BIZNOTE: Paper Boat Booksellers finds a home for their West Seattle bookstore

You might have met the West Seattleites behind Paper Boat Booksellers during their Independent Booksellers Day pop-up at Alair last month. Now they’ve found a home of their own! Tipsters pointed out (thank you!) the sign that’s now up at the ex-Experimac storefront in north Morgan Junction (6040 California SW), and co-proprietor Desirae Judy confirms to WSB that she and husband/business partner Eric Judy have signed a lease. In an earlier exchange, when they were still space-hunting, they told us, “We are book lovers and believe that an independent bookstore can thrive in our community – it is not only a place to indulge in the love of reading, but also a place to meet your neighbors and share your love of books. We envision our bookstore as a true community meeting space!” They will start buildout soon and have bookshelves on order, with the hopes of opening Paper Boat Booksellers sometime this summer.

Susan May 9, 2019 (12:56 pm)

I am so thrilled to hear this news! West Seattle absolutely needs an independent bookstore. All the best to Eric and Desirae on their store. I’ll be there often!

Holly May 9, 2019 (2:13 pm)

This is such great news! My daughter the avid book lover, will be thrilled!!

Marcel Jones May 9, 2019 (2:39 pm)

Congrats happy for you both

West Seattle Coworking May 9, 2019 (2:58 pm)

We could have not asked for a better neighbor! I am sure our members will buy a book or two (or three). Let us know if we can help.

momof3boys May 9, 2019 (3:01 pm)

Terrific – Welcome to the neighborhood!!

Q May 9, 2019 (3:54 pm)

Hopefully they fare better than square one..

WSB May 9, 2019 (7:47 pm)

It’s been almost nine years since Square One closed, after 20+ years in business.
https://westseattleblog.com/2010/09/west-seattle-businesses-square-one-books-permanently-closed/
- Q May 10, 2019 (9:35 am)
  
  Yes, and they weren’t able to make a go of selling books in this area after that long.
  - jamie May 10, 2019 (6:06 pm)
    
    20 years sounds like a pretty good go to me.

LKT May 9, 2019 (4:29 pm)

What great news!

SH May 9, 2019 (4:56 pm)

That’s wonderful!!!! I’m so excited!!

LC May 9, 2019 (5:48 pm)

Yeehaw! So excited for this, Des and Eric!

Al WS May 9, 2019 (5:50 pm)

I’m confused… their website says “Independent bookstores are thriving in communities around the country and we think West Seattle needs its own! “.Pegasus is awesome. Why is there no mention of this?

Susan May 9, 2019 (7:33 pm)

I think because Pegasus is first and foremost a used bookstore. I LOVE Pegasus, and go there often, but it lacks a consistent supply of new and popular titles. It sounds to me like Paper Boat will fill the niche we lost a decade ago when Square One Books closed in Jefferson Square, and more recently, by the closure of B&N (but in a much more community-friendly manner). I believe there is room for both bookstores to thrive.