Photo: John Lok/Seattle TimesThe Sorrento Hotel is celebrating it’s 100th birthday. This Seattle landmark opened its doors in 1909, just in time for the 4 million or so visitors who descended on Seattle for the storied Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. Their first registered guest was President William Taft. In the early years the hotel also hosted numerous readings and literary events.
As part of the anniversary festivities the hotel has created a series of events called “Night School at the Sorrento.” One of the events is ’12 Books.’
Here’s the deal:
In partnership with Elliot Bay Book Company and University Book Store, the Sorrento Hotel is establishing a small bookstore in the Sorrento lobby. Hotel guests will be able to order books as a room service option. Selections reflect a sampling of books that are being published or written in or about the Northwest. Content of the selections will touch on hotels, public/private space, and authors that collaborate with the Sorrento to host readings, symposiums, and various literary happenings.
It’s a great concept. An independent boutique hotel teaming up with their local independent bookstore/s to offer guests choice regional literary fare.
For those of you in and around Seattle, the launch party for ’12 Books’ is set for Thursday, November 12 and features Bruce Benderson, Seattle novelist Matt Briggs, musician/journalist John Roderick and Matthew Stadler.
Michael Upchurch has more about ‘Night School’ at the Seattle Times