Seattle's First Queer Bookstore in 20 Years: From Market Cart to Community Sanctuary
Charlie’s Queer Books is an independent bookstore, dedicated to championing LGBTQ+ voices and creating an inclusive space for everyone.
When we heard about Charlie's Queer Books, Seattle's first queer-focused bookstore in two decades, we knew we had to visit and check it out. Since opening in late 2023 in Fremont's arts district, this charming purple cottage has filled a vital gap in Seattle's literary landscape while perfectly fitting into the neighborhood's eclectic, book-loving vibe. Charlie’s commitment to community and representation is clear.
What Makes This Small-Business Special?
From curated literature to fun events, Charlie's stands out for several reasons. Here are a few:
Curated queer literature for all ages
The store is made up of LGBTQ+ books across genres and age groups. You’ll find everything from classic contemporary queer fiction to memoirs, children’s picture books, cookbooks and more. The romance section is thoughtfully organized by queer identity flags and there’s a children’s corner for family-friendly stories.
“We’ve seen grownups cry in our children’s book nook. Seeing stories that you wish you had as a kid brings up emotions from healing to hope that future generations will see more ways of being in the world”
events
Charlie’s regularly hosts book clubs, author events, and workshops, using its cozy upstairs reading nook that doubles up as a meeting space. The calendar is packed with fun, queer events like writing clubs, panels and more.
Unique atmosphere and merch
Housed in a charming converted cottage, Charlie's feels more like visiting a friend's home than a traditional shop. Visitors rave about the store's bright, pink and white interior across multiple floors, with books displayed throughout the house's cozy rooms. The real gem is the upstairs reading nook - a quiet sanctuary with skylights and comfortable seating designed specifically for people to curl up with a book, read in peaceful silence, and simply feel safe. This intimate space perfectly captures what makes Charlie's special: it's not just about buying books, it's about creating a place where people can relax and enjoy
The whimsical decor throughout the house adds to the welcoming atmosphere, with the store's bear mascot appearing on much of the merchandise. Beyond books, Charlie's offers pronoun pins, postcards, games, candles, and other keepsakes to remember your visit to this one-of-a-kind literary home.
Community Impact and Giving Back
Charlie's goes beyond being just a bookstore by actively supporting local organizations. Their upcoming Pride events include exclusive merchandise sales that raise money for the Seattle LGBTQ Center, demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the neighborhood that supports them.
Ask The Founder
We sat down with Charlie to learn more about the inspiration behind Seattle's literary gem, the challenges of opening an independent bookstore, and what the future of Charlie’s looks like.
What inspired you to open the store and when did you know it was something you wanted to do?
"The LGBTQ+ and particularly the trans community are in the midst of a barrage of attacks from state legislation to book bans. The ACLU is tracking about 600 anti-LGBTQ bills in the 2025 legislative session alone. It's no coincidence that we're also seeing nearly as many book bans as the Red Scare era of the 1950s, with half of these targeting LGBTQ+ authors and themes. I had worked in publishing and journalism earlier in my career, and this felt like a way I could contribute to my community."
What were the early days like when getting the store off the ground?
"We began as a disco-tiled book cart that we took to different markets and events across Seattle to see if there was interest in the idea. We had such a great response! We were hoping to land in Fremont, and found this lovely house on 36th that's now our home."
How do you want people to feel when they walk into the store?
"The most important thing we want to deliver is making people feel safe and reflected on the shelves. The beauty of a store like this is that we have more room to reflect intersectionality and nuance. Our book selection needs to reflect the community we serve. Since opening in 2023, we've more than doubled our titles. We love learning more about what's out there with our customers. It feels like this store is as much theirs as ours."
Are you planning anything special for Pride this year?
"This year, we're expanding our Queer Book Fair to two days! We're kicking off day 1 with artists, authors, zines, music, book-themed flash tattoos from Sorry Sorry Tattoo and a beer and wine garden. Then Sunday, June 15 is all about younger readers. Featuring two drag story times, face painting, parent Q&A panels, crafts, and exclusive merch raising money for the Seattle LGBTQ Center! All the details can be found at charliesqueerbooks.com."
Are there any memorable customer moments over the years that have stuck with you?
"We've been honored to see proposals and weddings at the shop! It means so much to us that our space can play a part in their lives. Day to day, we've seen grownups cry in our children's book nook. Seeing stories that you wish you had as a kid brings up emotions from healing to hope that future generations will see more ways of being in the world.”
Plan Your Visit
Charlie's Queer Books is located on 36th Street in Fremont's arts district. The purple cottage is easily accessible by bus, with street parking typically available nearby. Weekday afternoons are perfect for quiet browsing, while weekends offer events and community buzz. Check their calendar online for author readings and book clubs.
We think Charlie's is one of Seattle's most cherished gems and urge you to go see it for yourself. As Seattle's first queer-focused bookstore in two decades, you'll find a carefully curated selection that celebrates the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ voices, plus unique merchandise like pronoun pins and locally-made items. The upstairs reading nook with its skylights and vintage chairs is perfect for settling in with a new book.
Follow them on Instagram and visit charliesqueerbooks.com for events, new arrivals, and details on their annual Queer Book Fair.
Pro Tip: Ask staff for personalized recommendations - their expertise in queer literature across all genres is unmatched!
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