Crosscut’s Valerie Easton has a new interview up with Ron Sher, the owner of Third Place Books. In the interview, Sher comments on the store’s philosophy as well as the plans to convert the soon-to-be former PCC home to Third Place’s newest location (opening in November):
Photo: Crosscut
Why and when did you start your first bookstore?
It’s been about 15 years now since Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park opened. It is the first bookstore I’ve owned, although I’ve had several as tenants. I felt that locating a new and used bookstore, a coffee shop, and the restaurants and cafes along with other services and amenities would attract customers and enrich a community. I figured if I could bring all these elements together and open simultaneously, it would greatly improve the store’s chance of success.
Why the new/used books model of bookstore?
I like to see books passed on. It’s recycling, and it makes books more affordable. And I think it makes a bookstore even more interesting.
Any more Third Place Books in the works?
We are planning to open a new Third Place Books along with a restaurant at the site of the Seward Park PCC. They’re moving to Columbia City in July, and we hope to open in November.
Columbia City Source 