Seattle Bookseller Michael Coy Retiring

Michael Coy, a bookseller for 48 years and manager of Third Place Books Ravenna, Seattle, Wash., since 2009, is retiring, the store announced.

Coy began his career in 1972 as a part-time clerk at a B. Dalton Bookseller in San Jose, Calif. From 1973-79, he managed Dalton stores in Salinas, Calif., and Portland, Ore. From 1978-81, he was sales manager for Pacific Pipeline. In 1982, he and Barbara Bailey founded Bailey/Coy books on Capitol Hill in Seattle. In 1990, he left to start M Coy Books and Espresso in the Pike Place Market in Seattle with Michael Brasky. M Coy Books closed in 2009, when a new owner of the building raised the rent dramatically.

"Third Place Books was incredibly fortunate to be able to attract the talents of Michael Coy when we did," said Robert Sindelar, managing partner of Third Place Books. "In 2009, our Ravenna store was not doing well, and we were in the midst of redesigning the store to better serve the neighborhood. Michael and I had been serving together on the Washington State Book Awards Committee, and he had just closed his Pike Place Market store, M Coy Books. Michael brought to Ravenna not only a wealth of bookselling knowledge, but also a thoughtful and personal touch that has helped make that store what it is today. I could not have asked for a better partner to help realize the vision of the store than Michael. He has been a great leader and a true friend to his staff and customers. We will miss him dearly."

Third Place Books is seeking a new manager for the Ravenna store. Interested applicants should contact Robert Sindelar via e-mail.

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