MADISON BOOKS

Think of any thriving, fun-to-live-in (or visit) community, and chances are good there’s an independent bookstore. Our own Madison Books is proof positive that good things come in small packages. The tiny store is stacked floor to ceiling with a carefully curated selection of books and staffed by knowledgeable and friendly fellow readers. It’s nearly impossible to leave this popular neighborhood shop without finding something that appeals to your reading tastes.

The Back Story: In 2020, Tom Nissley, a Seattle writer and former Jeopardy! champ, opened the store, installing well-known bookseller James Crossley as its manager. Just two years later, Publishers Weeklynamed it one of the five best bookstores in America, noting “At 400 square feet, Seattle’s Madison Books fits in place like a puzzle piece among the tree-shaded businesses of East Madison Street.”

The Sequel: While the neighborhood was sad to see Crossley depart (he moved to St. Louis last year), it has warmly welcomed new owners Sarah Trainer and Christina Leber who bought the store from Nissley and re-opened it in early September after a brief inventory/store reorganization. Like several other Madison Park businesses, Madison Books is a family affair. Sarah and Christina are sisters. The self-described “voracious readers” grew up on Capitol Hill where Sarah attended Holy Names Academy and Christina, Seattle Prep. The two – and their part-time employees – love helping customers select the perfect book or gift – and are happy to gift-wrap your purchases. They also enjoy hosting the monthly Book Club which meets one Thursday a month at 6:30 p.m. at nearby Parlour Wines. Everyone is welcome to attend; you’ll find the next book selection featured in the store window.