Dec3Thu
West Seattle Junction · First Thursdays
West Seattle Book Club
Bring a book, make a friend. On the first Thursday of every month, neighbors meet at a cozy local spot from 7 to 9 pm to read together. Have dinner at Camp West first, and arrive with a full stomach and your book.
- First Thursday
- 7–9 pm
- Free, no RSVP
- Bring any book
About the Book Club
A quiet hour of reading, with neighbors
The West Seattle Book Club started in 2022 as a Silent Book Club chapter. There is no assigned book: everyone brings their own, reads for an hour, and talks before and after if they want to. It meets at a different coffee shop, bar or wine tasting room around West Seattle and White Center each month.
It is run by a volunteer team of local readers in partnership with the West Seattle Junction Association. Volunteer hosts greet newcomers. If you would like to meet people, tell a host and they will seat you with others who want to talk.
- WhenFirst Thursday of every month, 7–9 pm (summer break)
- WhereA different host venue each month, announced on Instagram
- CostFree. No cover, RSVP or membership.
- BringAny book you are reading
- Run byVolunteer local readers, with the West Seattle Junction Association
- Official sitewestseattlebookclub.org
Mark your calendar
Upcoming first Thursdays
7 to 9 pm. The venue changes every month, so check the club’s Instagram before you go.
Jan7Thu
Feb4Thu
The club meets on the first Thursday of each month. Check its Instagram for the next venue.
These dates follow the club’s first-Thursday schedule. Confirm each month’s venue on Instagram or the upcoming gatherings page.
Plan your evening
Dinner first, then the reading hour
Camp West closes at 9 pm on Thursdays, so dinner before Book Club is the way to go.
- 4:00 pm
Social Hour, book in handCamp West
West Seattle Social Hour runs from 4 to 6 pm at Camp West, and happy hour, with $2 off all food, runs until 5.
- 5:30 pm
Dinner at Camp WestCamp West
A 5:30 table leaves time for an unhurried meal and the trip to that month’s venue.
- 7:00 pm
Settle in
Arrive at the host venue, order a drink and find a seat.
- 7:30 pm
The reading hour
An hour of reading your own book, side by side with your neighbors.
- 8:30 pm
Chat, or keep reading
Talk about what you’re reading, or stay in your book until 9.
Where they read
Host venues and reading lists
Recent host venues
The club moves around West Seattle and White Center. Recent hosts include:
- Easy Street Records, in the Junction
- Pine Lake Cellars
- Beveridge Place Pub
- Darby Winery
- C&P Coffee
- 2 Fingers Social
Some host venues are 21+.
Looking for your next book?
The club publishes curated reading lists with Pegasus Book Exchange, the local independent bookstore, on themes like community and care, resistance and resilience.
The West Seattle Art Walk is a week later, on the second Thursday of the month from 5 to 8 pm.
Camp West · 4539 California Ave SW
Why have dinner at Camp West first
A cabin-in-the-woods bar and kitchen on California Avenue in the West Seattle Junction.
$2
Off all food at happy hour
Every day from open until 5 pm, and again from 8 pm until close.
21+
Grown-ups only
Camp West is a 21-and-over restaurant and bar at all times.
20
Book online for up to 20
Larger groups can ask about the Cabin, our private dining room.
2025
OpenTable Diners’ Choice
Signature craft cocktails, zero-proof mocktails and elevated comfort food.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
When does the West Seattle Book Club meet?
On the first Thursday of every month, from 7 to 9 pm, with a break over the summer. The reading hour is from 7:30 to 8:30 pm.
Do I need to RSVP or become a member?
No. There is no cover charge, RSVP or membership. You just show up with a book.
Where does the West Seattle Book Club meet?
At a different coffee shop, bar or wine tasting room in West Seattle or White Center each month. The club posts the venue on Instagram and on westseattlebookclub.org.
What should I bring?
Any book you are reading. Everyone reads their own book. There is no assigned title.
What time should we book dinner before Book Club?
About 5:30 pm. Camp West is at 4539 California Ave SW and is open until 9 pm on Thursdays, so a 5:30 table gives you time to eat and still arrive by 7.
Is Camp West all ages?
No. Camp West is a 21-and-over restaurant and bar at all times.
Reserve your table
Dinner before the first chapter
Book a 5:30 table, or walk in for Social Hour with your book. Groups of up to 20 can reserve online.
Camp West · 4539 California Ave SW, SeattleMon–Thu 12–9 pmFri 12–11 pmSat 11 am–11 pmSun 11 am–9 pmParking · Menu · Happy hour
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