SEATTLE — A new business opened its doors in Seattle on Saturday and its owner said it is the only independently-owned Asian American bookstore in Seattle and even the entire Pacific Northwest.
"My bookstore is about making these front and center Asian American voices and perspectives, in our narratives," said Sokha Dahn. "This the first independently owned, especially Cambodian American bookstore, here in Seattle, the northwest and we're about just elevating Asian American voices."
Danh owns Mam's Books, located near the corner of South Weller Street and Maynard Avenue South in the Chinatown International District — a neighborhood with a long story to tell, the owner said.
"I think there's so much pressure in this neighborhood be it development, being it public safety issues,” said Danh. “This Asian-American bookstore, I don't think it could work anywhere else but Seattle's Chinatown International District. With the history of activism, the history of community elders really paving the way."
The bookstore is named after Danh's dad, mam, and dedicated to both of his parents. Danh, who has six siblings, said on his website that his dad "always found a way to put us around books growing up," and that his dad scheduled weekly family trips to the library.
Danh said he hopes this store which is dedicated to his hardworking parents who immigrated to America from Cambodia back in 1988, will be seen as a "living room" for the community he loves.
He said he also hopes it helps write a new story for Asian-American children.
"Growing up I didn't have a lot of books, especially children’s books, that reflected me or my family or my culture. It's so important for a child's mental health and self-esteem growing up,” said Danh. "Especially in America and in Seattle to be reflected."
The store features hundreds of Asian American authors and artists. Dahn said he is grateful for the support and is looking forward to continuing to share this American story.
"So much beauty here,” said Danh. “So much joy. And I say give us a chance. Come with your families, come to our bookstore, come to these restaurants that have been here for generations and I think really get to know the people here before you just read the headlines."
Mam's Books is located at 608 Maynard Ave. S. in Seattle.