Happy 125 years to University Book Store!
We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the UW and Seattle community that has kept us strong since 1900.
From our humble beginning in a cloakroom in Denny Hall to the “The great grandparent of all Seattle book stores,” University Book Store has continued to be a student-led business for UW students, readers, Husky fans, and local shoppers. Our mission is and always will be to benefit UW students with opportunities for leadership, providing necessary course materials, and giving back profits to UW students and staff.
We will be celebrating our 125th Anniversary all year long with announcements, events, merchandise and lot of surprises throughout 2025. We’ll use this page to celebrate with fun memories and keep you up to date on all of the excitement we have in store.
Take a look back
The Ave 1939
University Book Store has been on the Ave for 101 years
1940's
UW Students listening to records at the University Book Store
Sporting Goods Dept.
Helped develop JanSport’s “University Bookstore Rucksack” The First Modern backpack!
1925
James Everett McRae Manager of University Book Store
Customer Memories
There are more memories to explore! We’ll keep adding them all year long.
See more below or add your own!
Photos & MemoriesTo every customer, past and present, thank you for making 125 years possible.
Learn more about our history and current student board members here.