book readings are free. For popular books from well-known authors and celebrities in high demand, tickets may be required. If tickets are required, it is usually clearly stated on the bookstore’s website or calendar event.
Calendar of literary events
Find author readings, book sales, and other literary events in the calendar below.
Featured Events are list first each day, highlighted by a photo. Featured events are unique or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.
But wait, there’s more!
- Independent bookstores are key to Seattle’s literary scene
- Find free and cheap things to do every day on the Greater Seattle on the Cheap calendar.
- And here’s a list of 101+ always free things to do for fun.
- Visit the Greater Seattle on the Cheap home page and choose from a menu of free and cheap activities in the Puget Sound region.
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