Auntie’s Bookstore: a Spokane bibliophile’s treasure
(Photo/Facebook)
While cleaning out my email box this morning – a process that seems to get more burdensome every day – I came across an interesting article.
It was on the website archdigest.com, the online version of the magazine Architectural Digest, which describes itself as an online source for stories on “the interior design and architecture worlds, new shops and products, travel destinations, art and cultural events, celebrity style, and high-end real estate” … and so on.
The article that caught my eye was titled “Inside the World’s Most Beloved Independent Bookstores.” And what it was, actually, was a review of a photography book titled “Bookstores: A Celebration of Independent Booksellers.” And this being published on a website of an architecture-minded magazine, the photos are what receive most prominence.
From a Pennsylvania bookstore set in a former dairy barn to the neo-gothic atmosphere of a store in Portugal, the stores featured are varied and dreamy and in all ways the answer to the question the article’s author asks in her lede: “Is there any more pleasant way to while away an afternoon than browsing the shelves of an independent bookstore and adding a few new finds to your to-be-read pile?”
The only disappointing part of the story is that Spokane’s own bibliophile treasure, Auntie’s Bookstore, wasn’t included on the list. I didn’t expect it to be, of course, but the fact that it wasn’t got me to thinking – once again – of how lucky we are to have Auntie’s still a going concern.
Not only does the store still offer a good collection of books, but it has the comfortable feel that the archdigest.com article refers to. And the store is still a strong supporter of the local literary scene. At 7 tonight, a number of poets – among them Kirsten Kaschock, Joe Wilkins, Emily Banks, Piotr Florczyk, and Laura Stott – will participate in an online celebration of Spokane-based Lynx House Press. Click here to register for free access.
And at 1 p.m. on Saturday, the writer and social commentator Roxane Gay will join Rivers Solomon in a virtual meeting to discuss Solomon’s novel “Sorrowland.” As the Auntie’s website explains, access to this particular event requires a purchase of “Sorrowland.” Call, order online, or use this link to buy Rivers' book.
But even if neither of those events appeals to you, just strap on a mask, walk on into the store and enjoy the environment of one of the places that makes Spokane special.
Oh, and buy a book, too. We need to keep this place in business.