To call the Elliott Bay Book Company a shop is an understatement; it is a palace, the Garden of Eden for Seattle's book lovers. And it was a dream job for current manager, bookseller, and head of the extensive Queer section A.J. Robles.
"It's both a really amazing place to be as a customer and as a staffer," Robles told me as they took me through the amazingly thorough LGBTQ+ section. Massive bookshelves jut out from a wall in the center of the store, showcasing everything from theory to novels.
Robles makes sure to stock the display with new and timeless LGBTQ literature for all customers, from Picking Up Speed to Devotions, the latter having been a bestseller for the last two months. The store has also seen an explosion of interest in Audre Lorde and her theory on race and sexuality.
Even before working there, Robles thought of Elliott Bay as the cultural center of the block. "I frequented the section that I now get to design," Robles said — a true fairytale story, like one that could be found on any shelf in the store.
Elliott Bay is proud of its history with the LGBTQ community. Many staffers are Queer, and store owner Peter Aaron has been an ally and advocate for many years, even before the book emporium moved to Capitol Hill in 2010. "Peter came out in favor of marriage equality long before we legalized it as a state," Robles informed me.
The store has also always been big on stocking Queer stories. "We feature Queer books and Queer authors all year round," Robles said, pointing out that for Pride Month, the store is focusing its window display on Trans stories and authors: it's eye-catching, filled with a gradient of colors and patterns, and heavily features the linguistic art of BIPOC Queer and Trans authors.
"You're definitely getting an experience that is curated by other Queer people, and we are very mindful of our presence in the neighborhood."
While Elliott Bay may be the largest independent bookstore in Seattle, Robles wanted to let me know that they all have heart and character, and supporting independent bookstores, in a way, is supporting Seattle. "All of our indies have such different and wonderful things to offer. We have a very connected relationship with all the other bookstores in Seattle."
When asked what makes Elliott Bay Book Company special, Robles told me it was the community.
"Location is not everything, but it is not insignificant," Robles said. "We are lucky to be in such a beautiful spot in such a beautiful neighborhood." The culture of Capitol Hill has definitely influenced Elliott Bay, with its tall shelves full of diverse authors and stories. "It is this beacon in Capitol Hill."
Community also finds its place at Elliott Bay in the book clubs frequent the store, and readers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome to peruse the shelves.
Whatever type of book it is you're looking for, it can be found at Elliott Bay, and if Queer literature is wat you want, prepare to get lost in a maze of gorgeous displays prepared by Robles, the book lover whose dreams came true.
If you're in the Capitol Hill area, a stop at Elliott Bay Book Company will surely brighten your day!
Elliott Bay Book Company is at 1521 10th Ave., between Pike and Pine, on Capitol Hill. More information can be found at www.elliottbaybook.com.