The independent local bookstore is alive and well in Seattle. If you are looking for something good to read or just want to browse, check out some of the unique and eclectic bookstores located in and near the Seattle downtown area when you are here for MLA '17. Listed below are just a few of the many local bookshops just a walk or bus ride away. Squatch's favorite bookstore is the University Bookstore, with locations both in the U District and Downtown.
- The Elliott Bay Book Company (Capitol Hill) - Offering one of Seattle’s best selections of new books, as well as bargain editions, in an inviting and unique atmosphere. Presents a full schedule of author readings and events throughout the year. http://www.elliottbaybook.com/
- Secret Garden Books (Ballard) - Independent bookseller since 1977, featuring books for everyone, with a particular specialty in children's books. http://www.secretgardenbooks.com/
- Third Place Books (Ravenna plus 2 other locations) - Indie bookshop selling thousands of new and used titles in a relaxed setting with author events and an on-site cafe. http://www.thirdplacebooks.com/
- Mercer Street Books (Downtown) - Classic indie bookstore in cozy surroundings, with a rotating selection of pre-owned titles. http://www.mercerstreetusedbooks.com/
- Left Bank Books Collective (Downtown) - Located in the Pike Street Market, collectively owned and operated by its workers since 1973. Specializes in anti-authoritarian, anarchist, independent, radical and small-press titles. http://www.leftbankbooks.com/
- Book Larder (Fremont) - Local hub for new, used and vintage cookbooks, hosting a variety of author events as well as cooking classes. https://www.booklarder.com/
- Magus Books (University District) - Large inventory of hard to find, out of print, used, and rare books off University Avenue in the U District. http://www.magusbooksseattle.com/
- Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe (Capitol Hill) - Books, gifts, workshops and events, that beckon to the geek in all of us. http://www.seattletechnicalbooks.com/
- Queen Anne Book Company (Queen Anne) - Quaint neighborhood bookshop with in-store discussions, author readings and an outdoor seating area. http://www.qabookco.com/
- Ophelia’s Books (Fremont) - Secondhand bookstore crammed with fiction, mysteries & eclectic titles, plus live-in cats. http://www.opheliasbooks.com
- University of Washington Bookstore - Get husky gear, gifts, books and supplies, in the University District and downtown on 4th Avenue. http://www.bookstore.washington.edu