From the Tacoma Ledger article “Books, Plants, Records and More: Parable Tacoma” by Rosie Mendoza Bautista Sept. 2021:
Parable is a new bookstore within the Tacoma community. It sells new and used books alongside plants, records, clothing/accessories and local artisan goods. It is family-owned, community-owned, LGBTQ+, black-owned and woman-owned. Co-owner, LaKecia Farmer spoke to the Ledger about Parable coming to fruition with their family amidst the overturn and changes in 2020.
“We always wanted to start a business together, we have the entrepreneurial spirit. I was walking in our neighborhood and saw an empty space and we all dreamed of what it could be used for. We thought of multiple generations – from new parents reading to their toddlers to elders sipping tea – enjoying our space. So we started fundraising at the end of the year,” they said. . .
From the store’s website:
. . . And so there we were- we planted the seeds for a community space that could offer events and products that affirm the members of our diverse neighborhood in the Mckinley Hill area and beyond. And with many hands and offerings and waterings, we rose to the occasion and are continuing to grow. By holding fundraisers, collecting books, selling at markets and online, we raised enough funds to renovate our current location and officially opened our doors on August 21st, 2021.
We are family-owned, community-owned, lgbtq-owned, Black-owned, woman-owned. Our family has Southern roots and through various migrations, we ended up in the Pacific Northwest. Parable is co-owned by three family members who are cousins and sisters.
Publisher’s Weekly recently featured the store as well.
Congratulations to Parable! We’re so happy that you’re a part of the Northwest bookloving community!
ADDRESS & HOURS:
3502 McKinley Ave Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98404
M, W 11am- 5pm F, Sat, Sun 11am- 7pm (closed Tu & Th)
CONTACT:
Website: parabletacoma.com
On Bookshop: bookshop.org/shop/parable
Email: [email protected]
Number: (253) 220-7393
Social Media Handles: @parabletacoma
DONATE:
Venmo: @parable