bookstore

Have Fun in June at Kent Nerd Party

Local authors and indie publishers specializing in science fiction, fantasy, and horror will be partying in Kent on June 1. The Kent Nerd Party features a cosplay contest, Lego museum, indoor and outdoor vendors, and more. Small businesses on 1st Ave S and Meeker St will host local makers, artists, authors, and exhibits.  

Among the authors expected is Nathan Crowder, creator of Cobalt City (currently being published by DefCon One). Meet the creators of Offscript, a podcast where the hosts read different books that have been adapted, watch the corresponding movie, and compare the two. Participating Kent businesses include Retro Emporium featuring vintage 80s/90s collectibles and retro themed goods; Page Turner Books offering sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, movies, and more; Big Wu’s Gym hosting SeaLUG; and Sweet Themes Bakery serving sweet, nerd-themed treats!

The fun begins at 2pm on Saturday, June 1, and runs until 7pm. Vendor tables will be located inside and outside vendors on 1st Ave S between W Gowe St and E Titus St. The Kent Nerd Party takes place throughout downtown Kent at participating businesses.  

To learn more, visit www.downtownkentwa.com/event/meeker-street-nerd-party-2/.

Bookstores On The Move in 2024

Where would indie writers and publishers be without indie bookstores? Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association recently announced the following moves and, sadly, one closure.

Tacoma will have a new bookstore in 2024: Grit City Books. Established online in 2023, the owners plan to open at 3116 Sixth Ave in the spring. Find out more about the owners and their plans in Shelf Awareness. PNBA also reported another new Tacoma member, the pop-up bookstore Lucky Duck Book Shop.

In Corvallis, Oregon, Grass Roots Books & Music will be moving to a new location in 2024. Established in 1971, the store offers a wide range of books and free shipping for online orders. Keep an eye on their website for updates at grassrootsbookstore.com.

Longtime Seattle bookstore East West Books & Gifts relocated to Edmonds at the end of 2023. Located at 110 Third Ave. N, East West continues to offer a full array of metaphysical books and related items. Once again, they are hosting a packed events calendar too. According to their website: “Edmonds is such a beautiful town with its welcoming people, making it a fantastic destination to visit. We are beyond grateful to be able to reopen East West in this amazing community!” Find out more at the website, still called eastwestseattle.org.

Also in Edmonds, the Neverending Bookshop closed with a party on December 17. Owner Annie Carl recently edited the anthology Soul Jar featuring 31 disabled authors exploring disability representation through horror, science fiction, and fantasy stories. Carl plans to focus on her writing career in 2024.