Our 500-square-foot shop is brimming with more than 10,000 new, used, and out-of-print poetry books, as well as a selection of titles about poetry. You’ll find a broad range of volumes on our shelves. We order from publishers huge, tiny, and in between and carry a wide array of used books to maintain what we hope is a continually varied and interesting stock.

Open Books: A Poem Emporium is located at 2414 N. 45th St. in the lower level of a renovated bungalow in Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood, around seven blocks west of I-5 and five miles north of the city center. We are within easy walking distance of several bus routes, including the 22, 16, and 44, which also takes you to and from the UW lightrail station. On-street parking is usually available in front of the store or nearby.

Our calendar of events features poets from near and far. The readings are free and are held in the bookstore or on rare occasions in a nearby space. You will also find our booktable at the Seattle Arts & Lectures Poetry Series and many Hugo House events.

The bookstore is owned and run by Billie Swift. I look forward to welcoming you to the bookshop, whether it be in person, by phone at (206) 633-0811, or via e-mail at openpoetrybooks[at]gmail.com.

Thank you for your interest!