Parents, how are you holding up during summer vacation? Local bookstores and libraries are good boredom-busters for people of any age. Here’s a peek at some things independent bookstores in the Pacific Northwest have planned to help everyone enjoy the time away from school routine.
GRASS ROOTS BOOKS & MUSIC (Corvallis, WA): For kids ages 5-12: a summer reading challenge! Stop by the store and pick-up a challenge form. On it you’ll find a list of 10 book genres. Find a book from each of the genres to read or listen to. Return the form to Grass Roots by August 15th with 4 different genres completed and you’ll get a 20% off coupon good towards any one children’s book and a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes. Want more raffle tickets? Keep reading! If you complete 8 different genres you’ll get a second ticket, and if you complete all 10 you’ll get a third!
SNOW GOOSE BOOKSTORE (Stanwood, WA): Did you know this bookstore offers a weekly Tea with the Bard? I would have loved this as a mother-daughter outing in high school. “Join weekly meetings to discuss one act from our chosen play, sometimes listening to selections from professional productions, sometimes trying a little light acting of our own, all while enjoying a nice cup of tea!” The summer play (through August 5) is Coriolanus. Tuesdays at 11:00.
SECRET GARDEN BOOKS (Seattle, WA): This Ballard indie has a monthly drop-in discussion group for young readers (ages 8-12) called the Young Reader’s Society. Contact the store about the month’s selection. Meetings are the third Wednesday of the month at from 5:30- 6:30, and there’s always pizza!
VILLAGE BOOKS (Bellingham, WA): August 4th- 8th, the store runs the day camp Camp Village Books from 1:00- 5:00 pm for kids ages 7-10. It’s limited to just 10 campers, so there’s lots of personal attention and adventure. There are daily themes, field trips, and snacks. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited! Contact the store ASAP to inquire about availability.
QUEEN ANNE BOOK COMPANY (Seattle, WA): In addition to its regular picture-book events for younger kids (in-store storytime the third Sunday of the month at 1:00 pm and its free storytime at neighbor Twirl Cafe the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 am), the store will host an author event with Maureen McQuerry, author of middle grade fantasy Beyond the Door (first in the Time out of Time duet) and young adult fantasy The Peculiars, Thursday July 31 at 7:00 pm.
Find an independent bookstore near your home or vacation destination using the Indie Store Finder. There’s a lot more going on out there this summer!