The journey to find Toronto’s best discount bookstore

We toured four local bookstores with bargain prices to find the very best options for readers on a budget

By: Lama Alshami

Exterior of ABC Books store next to the Unicorn Beauty store

The first bookstore CanCulture toured, ABC Books, near Wellesley Station. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

It’s no secret that in Toronto and other major cities across Canada, money can be tight for university students. Rent, food and transportation take priority, so spending on our hobbies is relegated to the back burner.

Inflation has even further exacerbated this issue. With many Torontonians barely being able to cover groceries, book prices are just too high to justify. Fortunately, Toronto is filled with discount bookstores that recognize the need for inexpensive and accessible books. 

In hopes of finding a replacement for the retail giants, CanCulture contributor Lama Alshami visited four Toronto bookstores and ranked them based on their prices, selection of books and proximity to the Toronto Metropolitan University's campus. The following bookstores are sure to help you cut costs and enhance your personal library. 

ABC Books

By Yonge and Wellesley Streets, this bookstore can be easily identified by two bright, colourful murals on either side of the doors. A four-minute subway ride from Dundas Station and a quick five-minute walk will take you right to the storefront.

Immediately, you will notice the bright red cart of marked-down books positioned directly outside the entrance, with prices ranging from $2.99 down to as low as 50 cents. Inside the shop, the average price of books is five dollars, with a discount of more than 70 per cent off the original selling price on the majority of books.

Storefront of ABC Books

The exterior of ABC Books, with its red carts, at the storefront on 662 Yonge St, Toronto. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

The store houses many young adult novels and new releases, as well as a large number of textbooks, dictionaries, classics and even TV shows on DVD like a full set of Gilmore Girls.

Books stacked on shelves under a philosophy label

The philosophy section inside ABC Books. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

One thing to note about this shop is that the books are not organized by the author’s last name, so you may need help from staff to navigate the store and find what you’re looking for.

We found that ABC Books had the cheapest prices out of all the bookstores toured, as well as the most comprehensive availability. Although not the closest option, it is only 10 minutes from Dundas Station, making its location accessible tofor TMU students.

BMV

A massive sign with the letters ‘BMV’ in bright red and a row of glowing neon signs dominating the vast storefront will let you know that you are in the right place.

Storefront of BMW

The bright red BMV sign displayed outside the store at one of its three locations on 10 Edward St, Toronto. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

“Read more. Spend less,” is BMV’s slogan, which they definitely hold true to. While they started by selling secondhand books, they now also sell new books at a discounted cost, though their secondhand books are significantly cheaper.

From political science to young adult fiction, BMV has an expansive selection of different genres, including many nonfiction titles. Magazines, textbooks, vinyl records and CDs are just another example of what this large store offers shoppers. For those interested in graphic novels and comic books, BMV’s Bloor Street location is the place to go.

Books stacked on a table beside rows of bookshelves

The entrance to BMV on Edward Street with newly released books on display on the front tables. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

BMV has three locations scattered across Toronto, with the Edward Street location just a two-minute walk from the Sheldon and Tracy Levy Student Learning Centre. While the BMV has a wide range of books and well-organized shelves, its prices are slightly more expensive than ABC Books, situating it in second place.

She Said Boom

Storefront of She Said Boom

Outside of She Said Boom at its second location on 378 College St, Toronto. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

Named after the song “She Said Boom” by Toronto band Fifth Column, this bookstore specializes in both music and literature. The store is on the smaller side, with a quaint vibe that instantly welcomes you in. Although the store has a small selection of new releases, it focuses on buying and selling used books, ranging from crime to classics. While the store is not the most affordable, most books are at least half their original sale price.

Given that the store was named after a song, they also offer a large array of both new and used vinyl in many different genres, most by Canadian artists.

Rows of vinyl records on a table in front of a bookshelf

A collection of various genres of vinyl records in front of the literature section at She Said Boom. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

A 10-minute ride from the TMU campus on the College Street streetcar will drop you off directly in front of this charming bookstore on Borden and College. Since this shop is significantly smaller and not quite as affordable as BMV or ABC Books, it comes in third place.

Causa Culture

Stairs in front of the door to Causa Culture

The stairs up to Causa Culture’s front door at 13 Kensington Ave, Toronto. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

Concealed behind tables of handmade jewellery, it can be easy to miss this hidden gem located in Kensington Market. You will be taking many twists and turns through the market to get here, and once you enter, you will be greeted not by books but by crystals, jewels and fossils.

Stones, jewellery, fossils and crystals displayed on tables and walls

The entrance to Causa Culture, filled with crystals, stones and jewellery. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

Further in, you will be met with seemingly endless stacks of books squeezed into the small rooms of the house-turned-bookstore. There are virtually no labels or organizational systems within the shop, and shoppers can almost end up lost in the unconventional layout. Though, what it lacks in organization, it makes up for in pricing, with most books having a 20-60 per cent discount off their original selling price.

A room with bookshelves of books stacked on top of each other

Unorganized piles of books adorn the halls of Causa Culture. (Lama Alshami/CanCulture)

We do not suggest coming here with a specific book in mind, since it may be quite a struggle to pick a specific title out of the piles of books. Rather, just let yourself go with the flow and have a good time browsing.

Reading doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. With these four bookstores, you can satisfy your desire to read without hurting your wallet. Each of these stores offer a wide selection of books at discounted prices, all in unique cultural hubs across Toronto.

