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List of bookstores in the North
Archive-name: books/stores/north-american/northern
Last change:
Mon May 2 11:32:28 EDT 1994
Additions:
Calgary AB
Changes:
Montreal PQ/QC (Footnotes, Librairie Bertrand)
Toronto ON (Book City, Glad Day)
Deletions:
Vancouver BC (Ariel Books, Siliconnections)
Copies of this article may be obtained by anonymous ftp to rtfm.mit.edu
under /pub/usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/northern.Z. Or,
send email to [email protected] with "send
usenet/news.answers/books/stores/north-american/northern" in the body
of the message.
This FAQ is in digest format.
============================================================================
Cities (listed geographically east-to-west) include:
Montreal QC/PQ
Ottawa ON
Toronto ON
Guelph ON
Windsor ON
Winnipeg MB
Calgary AB
Edmonton AB
Vancouver BC
Victoria BC
Fairbanks AK
Anchorage AK
[Note 1: This list includes cities in Canada and Alaska, and would include
Greenland if anyone sent me any bookstores there. Iceland would go into
the European list if anyone sent me any from there. Lists for other
geographic areas are posted in separate messages at the same time as this
list.]
[Note 2: I collected these comments from a variety of people. I personally
have no knowledge of many of these places and take no responsibility if you
buy a book you don't enjoy. :-) Phone numbers and precise addresses can be
gotten by calling directory assistance for the appropriate city. Call ahead
for precise hours, as even when I list them they are subject to change.]
[Note 3: If you can add information for any of these, in particular
addresses when they are missing, please send it to me.]
[Note 4: I am cross-posting this to rec.arts.sf.written, but the bookstores
listed include *all* types of bookstores, so please don't tell me that a
particular store has a limited SF section unless I have specifically claimed
otherwise. All references to science fiction are abbreviated SF for ease in
electronic searching.]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Montreal QC/PQ
Since in Montreal both English and French are pretty well served in the book
department, this is divided up by language, though there are probably some
French books in some of the stores listed under "English" and vice versa.
Bookstores/Montreal, Quebec (area code 514)
English/New:
Canadian Centre for Architecture Bookshop (1920 Baile, 514-939-7028).
Recommended for art and design books. Obviously pricey. See also
the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Bookshop.
Double Hook (1235A Greene, Westmount 514-932-5093). All and only Canadian
books. Owner and employees are steeped in info about Canadian
literature, publishing, etc.
Footnotes (1454 Mackay, Phone: None (!)). Used books. Footnotes
specializes in philosophy, history, and religion, with a good
selection of quality fiction as well.
McGill University Bookstore (McTavish above Sherbrooke, 514-398-7444).
Deadly: they've *all* the Penguin Classics on one wall! Also almost
the entire catalog of Dover books, plus standard textbooks galore.
Phone number's probably listed under McGill in the book.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Bookshop (1379 Sherbrooke W). Recommended for
art and design books. Obviously pricey. See also the Canadian
Centre for Architecture Bookshop.
Nebula (1452 St-Mathieu, across the street from the GUY Metro, 514-932-3930,
[email protected]). SF, fantasy and crime. Also underground comics.
They carry virtually every North American SF book in print,
including the specialty presses. They also have a number of UK
titles and even some stuff from Australia, most periodicals, and
publications in related areas of interests, including genre,
classic, and cult film & television; screenplays, director bios, and
film magazines. Owner Claude Lalumiere is encyclopedic on these
genres. By sending e-mail to [email protected] with the subject
"catalog", you can get the mail-order catalog of books and magazines
sent to your e-mailbox, with reviews from the store's staff and
ordering information, indexed by categories. You can also e-mail us
with comments or questions. Open 7 days.
Nicholas Hoare (1368 Greene, Westmount, 514-933-4201; also inside Ogilvy,
Ste-Catherine st Crescent, 514-499-2005). Probably the best
selection of new English books in town. Good sections on travel,
mystery, biography. Lots of British imports. Helpful staff.
