Since opening in Shoreline, Wash., this spring, Ridgecrest Books has been finding its footing and getting to know its community, the Seattle Times reported.
Co-owners Becky Merilatt and Kevin Roberts officially opened the bookstore in April. Located at 512 NE 165th St., Ridgecrest Books carries a variety of new and used titles for readers of all ages, alongside puzzles, journals, and other nonbook items. Its event offerings include a monthly book club, children's storytime sessions, and author readings. The shelves have been designed so that almost everything is at eye level, and in the store's children's section, the floor is higher to make sure kids can see things at eye level, too.
Both co-owners have prior experience in bookselling. Merilatt has worked at Elliott Bay Book Company as well as at Secret Garden Books, where Roberts also worked. Roberts told the Times: "When Becky told me she's always dreamed of opening up a bookshop, the time was right and the location was right and we decided to go for it."
Merilatt described the store as residing in a "pocket" of local businesses within a "very residential area." While not many people outside of the area know about it, the "neighborhood is so supportive of its businesses."
So far, the children's section and the science fiction section have done very well, which was expected; the owners have been pleasantly surprised with how well translated fiction and small press titles have done. Standout titles include Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reum, Ocean's Godori by Elaine U. Cho, and There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib.