University Book Store is not just for students

March 9, 11:20 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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Image from University Book Store

The city of Mill Creek, located about 20 miles north/northeast of downtown Seattle, boasts a number of specialty stores for knitting and pets.  Among the grocery stores, nail salons, and Mexican restaurants, stands what could very well be the best bookstore north of King County.

While the town of Mill Creek has very few bookstores, the University Book Store (also with locations in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Bothell) certainly makes up for the shortage by selling both new and used books.  The store doesn't just cater to the college crowd.  Sure, you can find textbooks and purple sweatshirts, but there is also a children's department, cafe (with a fireplace), and gift selection that would make Borders or Barnes and Noble green with envy.

I popped into the store on a Tuesday night for some board books to give as a gift  and was blown away by the merchandise in the store.  The store even has it's own art supply section which saved me a trip to an art store.  If you need a last minute gift for a baby or bridal shower, birthday, or any other occasion, it's worth checking out what the store has to offer.  In addition to a new Neil Gaiman or Jodi Picoult novel you would walk out of the store with an ipod, bath and shower gel, a pretty tote bag or scarf.  Forget about buying the gift wrap, the store will wrap it for free.

University Book Store also has a number of events.  Within the next few weeks Susan Patron (March 11th) and Jodi Picoult (March 23rd) will both make appearances at the store to read from and sign their new books.  I might just have to make the trek north to see Jodi Picoult.  Not bad for a small town bookstore.