Bookshops in Seattle: You will agree that the experience of exploring books online is not the same as visiting a physical bookstore where you get to touch and smell the pages of books. No technology can ever offer the same joy that book lovers get while visiting a physical bookstore.
If you are planning to move to Seattle for higher education, then you need to check out the bookstores situated there which take pride in their huge collection entailing different genres like self-help books, fiction, sci-fi and so much more. Keep reading further to know some of the best bookshops in Seattle that you would definitely not want to miss out on!
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5 Must-Visit Bookshops in Seattl
Seattle is a dream city for book lovers, with many great bookshops to explore. Whether you enjoy independent stores, secondhand treasures, or cozy reading spaces, there’s something for everyone. Here are five must-visit bookshops in Seattle that every reader should check out.
1. Queen Anne Book Company (QABC)
At Queen Anne Book Company you will be able to see author readings, in-store discussions and an outdoor seating area. The community loves the bookstore so much that when the previous bookstore closed in 2012, the residents of Queen Anne-Krjin, Janis and Judy took it upon themselves to fill the void left. With the help of a partnership between publishers and community members, the Queen Anne Book Company was started on 1 March 2013 at the same location as the previous bookstore. As one of the few independent, community-focused bookshops in Seattle, QABC remains passionately dedicated to books, learning, and fostering a love for reading.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Friday | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 10 am to 5 pm |
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2. Open Books: A Poem Emporium
Spread across 500 sq. feet, Open Books is one of the most unique bookshops in Seattle, boasting an impressive collection of around 10,000 books. At this bookstore, if you are a book-lover living in student accommodation in Seattle, you will come across a wide range of volumes from publishing houses that are big, not so big and everything that’s in between. When the original founders of this bookstore retired in 2016, it was sold to Billie Swift. She was a regular patron of this bookstore who bought this store in order to preserve this poetry sanctuary which was close to her heart.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday and Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday to Saturday | 12 pm to 5 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm to 4 pm |
3. Kinokuniya Book Store
You will be surprised to know that at Kinokuniya bookstore you will be welcomed by giant Totoro. As one of the most popular bookshops in Seattle, Kinokuniya offers a diverse selection of Japanese and English books, magazines, CDs, K-POP merchandise, and other unique local items. Kinokunia happens to be the only bookstore in the U.S. that sells Chinese books and magazines. You will be able to locate this bookstore in Seattle’s Uwajimaya Asian Grocery Store and it is the one-stop shopping store for Asian stationery, manga, magazines, books, and writing supplies. Even if you are not at the bookstore for Japanese books, you will find it exciting to explore cute stationery and anime-based clothes.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Sunday | 10 am to 8 pm |
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4. Left Bank Books
With around 70 sections and a collection of 10,000 new and old books, this is one of the most distinctive bookshops in Seattle. These books are spanning across a broad scholarly and literary spectrum and belong to genres like anti-authoritarian, radical, anarchist, independent, and small press titles. Some of the popular sections of this bookstore are fiction, anarchism, immigration studies, feminism studies, poetry, race & cultural studies, parenting, graphic novels, science fiction, labour history, environmentalism, sexuality, native studies and many more.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 10 am to 7 pm |
| Sunday | 11 am to 6 pm |
5. Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe
According to its founders, Danielle and David Hulton—self-proclaimed geeks—Ada’s Technical Books and Café is more than just a bookstore; it becomes a community where like-minded people connect. As one of the most unique bookshops in Seattle, it’s an excellent choice for book lovers living in student accommodation in USA and wants to learn and meet new people. As per the founders, people with technical understanding will definitely find whatever their heart desires at their bookstore. Ada’s Technical Book and Cafe is situated in Capitol Hill which can be found easily with the directions mentioned in the below section. Coming to the offerings of this bookstore, Ada offers events, workshops, books and gifts which can inspire and kindle anybody’s heart and mind.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Sunday | 8 am to 8 pm |
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Why Seattle is a Haven for Book Lovers?
