One of my favorite shops of all-time lies tucked away in the misty, rainy, PNW – and man, is it glorious. Fresh pages, crisp bindings, soft conversations, the clink of teacups, bursts of steam, and the sound of settling hard wood under heavy rain boots wandering the shop’s floors. This, is the Elliot Bay Book Company.
For a place that sees as much rain as Seattle, 41% of the year, it somehow always feels warm and welcoming when you step foot into Elliot Bay. There’s a beautiful stained glass sailing ship above the entry door and it always manages to catch the light – even on the cloudiest of days.
So what makes this bookstore so different from all the rest?
Elliot Bay first opened their doors in 1973 and have been mastering their craft for an incredible 46 years. It was first opened by Walter and Maggie Carr and remains an independently owned bookstore to this day, having only changed ownership three times in it’s nearly half-century history! However, it’s Elliot Bay’s personal touch, ridiculously incredible title selection, and location and events that sets them apart from all the rest.
Speak [Read] To Me:
As you wander each aisle, you’ll notice slips of paper tucked beneath different titles. The slips are a personalized book review, from people just like you and me. Sure, professional book reviews and synopses are great – but I love the personal touch and approach that Elliot Bay brings with their reviews. Sometimes I’m drawn in by romantic hand lettering, and other times I’m drawn in by the dramatic titles in shadowed capital letters. I love that someone’s personality leaks onto the paper for no other purpose than to share with you why these books are loved.
I love reading another’s thoughts on what it was about a story that moved them or drew them in, because then they don’t feel like a stranger anymore, but an old friend. Call me cheesy, but I love nothing more than a shared connection through a well-loved book. (Which - side story: I took these next two photos two years apart, different titles, different authors - yet the person reviewing each of the books is the same person. I didn’t realize until I was editing these photos that the signature in each photo was the same. So since ‘Justus’ and I clearly have the same taste in books, we’re probably destined to be BFFs if we ever meet.)
Did You Say 150,000 Titles?
Sure did. On top of Elliot Bay’s already ridiculously cool personal approach, they cater to genres that are difficult to find in a conventional bookstore. I love that they have a whole section dedicated to authors of the PNW -
Eastern Philosophy -
THE most badass and interactive Children’s section -
A section dedicated to LGBT (below), and other sections dedicated to romance, graphic novels, travel, cooking, a staff recommended wall, a section dedicated to authors who call The Elliot Bay Book Company home, and so many more.
Location, location, location - and events!
While Elliot Bay’s original location was in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square, they now sit atop the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Capitol Hill alone is worth spending a fun day of rambles – you can pop from a funky bar, to a quirky brewery, the Jimi Hendrix statue, unique art galleries, and some of THE best food Seattle has to offer. Everything about this neighborhood will fuel your creativity, right down to the rainbow painted crosswalks.
If you’re seeking even more inspiration, Elliot Bay’s Author Reading series now hosts 500+ authors per year. They welcome some of the world’s most well-known writers (Haruki Murakami, Isabel Allende), prominent figures (Barack Obama, Bruce Springsteen), and also cater to lesser known or controversial writers. Elliot Bay also hosts a a monthly book group – to which anyone can join, and they offer other exceptional groups that discuss Global Issues, Speculations: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, and an Underground Young Adult book group for our next generation of readers. Both Elliot Bay’s Author Reading series and monthly book groups help to foster creativity and diversity in a city that already celebrates the beauty of being one-of-a-kind.
LET’S CUT TO THE CHASE:
Next time you wander up to the PNW, do yourself a favor and pop in Elliot Bay. Explore new titles with a piping cup of coffee as you relax in one of their comfy arm chairs.. or check it out between bar hops to talk about your favorite authors sans-filters, because slightly buzzed conversations about your favorite books or authors are obviously the best.
No matter what, be sure to always end your day (or night) in Elliot Bay.
Address: 1521 Tenth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98122
Hours: M-Th 10am-10pm || F-Sat: 10am-11pm || Sun: 10am-9pm
Little Oddfellows Coffee Shop, inside Elliot Bay
150,000 unique titles
Monthly Author Reading Series & Book Groups
Located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood
Happy Rambles, and reading!
Leah