3 unique and easy-to-make recipes for students

Hungry? Try some of these three beginner-friendly recipes below

By: Candice Zhang

How many of you constantly skip breakfast just to make it to your lecture on time? And how many of you skip lunch because of back-to-back lectures? 

If you answered yes to both of these questions, many other fellow students can sympathize with you. With the constant bombardment of school, extracurriculars and other part-time activities, finding some time to prepare meals can be challenging. The process becomes even more difficult when you don’t particularly enjoy cooking. 

However, with all of that said, you may be surprised to hear that there are a few quick meal recipes you can prepare beforehand. Most of these meals will only take a few minutes to put together. Without further ado, here are three meals which are my personal go-to’s: 

Tasty Lunch Sandwich 

Instead of purchasing sandwiches from fancy grocery stores, you can make your own sandwich with a few clever tricks. These recipes are easy to make, prepare and are super tasty. You can adjust them to your own preferences and needs. Here is a recipe which I use to make my sandwiches: 

Time required: 5-10 minutes. 

Ingredients: 

  • Two slices of ham 

  • Two slices of bread 

  • Mayonnaise spread 

  • One leaf of lettuce

  • One slice of cheese

Steps

  1. Grab two slices of bread and place them in a toaster. 

  2. When the two slices of bread are toasted, put them on a plate and apply the mayonnaise spread across both slices. Ensure you are fully covering one side of both slices. 

  3. Grab the two slices of ham and fold them in half. Place them on one slice of bread. 

  4. Add the slice of cheese.

  5. Fold the lettuce in half and place it on top of the cheese.

  6. Top the layers off with your last slice of bread. 

Now, you can pack your sandwich in your lunchbag and enjoy it for lunch. 

Easy Bibimbap 

Bibimbap is a Korean dish filled with rice and different types of meats and vegetables. It’s relatively easy to make, although it can be time consuming. But with the correct ingredients and preparation, stirring up a bibimbap is definitely doable in a short amount of time. Here is a recipe which I abide by: 

Time required: 20-40 minutes 

Ingredients

  • One cup of rice 

  • Kimchi (from Lucky Moose, HMart, or Galleria). View recipe here to make your own.

  • Rib Eye Slices (small pieces, about 6-8). 

  • Two tablespoon of Gochujang sauce

  • One Tablespoon of water

  • One Teaspoon of minced garlic

  • One Tablespoon of sugar 

  • One egg

Steps 

  1. Begin by cooking the rib eye slices: Sprinkle some oil over a pan, turn it on medium heat and wait for 3-5 minutes. Then, add the rib eye slices. 

  2. While keeping an eye on the rib eye slices, wash the one cup of rice thoroughly and pour it into a rice cooker. Then, add the water and turn on the rice cooker.  Alternatively, put rice in a pot and add about two inches of water. Let the rice soak for 10-20 minutes, and then drain the rice.

  3. Continue to reposition the rib eye slices, until the edges are golden brown, and until both sides are cooked. 

  4. Now, you can make the sauce: Combine the gochujang, water, minced garlic, and sugar together. Ensure that the consistency is thin; the fluid should pour out of the bowl effortlessly.

  5. Once you finish cooking the rib eye slices, place them on the side on a plate. 

  6. Now, turn the heat to high, and add the egg. 

  7. When the edges of the egg turn golden brown, flip the egg and leave it on for 30 seconds. 

  8. When you finish cooking the egg, place it on another plate. 

  9. Arrange the bibimbap in a bowl: Add the rice, then the kimchi, followed by the rib eye. Drizzle some of the sauce, and add an egg on top. 

Now you have it! Some delicious, homemade bibimbap for dinner. 

Easy Stir Fry 

Do you have some leftover rice? You can easily take some out of the fridge and put them in a pan for a quick stir fry dish. If you’re in a hurry and are running out the door, here is another filling recipe you can consider for lunch. 

Time required: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients 

  • One and a half cups of rice

  • One-third cup of diced carrots 

  • One-third cup of peas

  • One or two eggs 

Steps

  1. Turn the heat on to medium. Drizzle a frying pan with oil. 

  2. After 5-10 minutes, crack an egg and place it in the pan. You can now begin scrambling the egg. 

  3. After around 7 minutes, add the vegetables. 

  4. After two minutes of placing the vegetables, place the rice and cook the meal together. 

  5. Add salt or pepper for more flavour. 

  6. Wait until the vegetables and eggs turn golden brown; ensure the rice is also spread apart and not clumped together. Then, you’re ready to enjoy your meal. 

This stir fry is a quick recipe to combine different ingredients with diverse nutritional value. 

Which dish should I pick out of the three? 

Picking when to eat these three dishes depends on your preferences and lifestyle choices. However, I would usually go with the sandwich for lunch or breakfast, just because they’re easier to prepare and more portable to carry around campus. 

For dinner, especially when I’m studying at home, I would opt for bibimbap due to the longer preparation time. The good news is that the bibimbap is often filling and delicious, as there are multiple ingredients. So, the longer time for preparation is often worth the sacrifice. 

Stir-fry can be used for many meals: It can be a filling breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to the number of ingredients and nutritional value.
Being a student often entails multiple deadlines. However, meals cannot be missed as they are essential for a healthier lifestyle. In the end, it’s best to choose a dish which resonates with yours. 

I encourage you to try out these recipes, and let us know which one you enjoy the most!