Seattle is a paradise for book lovers, offering a mix of literary culture, independent bookstores, public libraries, and a strong reading community. Here’s why the city stands out:
1. One of the Most Literate Cities in the U.S.
Seattle consistently ranks among the most literate cities in America, with high book sales, library usage, and bookstore density. Its residents actively participate in book clubs, author events, and literary discussions.
2. Thriving Independent Bookstores
Seattle is home to iconic bookstores like Elliott Bay Book Company, known for its extensive collection and cozy reading nooks, and Third Place Books, which fosters community engagement through readings and discussions. Other gems like Phinney Books and Secret Garden Books cater to niche literary interests.
3. A Strong Library System
The Seattle Public Library, with its architectural masterpiece of a central branch, is a hub for book lovers. The library offers vast collections, digital resources, and engaging events, including book readings and author talks.
4. A Rich Literary History
Seattle has been home to notable writers like Richard Hugo, Sherman Alexie, and Timothy Egan. The city’s history of literature and poetry is deeply woven into its culture, making it a breeding ground for new writers and creative minds.
5. Annual Literary Festivals and Events
Events like the Seattle Arts & Lectures (SAL) series bring world-renowned authors to the city, while Lit Crawl Seattle transforms the city into a storytelling venue. The Seattle International Book Fair and events at Hugo House provide platforms for writers and readers to connect.
6. A Coffee and Reading Culture
Seattle’s coffee culture complements its love for books. Many independent cafés encourage reading, with quiet corners perfect for book lovers. From the historic Zoka Coffee to the literary-themed Ada’s Technical Books & Café, the city blends coffee and literature effortlessly.
7. A Book-Loving Community
Seattle’s commitment to books is evident in its many book clubs, reading programs, and initiatives like the Seattle Reads program, which encourages the entire city to read and discuss the same book annually.
Tips for Finding the Best Bookshops in Seattle
Seattle is a paradise for book lovers, with a mix of independent, second-hand, and specialty bookstores offering everything from bestsellers to rare finds. If you’re looking to explore the city’s literary scene, here are some tips to help you discover the best bookshops in Seattle.
- Explore Different Neighborhoods – Seattle has diverse bookstores spread across neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Pioneer Square, and the University District. Each area offers a unique selection of bookshops.
- Look for Specialty Stores – Whether you’re into poetry, sci-fi, academic books, or graphic novels, Seattle has niche bookstores catering to specific genres and interests.
- Check for Events and Author Readings – Many bookstores in Seattle host book signings, readings, and literary events, making them great places to engage with the local book-loving community.
- Visit Independent and Used Bookstores – Indie bookshops and second-hand stores often have rare, vintage, or out-of-print books that you won’t find in mainstream retail stores.
- Follow Bookstores on Social Media – Many local bookshops share updates on new arrivals, discounts, and special events on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, helping you stay informed.
FAQs
Ranked as one of the top beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello inspired J.K Rowling when she was completing the first book in the Harry Potter series.
Buenos Aires is referred to as the bookshop capital of the world.
Barnes and Noble is the largest bookstore chain in the U.S. and has stores located in around 627 locations all around the country.
Elliott Bay Book Company is one of the most famous independent bookstores in Seattle, known for its extensive selection, cozy atmosphere, and frequent literary events.
Yes, Ada’s Technical Books and Café combines a bookstore with a café, providing a great space to read, work, and meet like-minded individuals.
Elliott Bay Book Company, founded in 1973, is one of the oldest and most respected independent bookstores in the city.
Elliott Bay Book Company and Third Place Books frequently host book clubs, covering various genres and themes.
Kinokuniya has an excellent selection of manga, while Elliott Bay Book Company and Third Place Books offer a variety of graphic novels and comics.
Many bookshops, including Elliott Bay Book Company and Third Place Books, have sections dedicated to Seattle’s history and culture.
Yes, Elliott Bay Book Company, Third Place Books, and Kinokuniya allow customers to browse and buy books online.
We hope you liked this blog where we covered some of the best bookshops in Seattle. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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