Seattle Libri

Photo from here.

Seattle is a bit of a Mecca for nerdy readers.  It's nothing compared to New Yorks' library, or even the libraries of England, France or Italy, or the traders of Timbuktu (used to be one of the best cities to seek old and rare manuscripts).  But for those who love a good book store or a lovely library to curl up in and spend a few hours reading, Seattle is a small but happy home.

There's a couple of reasons for this, but most notably, Seattleites almost inherent hatred for big-box stores and love for Ma-and-pop shops.  Seattle may be the home of Amazon and Costco and Kirkland, but the book stores that thrive there are Elliot Bay Book Company, Inner Chapter books, Twice Told Tales, and anything else around the corner that doesn't have a big-store-name.

Seattleites inherent dislike of bog-box names is so strong, while I was at SCCC, the student government discussed trying to remove the school book store from the patronage of Barnes and Nobel.  And I can't remember a single class where a professor didn't say something along the lines of "consider checking out Elliot Bay Book Company for this book...support your local shop."  It was refreshing, frankly.

So, for the nerds out there thinking of nerding it up on their trip to Seattle, I suggest a couple of destinations.

1. Seattle Public Library, Down Town location: located along 4th and Madison/Spring St, this impressive example of contemporary architecture is as much fun to navigate as it is to patronize (you read me).  To be frank, there are two main reasons to come here; 1. the presentations (there's always a free book reading or free dance show) and 2. trying to figure out how to get to the 6th floor (there are 7 floors but the last floor is reserved for library staff).  You'll want to take your time trying to WALK up to the 6th floor.  Be sure to get off at the 4th and 5th floors and walk around to see how the floor plan changes over just a few feet.  For those who can compare it, it's a little bit like being in the Winchester Mansion.

2. West Seattle's Public Library: make sure you go to the one near Alki beach (address 2306 42nd Avenue SW), the building used to be a Carnegie building, and is a great example of early 1900's architecture.  the selection isn't so good, but the architecture is pretty good.

3. Elliot Bay Book Company: located on capitol hill along Pike St (ask anyone walking in the area, they'll know where it is) it's not very interesting or imposing on the outside.  Once inside, however, it's almost enlightening.  The wood floors are almost art in and of themselves, but the stained glass just adds to the je ne se qua of the building.  The selection is great, the magazine section is almost a book store in and of itself, and the prices are pretty good; they tend to be more affordable than Barnes and Nobel. 

If you do go, take the time to check out the odd fellows cafe next door.  Try to make it for "happy hour" or brunch. 

4. Inner Chapter books: A new and used book store, the ambiance in and of itself is pretty fun; if you remember the chic-90's vibe, it's a cross between that and current Seattle hipster.  But you can't beat the prices and the espresso rocks.  Whatever you do, make sure you skip the open mic (it used to have)...

5. ask a Seattleite: I'm rusty on my bookstores.  It's been a full 6 months since I moved back to CA.  I can't recall all of the awesome book stores throughout the city (including one along 1st Ave and close to Seneca), but if you ask a Seattleite, they'll be happy to point you towards a good one.


Don't forget Seattle Rules.

Rule #1: DO NOT read a twilight book in Seattle.  The Twilight saga is a divisive issue among Seattleites who care.  They either love it (because it has to do with Washington) or hate it (because it's a terrible series).  Either way, play it safe and don't read this in public.  Keep it to yourself.

Rule #2: Do mute your cell.  There's nothing more irritating than trying to read a book in a book store or an area dedicated to reading, and having to deal with the schmuck with a inferiority complex who needs ton constantly feed his ego with unnecessary phone calls (or schumuck-ett).