Paragraph (2065 Mansfield, 514-845-5811). Decent all-purpose bookstore near
McGill University. Has a cafe.
English/Used:
Bibliomanie (4872 av du Parc, 514-278-6401). Has its moments--worth
checking out if you're on the Plateau, but not worth a special trip
to the neighborhood.
Cheap Thrills (1433 Bishop, 514-844-7604; 2044 Metcalfe, 514-844-8988).
Books, also records and CDs. Rated best second-hand bookshop in
recent local survey, but I think Welch's and the Word are better.
Not bad, though.
Russell Books (275 St-Antoine West, 514-866-0564). Big sprawling
disorganized bookshop, remainders, shelves of abandoned books. Not
for the five-minute sprint--takes an hour or so to be browsed
through--and not for those with allergies to dust.
S. Welch Bookseller (3878 St-Laurent, 514-848-9358). Located between a good
cafe and an excellent ice-cream store. Has a nice black-and-white
cat called Rosie. Books interesting, cheap, plentiful.
Westmount Phoenix (320 Victoria, 514-484-4428). A nice tiny bookshop up a
winding staircase, but has limited opening hours so best to phone.
The Word (469 Milton, 514-845-5640). In the McGill Ghetto. Adrian's been
running this tiny store for more than ten years. I never visit
without finding something I want. A landmark.
English/French:
L'Androgyne (3636 St-Laurent, 514-842-4765). Gay/lesbian/bisexual books.
Boule de Neige (4433 St-Denis, 514-849-0959). New Age, esoterica, magic,
Eastern religion.
Le Camelot Info (1191 Phillips Square, 514-861-5019). Computer books,
English and French. Pretty exhaustive.
French/New:
Librairie Bertrand (705 Sainte-Catherine ouest #2-134, 514-849-4533).
"Depuis plus de trente ans, la librairie Bertrand offre ses services
aux lecteurs de Montreal en offrant une grande selection de livres
francais; le personnel competent fait la reputation de cette
boutique qui a reouvert ses portes dans de nouveaux locaux depuis
peu, au Centre Eaton de Montreal. Le service des commandes
speciales accepte de poster outre-mer et se fait un plaisir de vous
servir." [And now, for your amusement, my feeble attempt to
translate this, given that I never actually studied French--can
someone who actually knows French supply a better?: "For more than
thirty years, La Librairie Bertrand has offered its services to the
readers of Montreal by offering a great selection of French books;
its knowledgeable staff gives it the reputation of a boutique that
has opened its doors in this new location in the Eaton Centre of
Montreal. They accept overseas orders and are pleased to be at your
service."]
Champigny (4380 St-Denis, 514-844-2587). Huge sprawling beautiful bookshop,
divided in that curious French method into separate sections by
publisher. Also has magazines and CDs on ground floor--literature's
upstairs. Big section of bandes dessinees. Beware the bank
machine!
Librairie Gallimard (3700 St-Laurent, 514-499-2012). Quiet, classy,
well-stocked. Offers a computer terminal so you can access their
database and see what's in stock by title or author.
Librairie du Square (3453 St-Denis, 514-845-7617). Nice little place in the
Quartier Latin. This is where you buy a copy of LES FLEURS DU MAL
before drinking aperitifs on a terrasse.
French/Used:
Caron Libraire (1246 St-Denis, 514-845-7307). A standard place to find
French classics.
Librairie Henri-Julien (4800 Henri-Julien, 514-844-7576). Tiny but
well-organized, run by one guy who knows where everything is. Not
easy to find.
"I haven't listed the big dull chain stores,which folks can find for
themselves on main drags and in malls. There are also many little corner
shops of no special interest - not worth sending people there to look."
[Most of this section contributed by Kate McDonnell,
[email protected].]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Ottawa ON
Argosy Books (216 Dalhousie at Guigues (Market area), 613-230-1319). Used
books. Often treasures in the $1 bin outside. Good collection of
Penguins. Specializes in natural history, gardening, technology,
Arctica, and children's books. A very comfortable shop with
friendly staff. "The owner is friendly, knowledgeable and
widely-read; lots of stools around for you to sit and browse."
