Open Books

Oh man, I am delighted to discover this neighborhood gem. The clerk gave me the inside on the Seattle poetry scene and she shared some poets she thoughts I might like since I recently discovered Mary Oliver #late The place is stacked with old and new works and well crafted stanzas are posted on the walls and in the shop display window.
Go have fun.
This is the best place to duck into when you have the whole day to yourself!

Poetry heaven in there.
Friendly staff. Loads of choice. Well kept.
Let’s hope they can stay afloat for many more years.

Warm, welcoming, & witty. The owners of Open Books are accomplished poets themselves and don’t just sell poetry, but write/​breathe/​live/​support it. Washington’s Poet Laureates frequent Open Books and it’s basically the epicenter for poetry in the Pacific Northwest (let alone the western half of the United States).
I’ve picked up volumes spanning from Pablo Neruda to Robert Frost, to local favorites like Robert Sund and ancient masters writing poems about Chinese mountains– all with the assistance of John and Christine.
Not sure what poetry suits you? Ask them, they won’t steer you wrong! Looking for a rare volume? Good chance they’ll have it… and if not, they’ll track it down for you.
Two thumbs up! A Seattle treasure.

Poetry bookstore. Poetry. Bookstore. How could I not?

It warms my heart to know there is one sweet, small gem of a book store in Seattle devoted entirely to poetry in all of its forms. And it’s run by some of the nicest people, who also happen to be poets. So they know their business and will do their best to help you. They carry used books, too. Want poetry? Go here!

«If I read a book and it makes my whole body so cold no fire can warm me, I know that is poetry.» –Emily Dickinson
In business for over seventeen years, Open Books is a narrow little bookstore on a busy street in Wallingford. They sell new and used books of poetry, including some signed and first editions (I was very tempted by a signed copy of Louise Gluck’s first book from 1969). Even though it’s a small space, it feels bright and airy. The white walls are covered with quotations about poetry (like the Emily Dickinson quote above). Benches support extended browsing.
One thing that’s really cool about Open Books is that they sell a variety of beautiful chapbooks. Most of these are by lesser known poets, but there are a few exceptions. As I was looking for a gift for my favorite poet in the world, my sister, the very helpful and friendly owner directed me towards (among other things) a gorgeous chapbook featuring the poem «Prodigy» by Charles Simic. It has drawings by Charles Seluzicki and was published by Portland’s Tavern Books. It’s exactly the sort of special little book you won’t find just anywhere. I might have a hard time parting with it.
Especially if you are a UW student and you haven’t been here yet, walk the few blocks west and check it out. Even if you’re not, this is a bookstore worth driving to (plus, street parking is easy). Open Books is a really unique place, and I guarantee you’ll find something worth reading.

Saw a fantastic reading here last night — such a great space. Wonderful volumes and walked out very happy. Nice people, both owners and customers. Worth a trip!

I have been shopping at Open Books for over ten years! John and Christine are both knowledgeable and helpful and the selection of poetry is dynamite. Every time I walk in I walk out a little happier and with a new poet or idea to think about.
The fact that this little Wallingford shop hosts some of the best readings in town makes it a must-​visit when you come to Seattle. Even if you don’t consider yourself a «poetry person,» I bet you’ll find at least one book to love at Open Books! (And if you are a poetry person — out of print, hard to find books, brand new independent presses are represented, just amazing! It’s like heaven for poetry lovers!)
I am so thankful to have this bookstore in my town.

Love this place! It’s a fun spot to catch readings, or just to peruse the shelves chock full of poetry. I’ve seen some great poets here, and picked up some wonderful books. Tourists, especially poetry-​loving tourists, should stop by and check it out.

Even if you’re not a regular reader of poetry, Open Books is a fascinating place to visit, since it’s one of two all-​poetry bookstores in the country, and a genuine cultural landmark. At one time or another, almost every published poet in America has set foot in Open Books.
The owners, John and Christine, are themselves distinguished poets and they’re always glad to help customers who aren’t quite sure what they’re looking for.
Of course, if you do read or write poetry, Open Books is a mecca. You’ll be able to find virtually any title that’s still in print, and the store carries a small selection of first editions, out-​of-​print books, and other rarities.
The store hosts several poetry readings each month. If you visit the store’s website, you’ll find a detailed calendar of events. Have fun!

I like this little place.
There is always heart– touching poetry in the window.
I am not such a fan of poetry books. i sometimes wonder how they make ends meet, but I am very glad they are still in business and posting poetry.

The only bookstore dedicated to poetry on the West Coast! I don’t know much about poetry, nor was I sure I enjoyed it, but I found more then a few books here that got me interested. My friend, a poetry enthusiast, seemed excited by the selection– apparently, a lot of hard to find poets were available here. I think he nearly plotzed. The store owners were very friendly and helpful. Definitely coming back!

Awesome selection. I know nearly nothing about poetry, but living nearby thought I’d stop in. I ended up getting a collection of poetry by Borges, one of my favs. Very friendly folks. I also registered to vote while I was here (just moved to the county)! They went out of their way to help me out.
Will definitely be returning here for all of my poetry needs.

Honored to write the first review for Open Books!
Your poetry only bookstore, which is one of the two poetry only bookstore in all of United States.
I happened upon this tiny bookstore because two of the poetry classes I took at UW (beginning verse and contemporary poetry) suggested that we buy the poetry books from here (to support neat local independent bookstores) and to check out other poetry books. I went in and there was an older couple (the amiable owners) and they were just so friendly and warm. I told them I was there to pick up books for my poetry classes and they got the books right out and I bought them right then. I looked around, it is a very small place, with white walls decorated with lines from poems and each shelf is filled with so many books and it is really a poet’s utopia. All the poems you want! Even the air is thick with poetry, you could even eat it if you wanted (nod to Strand) =))
Anyway, if I were still living in Seattle, I would definitely buy most of my poetry books from here.
——
Edit: It’s not closed!

The bookstore is closed.*
The poems have slipped out
The poems have escaped
All the pages are blank
Until the morning
When the poems tuck themselves back in
For another day’s work.
—
* I do not mean that this business is literally permanently closed. This line is merely my poetic imagery.