Grab a coffee and spend the day exploring bookstores all over the city
By: Arjot Sandhawalia
(Pauline Loroy/Unsplash)
Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is approaching on April 30! Celebrate by visiting a new bookstore — we’ve rounded up seven must-visit local spots around Toronto for you to check out.
1. BMV
BMV (also known as Book Movies Videos) is a secondhand bookstore with three different locations across Toronto. They carry a variety of vintage books, magazines, memorabilia, vinyls, CDs and so much more. The majority of their stock is older and you can find some really cool, eclectic items while browsing. The prices are extremely reasonable, so you can go and purchase everything your heart desires.
BMW is not just a bookstore, it has something for everyone so long as you take the time to look.
2. Arcadia Art and Rare Books
Established in 1931, Arcadia Art and Rare Books is one of Toronto's oldest bookstores. They are also a secondhand bookstore. The majority of their stock consists of antique books and they specialize in carrying work about architecture, photography and other art-related topics.
The store itself is super cozy and gives you a very warm welcome as you enter. They even host events like poetry readings. Arcadia Books is located at 232 Queen St. E.
Arcadia Books storefront and shelves. (Courtesy of Arcadia Books)
3. A Different Booklist
A Different Booklist is located at 799 Bathurst St. and has a diverse collection of books and authors. The store primarily sells works written by BIPOC authors and has all genres ranging from political studies to biographies to fiction. Their inventory has representation for just about anyone entering their doors.
They host a variety of book launches throughout the year to promote BIPOC authors, especially lesser known ones. Check out their website for their vast collection.
A Different Booklist owner Itah Sadu (Courtesy of Nick Lachance)
4. Ben McNally Books
Located at 400 King St. E., Ben McNally Books has an inventory that is always changing to meet their clientele's needs. They take pride in their requests for recommendations and do their best to expand their shelves, which are filled top-to-bottom with novels. They've even installed some makeshift shelves to help with the load.
The store itself has an old and simplistic feel which makes the entire experience even better. They have mentioned on their website that they are currently looking to move, so their location will change. However, they are hoping to create a very similar look to the new store.
5. Glad Day Bookshop
Glad Day Bookshop, found at 499 Church St., is a bookstore created specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. They carry a wide range of books written by Canadian authors who identify as part of the queer community. Originally opened in 1970, the store has become a staple in its neighbourhood and fosters an open and welcoming environment.
Glad Day also provides a monthly subscription for those looking to discover new authors and books. The boxes are selected by staff, which allows for the customers to receive the best and most current recommendations.
6. D&E Lake Books
D&E Lake is an antique bookstore located at 239 King St. E. While they do sell a range of modern-day books, their main specialty is rare novels from the 15th to 19th centuries. They also specialize in a variety of antiques such as manuscripts, coins, prints, paintings, jewellery and more.
Many of their works are created by Canadians, making D&E Lake the true definition of a Canadian antique and vintage store.
They have two websites: one for when you want to simply browse their detailed catalogue, and one for when you want to purchase items.
D&E Lake Books Storefront (Via D&E Lake Books)
7. Page & Panel: The TCAF Shop
Page and Panel: The Toronto Comics Art Festival is a bookstore that specializes in comic books, manga and other types of picture books. They carry a diverse range of works that represents both adults and children from the LGBTQ+ community, the Black community and more.
They are also aiming to create works that can be exclusively found at their store. Located at 789 Yonge St., all of the profits go toward supporting The Toronto Comic Art Festival.