Barnes & Noble to take over University Book Store space in Seattle's U District

After more than 100 years in business as an independent bookstore, the University Book Store in Seattle’s U District will soon be home to Barnes & Noble.

The bookseller, which has about 600 stores across the U.S., has plans to open another location in the University Book Store space next month.

The news was revealed in a job posting on the Barnes & Noble website. The link navigates to a web page showing a Barnes & Noble location slated for June at 4326 University Way NE. That’s University Book Store’s current address.

A spokesperson for the University Book Store confirmed the news Tuesday, but said it’s not going anywhere. Rather, the store, which has been around since 1900, will continue to independently run all operations except for the trade books department.

"Trade books" is a publishing industry term that refers to books intended for general readership (i.e. not academic or specialized books) and retail distribution. The category includes fiction and non-fiction and encompasses much of what customers find at any bookstore. In other words, Barnes & Noble appears poised to take over the bulk of book sales at University Book Store.

Textbooks will remain under University Book Store, and Boon Boona Coffee will continue to run the cafe.

A formal announcement was being planned for next week when KUOW reached out.

On Thursday, Janine Flanigan, Barnes & Noble's vice president of store planning and design, told KUOW "will be operating the general bookstore within the University Book Store."

"Beginning early summer 2025 Barnes & Noble will bring a revitalized selection of books, gifts, and more, to the UBS and University District communities, working in close coordination with the beloved UBS booksellers who will continue curating a community-driven bookstore experience, enhancing the bookstore experience for campus and community readers alike," Flanigan said. "We are very pleased to share that booksellers currently operating the general bookstore will join the B&N team."

She also confirmed that all "textbooks, course material, school supplies, and school gear will all continue to be independently owned and operated by the University Book Store, all with existing faculty and student services remaining exactly as they are."

The official opening date will be announced in a few weeks.

Update, 5/22/2025 at 10:45 a.m.: This story has been updated to include comments from Barnes & Noble.