As we move through January, I am assembling a stack of books I want to read over the next 12 months. Reading resolutions or challenges are common, but they’re often difficult to complete successfully without some form of inspiration and accountability. In the digital age, we are inundated with information and digital distractions making it hard to focus on — let alone complete — a book from cover to cover.
Goodreads, LibraryThing and Storygraph are great online tools for finding new books and cataloging your reads online. However, an even better resource for literary encouragement is your local bookstore owner. Luckily independent bookstores are on the rise: AP News reported that membership in the American Booksellers Association was up to 2,433 in 2023, a number that has doubled since 2016.
In Skagit County, multiple small local bookstores have cropped up or changed to new ownership in recent years. Although small in square footage, they offer a big presence in terms of advocating for reading in the community.
Book Shucker
Book Shucker in Edison is just under 2 years old. It occupies a small corner of town along the slough, and customers are greeted by their proudly displayed oyster mascot.
Michelle Gale co-owns Book Shucker with her husband, Tim, and together they also run Raspberry Bow Press, a small press specializing in cookbooks.
“As a longtime book editor and more recently a publisher, owning a bookstore felt like another exciting direction in my bookish career,” Michelle said. “Plus, every town needs an indie bookstore, including Edison.”
The couple selects every book on their shelves, so they are “well-equipped to spend time talking to customers who we can then recommend books to,” Gale continued. “I’ve been talking a lot with people about how many and what books we read in 2024, and I think it’s inspiring us for the new year. We also carry a reading journal, which I might start using myself.”
Book Shucker even hosts an every-other-month book club at Terramar Brewstillery. Their next meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, and they’ll be reading “I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness” by Claire Vaye Watkins. They are also hosting a school book fair at the local elementary, and last year they offered a few silent reading parties at the nearby Bow Sanctuary.
Watermark Book Company
Watermark Book Company opened in 1989, though owner Brandy Bowen bought it in 2018 when the original owners were ready to retire. She didn’t want to see her community lose their bookshop: “I believe bookshops are an integral piece of a community,” Bowen added.
Watermark hosts several events throughout the year and has a newly added Watermark Writing Company, which offers “reading, editing and coaching services to our local writers.” The store posts a monthly “What the staff is reading” page on its website with a variety of detailed recommendations.
“We try to meet our customers right where they are in their book journeys and to comfort them in their book selections,” Bowen continued. “Some customers feel guilty for reading cozy mysteries or for reading spicy romances. We assure them that they are safe with us and that they are free and welcome to love the books that they love.”
Seaport Books
Seaport Books in La Conner opened in April 2017. Located along the channel boardwalk, Seaport has a varied collection of books with a focus on Pacific Northwest subjects and authors.
Owners Marion Melville and Janna Gage felt “La Conner needed a good, new bookstore.” Seaport also offers a book discussion group, author events and they provide books for events in the valley.
Do you want to join Skagit County’s cadre of smart, small bookstore owners? You should know that Seaport Books is for sale. Melville and Gage are retiring and interested in finding the “best possible match.”
Other spots to buy books in Skagit County
Pelican Bay Books and Coffeehouse in Anacortes, Easton’s in Mount Vernon and Encore Books in west Mount Vernon are great places to scour for used books. Even area shops like Perry and Carlson, Go Outside and Primrose Gifts & Antiques at Christianson’s Nursery carry a unique collection of special interest books.
With La Conner, Sedro-Woolley and Mount Vernon boasting beautiful new libraries as well, books and book lovers abound in Skagit County. As we enter the heart of winter, consider putting down the phone and picking up a good book. Small bookstores have something for everyone — and they offer so much more.
Jessica Gigot is a poet and writing coach. She lives on a little sheep farm in the Skagit Valley. See her work at jessicagigot.com.
