9 Best Seattle Book Stores

Brooklyn Benjestorf - I love this neighborhood book store so much. They have amazingly knowledgable, friendly, and helpful staff and their selection of books is amazing. I love the big open air design of the shop and (pre-COVID) would sometimes stop by just to peruse the stacks and hang out. With social distancing restrictions I've been pre-ordering online and make a point to place an order every month or so (even when I have plenty of unread books on my shelf) because I never ever want to see this place close down.

Mikaila McLane - One of my favorite places in the city. I can spend hours here browsing for books and enjoying coffee from the cafe in the back. A rainy day off work is well spent here.

Nate Gowdy - I recommend heading to Elliott Bay Book Company in the heart of Capitol Hill. It’s always nice to be introduced to new and old work to draw inspiration from, and the staff at Elliott Bay do a wonderful job of maintaining a dense and well curated photo book selection. Old and new, I always find something intriguing to set on my coffee table.

recommended by Frédéric Dubut

Amy Posner Wolff - I love having a local book store walking distance from home. Customer service is excellent. If they don't have your book request in stock, they will order is and text you as soon as it arrives. They also have great games and gifts.

Shauna Swerland Youssefnia - They have a great collection and awesome cards. Laurie is passionate about her business and has fabulous taste. Amazing customer service.

recommended by Piper Casey

Rebekah Bastian - I love my neighborhood woman-owned bookstore. Fun fact, if you ever want to order my book, Blaze Your Own Trail, from there, and make a note that you want it signed, they'll call me to run over there and sign it for you! :)

Robin Wehl Martin - This is a new bookstore on 15th Avenue East that just opened. I live really close to it, and so I just stumbled in because I was excited about a new business in my neighborhood, especially in a time when everything seems like it's closing. It's really whimsical the way that it's organized by topic. For example, if you're feeling like a book about antiracism or xenophobia, or whatever. I bought a bunch of books based on the owners recommendations and I loved them all. They have books for kids and adults — everyone.

Michelle Fox - This place is my jam. Whenever I'm in West Seattle, they get a visit. Great energy, lots of selection, and right in line with the feeling of perusing oodles of books on shelves in a nook of a shop.

Kari O'Driscoll - James is super connected to community and determined to offer a variety of titles in his tiny shop. When my book came out, he offered to help me with a book launch and ordered a bunch of copies to sell.