For years, I drove past Open Books, Seattle’s only poem emporium. I read some poetry, but I didn’t think I read enough poetry to bother visiting a bookstore that only sold poetry. Then I finally visited it during my first Independent Bookstore Day. I was amazed how many interesting books I found there. I still don’t visit often, but I never leave empty handed when I do.
The continued existence of independent bookstores is precarious at the best of times. As one of the few specialty bookstores left in our city, I especially worry about Open Books during the pandemic. I hope Open Books stays open.
