Parkplace Books: SIt And Read A Spell
Independently-owned Parkplace Books supplies the atmosphere that the larger chains strive for: comfortable surroundings for browsing and reading, allowing a reader to cruise through the shelves to find new treasures, slowly accumulating an armload of textual pleasure.
Parkplace Books is well suited to the book browser. A maze of shelves leads the customer through the well-lit, high-ceilinged store, with plenty of nooks and crannies for curling up and reading along the way. Both new and used books are featured, and the store has a significant amount of photos as well as cards and stationery by local artists.
The store's location, tucked away in a corner of Parkplace Center next to the theater and several restaurants, makes it an easy sidetrip when visiting the Center's other stores, including the QFC. It shares a fountained courtyard with Parkplace Cinema and in the summer the outside space becomes a delightful area for enjoying the sun with a book.
The literature and fiction sections are extensive and eclectic. One perk of visiting the store is the advice of the well-read clerks, who are ready to make expert suggestions for a wide range of readers. If you can't find the book you want, the store is happy to order it for you and can usually get it within a few days.
A significant amount of space is devoted to housing the children's section, which is ample and brightly decorated with art from local children. Plenty of room allows kids to stretch out and enjoy looking at the many lavish picture books. Plenty of programs are provided for younger readers, and the store offers both book fairs and author school visits for local schools.
Established in 1986, the store is well-hooked into the community. If you're interested in starting or joining a bookclub, the staff will provide a handy resource, providing information on starting and operating one and handling ordering the books, which are offered at a discount for bookclub members. One wall of shelves is devoted to the bookclubs using the store, and you can see who's reading what.
Frequent events bring the area's many local authors in for discussions, readings and signings - check the store's website for details. The store drives the local "If all of Kirkland Read the Same Book" program, hosting an evening of discussion each month.
A new JitterBook Café is in the process of being added to the store which will add coffee and pastries as well as free wireless. Expect it to be in operation by early next year.
HelloSeattle Tip: Get Parkplace's Booklover's card and your 13th book is free.
Posted by Cat Rambo
