Dedicated to cultivating community in the arts, the Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network (BARN) is an amazing resource for writing classes and contests. Emily and Inez are members of the Writer’s Studio leadership and are editor’s for their brand new Annual Collection. Emily is hosting short story contests with them. And Kaitlin will soon be teaching there! Check out the catalogue. Take a class with us!
We love Village Books. Aside from the phenomenal book selection and welcoming atmosphere, this gem has great resources for writers including a newsletter, workshops, and writing groups. Grab a book and a coffee, or your laptop and a table—this place welcomes all. They also host and partner amazing literary events, including author interviews and book launches. This is a definite “must-visit” in Bellingham . . . or online. We hope to see you here!
Independent bookstore, Third Place Books, is dedicated to fostering a community around books. Its three locations—Edmonds, Seward Park, and Ravenna—have a phenomenal selection of new and used books for all ages. What sets them apart? Their investment in community. All three locations offer book clubs (for adults and kids), outstanding author events, and community “book” events like the summer reading challenges and indie bookstore days. The goal: bring people interested in books (and maybe a cup of coffee or a beer) together. We hope to see you here!
Charlie’s Queer Books is a delightful shop in Fremont. Charlie’s goal is to create community connection through queer literature and seek to promote diverse and intersectional voices. Aside from a robust queer book selection, Charlie’s hosts a variety of virtual and in-person events including genre book clubs (swoon: horror, sci-fi/fantasy, and romance among others), author talks, and community events. Always armed with great recommendations and queer joy, Charlie’s is on our list of must-visits. We hope to see you here!
Woman and queer-owned independent bookstore Elliott Bay Book Company is a Seattle staple. Aside from an amazing book selection, the Capitol Hill store is a gorgeous space to browse, read, eat, drink and indulge in all things books. The store hosts a slew of author events—usually starting around 7pm weekdays—and book groups (looking at you: Speculations Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Group). They also offer subscription boxes including Carmilla’s Brood Queer Speculative Fiction Box and Portals Sci-Fi and Fantasy Box. Four times a year, they publish Booknotes featuring newly published titles hand-selected and reviewed by their awesome staff. This bookstore is a reader and writer’s dream. We hope to see you here!
Nestled in the Tangletown neighborhood in Seattle, The Wise Owl Books and Music is a gem of a bookstore and record store. Owner Christina Gilbreath opened the brick and mortar store in December 2021 as the culmination of her and her late mother’s dream. It specializes in science fiction, fantasy, mystery and music, especially vinyl, and looks to bring books and music from diverse and underrepresented perspectives to the community. And if you’re a fan of dogs, you might just see the owner’s pooches in the store. While the store hosts a D&D game, there are no author events currently on the schedule. That’s not to say they won’t pop up in the future. In the meantime, drop in for a good book, some tunes, and great merch. We hope to see you here soon!
Ballast Book Co. and Ashley’s Pub in Bremerton. It’s hard to talk about one without the other. Ballast is a small indie book shop with a lot of sass and class. They carry all types of books and love to connect authors with their community. They host a bunch of book clubs (we’re excited about the Book Club at the End of the Universe; Oh, the Horror!; Fantastic Books; and, because hello, introverts, Wine and Silence) most of which occur at Ashley’s Pub, just under the bookstore.
Ashley’s Pub serves cider, mead, and beer with a hefty side of yummy food, board games, and awesome nerd events. From arts and crafts nights to Prom and Krampusnacht, Ashley’s is a watering hole to linger in. We hope to see you here!
We have another memorable duo to recommend: Saltwater Bookshop and Borrowed Kitchen Bakery. Co-owner Lacey Anders, who loves books and baking, opened the bookshop with her best friend Madison Duckworth, just a few doors down from the bakery on Independent Bookstore Day 2023. Originally specializing in cookbooks, kids books, and Indigenous writing, the bookstore has been expanding its offerings and hosting reading and writing events for both littles and bigs. And, you know, if you happen to toddle over to the bakery, be sure to pick up . . . everything. Check out this lovely interview with Lacey and Madison describing their baking-and-books journey. We hope to see you here!
Liberty Bay Books in Poulsbo has been an area favorite since it opened (as Shotwell’s) in 1977. In 2020, it was purchased and renovated by children’s author Suzanne Selfors, and it’s charming and well-stocked. In addition to carrying books and e-books (traditional and self-published), it hosts author launch events and book clubs. They currently have four (including Romantasy) but are taking names for new genre clubs. So stop by and add your name. We look forward to seeing you here!
Husband and wife team Bittina & Kevin Sheen became the proud owners of Away With Words Bookshop in 2022. Their shop showcases small brands and artisans in addition to celebrating storytelling and books. Bottom line: if you love reading in the bath, this is a one-stop shop for the best relaxing evening in. The owners are also heavily involved in the Poulsbo Film Festival and are hosting author events in the area. The most recent one—featuring local author Edna Cowell Martin and her book Dark Tide: Growing Up With Ted Bundy—was held at another favorite haunt: Moe’s on Liberty Bay—look at that VIEW! Here’s to many more such events. We hope to see you here!