Book Club

An Ode to Seattle's Independent Bookstores

The setting of our next book club pick, Storybook Ending, might look familiar to Seattle book lovers.

10/15/2025 By Moira Macdonald

Underdog Neighborhoods

The Case for Fremont as Seattle’s Art Center

Bookstore owner Charlie Hunts loves his “hella gay” neighborhood.

04/15/2025 By Charlie Hunts and Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Child’s Play

25 Things to Do with Kids in 2025

The best places to climb, ride, laze, fly, and have fun in Seattle right now.

04/09/2025 By Naomi Tomky and Seattle Met Staff Illustrations by James Clapham

Local Letters

A Big Seattle Reading List

An alphabetized list of books—recent releases, stone-cold classics—from Washingtonians past and present.

02/18/2025 By Stefan Milne and Seattle Met Staff

tome travels

Best Bookstores to Visit on a Washington Road Trip

Why go anywhere without a good place to stock up on books?

01/10/2025 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach and Allison Williams

Destination Dossier

What You Need to Know about a Trip to Bellingham

Seattle’s northern cousin makes a name for itself as a quirky outdoor haven.

08/26/2024 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Merch Table

Seattleites Share Their Favorite Local Swag

How we wear our hearts on our sleeves.

08/16/2024 By Zoe Sayler

Controversies

The Story Behind the Local Children’s Book That Was Banned—or Was It?

A local influencer went viral saying his children's book was banned. Some people aren't so sure.

08/01/2024 By Haley Shapley

Destination Dossier

Everything You Need to Know About a Visit to Hood River

A breezy look at one windy Oregon town.

06/05/2024 By Allison Williams Illustrations by Chantal Bennett

Repeat Giver

Holiday Shopping Made Easy: Gifts That Keep on Giving

The best subscriptions and memberships for Seattleites.

11/09/2023 By Seattle Met Staff

Book Lust

Nancy Pearl Shares Her Favorite Seattle Spots

Our superstar librarian dishes on the joy of the Lake City Fred Meyer, the evolution of the Burke-Gilman Trail, and her favorite place to read.

10/25/2023 By Eric Nusbaum

BOOKISH

Outfitting a Rory Gilmore Fall

Autumn means books, candles, and lots of coffee.

10/28/2022 By Spencer Brown

Buy the Book

A Guide to Seattle’s Independent Bookstores

Where to buy literature in a City of Literature.

10/19/2022 By Stefan Milne With Sophie Grossman

Bookworm

Blue Kettle Books Brings the Indie Bookstore to New Terrain

Monica LeMoine has long been a teacher—now she can add business owner and bus driver to her resume too.

06/24/2022 By Taylor McKenzie Gerlach

Bay Watch

New Elliott Bay Book Company Owners Hope to Carry on the Legacy

Yes, your punch cards will still be accepted.

06/10/2022 By Ann Karneus

Opening Dispatch

The New Chuck's Hop Shop Is Here...and It Has Bagels

Seward Park is now home to a new kind of Chuck's. One that balances beer with bagels and noshes from Muriel's All Day Eats.

01/24/2022 By Allecia Vermillion

Literary Gates-Keeping

Here’s What Bill Gates Thinks You Should Read This Year

The Microsoft founder's selected reads reflect a predictable thematic overtone.

11/22/2021 By Sophie Grossman

Oeno Files

Newcomer Drink Books Is a Hybrid Bottle Shop and Bookstore

Forget cheese plates. This newcomer on Phinney Ridge pairs natural wine with memorable fiction.

11/11/2021 By Allecia Vermillion

Buy the Book

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day Is Back for 2021

The local seller celebration retains its book passport but is now both virtual and IRL, and runs for 10 days.

04/23/2021 By Stefan Milne

Longtime Reader

University Bookstore Turns the Page on Its 120th Year

Tired of trekking downtown to get their textbooks, two students opened a campus bookstore in 1900, and it’s still going strong today.

01/10/2020 By Nicole Pasia