Earlier this week I had such a great afternoon I knew I had to share it with all my readers AND tell you to stop reading and head to your local university. OK, don’t get in the car but at least google their bookstore. Why? Because, it could turn out to be the kind of place you escape to and not the stodgy, textbook filled tomb of your college days. I’m aging myself right now but when I was going to college (all three times) the bookstore was a ‘text’ book store. Yes, you could get school themed sweatpants and enough Skittles to make a meal but any kind of reading beyond Norton’s Anthology (still have mine) or Gray’s Anatomy (which is a real book, not just a TV show- who knew?) was hard to come by.
So, it was with embarrassment and delight that I was shown around the wonderland that is the University of Washington bookstore—three stories that have the look and feel of a department store or a high end boutique plus they have oodles of books! There are iPad accessories, bags, glassware, perfume, jewelry, fun book accessories, and a cafe. They even have a blog, The Shelf Life, so you can stay up-to-date on bookish news and events. There are all the necessities for an education but they are beautifully mixed in with the luxuries that can make college living special, like candles, decorative art, and Moleskine notebooks (makes me want to stop typing right now and go back to writing by hand).
If that’s not enough, how about a Clinique make-up counter?!
A Clinique counter?! Who loves make-up and skincare more than young women?
Don’t get me wrong, the University Book Store is one stop shopping for almost anyone who shops but, just as importantly, it is a full service bookstore with all the amenities booklovers look for: online shopping, free shipping for orders over $20, book buy-back, free parking with purchase, and new and used books (so you can save money and buy more books!). They have the largest children’s department in the area. The extra bit, the intangible that will make you go back again and again is the creative spirit behind the business. Everyone I met (and not just when I was with a manager) genuinely seemed to love both books and their job. This is a display of Valentine’s Day books. It’s a blind date—all the books are wrapped in fun paper covered with a brief description of the book itself. I’m pretty certain these are more fun and interesting than any of the blind dates I ever went on.
Image courtesy of University Book Store
I’m getting gushy so I’ll stop. University Book Store is a prime example of an independent bookstore done right. I’ve worked for a corporate bookstore and as a book freak I can tell you that knowledge of or interest in books is not a requirement. In fact, by and large, it works against you as you stand behind a register for hours and do nothing more than take people’s money. It makes you sad and this bookstore makes me nothing but happy.
Check out their video, which kind of sums up the mindset of the store. This is what independent bookstores are about. If you can find one in your community (try your local colleges/universities!), support it. Please.
Tanya says
February 14, 2014 at 2:34 amUniversity Of Washington bookstore used to be one of my highlights of visiting Seattle. Alas, now i live too far away. But a Clinique counter? That is too much! Not really all that bookish and if i recall correctly when i was in uni i couldn’t afford Clinique!
Catherine says
February 14, 2014 at 5:35 pmMaybe so, Tanya, but young women today are different- more money from Mom and Dad maybe? And it was set up nicely in its own space away from the book section. For me, it worked.
Shannon @ River City Reading says
February 14, 2014 at 4:25 amAww this makes me really happy. I love the covers of those blind date with a books. Barnes and Noble took over control of the university book store in my city not long ago (grumble, grumble), but we still have some great indies for me to love.
Catherine says
February 14, 2014 at 5:34 pmSorry about B&N but I have heard good things about your indie scene. I have to say, this store was so fun and exhilarating it made me think about working there (something I swore I’d never do after just 3 months at B&N).
Jenny @ Reading the End says
February 14, 2014 at 5:00 amWhat a lovely post! I’m glad you have such an awesome bookstore in town. I stopped by a university bookstore recently and found the selection of non-textbook books disappointing. 🙁 A good bookstore is hard to find!
Catherine says
February 14, 2014 at 5:32 pmIt’s one of the great things about Seattle- these people believe in books!
Jennine G. says
February 14, 2014 at 8:27 amWow – my college bookstore had a variety of things and books (it’s where I discovered Wally Lamb’s books), but not so done up as this! Very cool!
Catherine says
February 14, 2014 at 5:32 pmI wish my bookstore had even have of this stuff but as a small Jesuit school we didn’t have many options.
Cynthia Robertson says
February 14, 2014 at 12:14 pmWhat a fun book store, Catherine, I admire the entrepreneurial spirit behind all that innovation – changing with the times is how to stay in business. Here in Arizona there’s a bookstore called Changing Hands. It’s not a university bookstore, but it hosts lectures by professors from nearby U of A and always has something wonderful going on, plus, a café, and loads of gifts.
Catherine says
February 14, 2014 at 5:31 pmSome people think they shouldn’t venture out of book territory but in this case it is such an inviting place. I’m already planning my next visit!
Ann Walters says
February 15, 2014 at 8:41 amI just visited University Book Store while in Seattle for ABA’s Winter Institute. What a treat! We booksellers spent the day touring independent bookstores all over Seattle, and they were all wonderful — but I particularly enjoyed University Book Store. Can’t wait to implement some of their wonderful ideas! (Although our little store does not have room for a makeup counter . . .)
You have a wonderful blog!
Catherine says
February 15, 2014 at 10:16 amThank you so much for stopping by! It is a fun and inviting store!
Sue Mecklem says
February 16, 2014 at 11:02 amI had no idea the UW bookstore was so nest! You had me at the Moleskine counter, and the blind book idea is great. And I think a Clinique counter works well- maybe it helps them make a profit. And professors benefit, too, not just students. Next timr I’m up there this is on my list!
Katie @ Words For Worms says
February 18, 2014 at 10:27 amIt’s been a while since I’ve been in my alma mater’s bookstore, but I’m pretty confident it isn’t THIS COOL. Love love love the blind date books!
Catherine says
February 18, 2014 at 2:45 pmIsn’t that crazy clever?! And much less likely to be a disaster than a real blind date (don’t get me started).