About Parnassus Books

Parnassus Books, Ketchikan’s independent bookstore, was established in 1985 by Ms. Lillian Ference, our “Owner Emeritus.”  It is located upstairs in the Star Building on Creek Street in the historical red light district of Ketchikan.  The “Star”, as it was called in the old days, was formerly a dance hall – with a few rooms upstairs for “extracurricular” activities.  Ms Lillian sold the bookstore in 2004, but she still makes occasional visits.

Parnassus Books features a vast collection of subjects, including Alaskan and Pacific Northwest Native art and cultures, Alaskana, Booksense Bestsellers, a wide range of books for children, literary classics, poetry, fine art books, cookbooks and much more! 

We are always happy to special order titles or search out of print books for our customers.

Our neighbors on the first floor of the Star Building are The Soho Coho Contemporary Art & Craft Gallery, owned by Michelle Troll and her fish artist husband, “Ratfish Ray” Troll, and Alaska Eagle Arts, a native Alaskan art gallery owned and operated by Marvin Oliver and Brigitte Ellis.