Seattle bookstores 101: Where are the best bookstores in Ravenna/Green Lake/ University District?

July 23, 11:51 AMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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It's no secret that Seattle has a lot of bookstores, after all we're the most literate city in America (well, we tied with Minneapolis).  The question remains though, where are the best bookstores in Seattle?  Each week through the end of September, I'll reveal the best bookstores in Seattle's unique neighborhoods.

Best Bookstores in Ravenna/ Green Lake/ University District Neighborhoods

Mockingbird Books:  Located in the Green Lake neighborhood and a block up from the lake in the Great Hall at the Green Lake building, Mockingbird Books is devoted to carrying children's and young adult literature and is dedicated to fostering a love of reading to all youth.  Their staff certainly knows their collection and can help guide young readers to both popular and classic titles.  Occasionally they host a reading and signing by a notable children's book author.  A cafe, called Finch, is located in the store and serves light snacks and kid-friendly food.  Mockingbird Books is located at 7220 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115  (206.518.5886).  They are open Mondays- Saturdays 9 a.m to 7 p.m Sundays noon to 5 p.m.

Ravenna Third Place Books:  The sister store to Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, this new and used bookstore is only about five minutes from the University of Washington and as close to heaven as one can get without leaving the Earth.  The 4000 square foot store serves as the community's "third place" and features the Honey Bear Cafe and the Pub at Third Place (how many other bookstores have bars?).  On weekends they have live music.  They  do have a selection of unique gifts and cards and offers free gift wrapping.  If you're looking to make space on your bookshelves and earn a few bucks, the store does buy books back for up to 50% in store credit.  Ravenna Third Place Books is located at 6504 20th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115 (206.525.2347).  Their hours are Mondays-Saturdays 8 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. -6 p.m.)

Twice Sold Tales: This local used bookstore chain is one of the best in the area.  Each location has it's own personality and plenty of cats.  The store in the University District feels like your grandmother's basement and carries almost every genre imaginable, most notably books by the Beat writers.  They do not accept returns, so make sure you absolutely need and love the book before you walk out the door.  On that note, if you want to sell your books you need to make an appointment first.  They always accept trades.  The best deals here are often on the discount book trucks and new arrivals shelves.  They do accept credit cards.  Twice Sold Tales is located at 4501 University Way NE, Seattle, WA  (206.545.4226).  Their hours are Mondays-Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

University Bookstore:  This small chain is more than just a college bookstore with textbooks and sweatshirts.  University Bookstore boasts a great collection of used and new books, gifts, cards, and friendly staff.  They also have enough free author  talks, readings, and lectures to make other bookstores jealous.  This is the kind of bookstore that will make you question why you ever shopped at Borders in the first place.  University Bookstore is located at 4326 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (206.634.3400).  Their hours are: Mondays – Fridays 9 a.m.-8p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

Next week:  Bookstores downtown and in Pioneer Square.