Arlington Books (21 Arlington at Bank (Downtown), 613-232-6975). Used
books. Specializes in armchair travel, nautical, voyaging and
fiction. Located in a cosy old brick house. The proprietor, Otto
Graser, is worth a visit in his own right. He runs a small printing
press out of the back as well, and sell off-prints of his own poems.
In the summer months, the store closes while Otto lives in his 15th
Century "chateau" in Southern France.
The Astrolabe Gallery (91 Sparks at Metcalfe (Downtown), 613-234-2348). Not
strictly a book store, but does carry some antiquarian books in
addition to its primary line of rare maps and prints.
Barclay's Books (98 Hawthorne at Main (east of Pretoria Bridge),
613-238-7509). Used books. Specialized in Canadiana and militaria
before a recent change in ownership (9/93). The new owner is trying
to move this stock and specialize more in Canadian fiction. A large
selection, and a nice musky atmosphere.
Bay Used Books (1181 B Richmond Road, 613-596-1966).
Benjamin Books (122 Osgoode at King Edward (east of Ottawa University),
613-232-7495). New and used books. Large selection. The new books
are primarily standard literature texts on the University curricula.
There is a wide selection of Canadiana, religion, and travel, and
scholarly and classical works generally.
The Bibliothecary at Bentley's (145 Bentley Ave., Nepean, 613-225-5613).
The Book Bazaar (755 Bank at 2nd Avenue (The Glebe), 613-233-4380). Used
books. Well-known for its wheel barrow of books for $1 (or free).
Large fiction section (especially paperbacks). The best selection
of music books, especially scores, in town. Also covers Canadiana,
art, literature, and children's.
The Book Den (263 McLaren at Metcalfe (Downtown), 613-236-3142). Used
books. A small store on the first floor of an apartment building
(a block away from where Canada's current Prime Minister lived).
Small selection, but fairly high quality. General, literature, art,
Canadiana, history, Catholica, cookbooks and children's.
Book Heaven (2297 St-Joseph Boulevard, Orleans, Ontario, 613-830-3365). New
and used books. Large selection.
The Book Mark I (163 Laurier Avenue East at King Edward (south of Ottawa
University), 613-563-8798). Used books. Intriguing walk-down store
specializing in Academic and alternative books, philosophy,
religion, and history. Popular with the University crowd.
The Book Mark II (on Rideau just east of King Edward (next to the By-Towne
Cinema)). Used books. The Book Mark has just recently set up
this satellite branch beside Ottawa's most popular and trendy
repertory theatre, and established long opening hours
seven-days-a-week. To please the cinema-going crowd, the Book Mark
II specializes in history, occult, and fiction.
The Book Market (374 Dalhousie between George and Rideau (Market area),
613-234-1753; branches at 1534 Merrivale Road in Nepean, the Alta
Bank Shopping Plaza, and 1675 Tenth Line Road). Used books. Not an
antiquarian store, but good if you're looking for a particular
recent title, because of their sheer volume. Friendly staff does
searches of their and other branches. The one on Dalhousie is two
stories with a good SF selection and does searches.
David Dorken Books (207 Dalhousie at Guigues (Market area), 613-232-3101).
Used books. A professional, yet still welcoming store with stock
well displayed. The old, rare, and unusual, with a lot of
reasonably priced Canadiana, literature, and art. Also French
books: literature and history.
David Ewen Books (P.O. Box 4808, Stn. E., Ottawa, K1S 5H9, 613-725-3103).
Used books. Canadiana, Americana, as well as Canadian prints.
Earthwise Books (216 Bank (Downtown), 613-238-8363). New books on
environmental and planet-friendly themes.
Food for Thought (Byward Market area). Eclectic is the word.
House of Speculative Fiction (105 4th Ave at Bank (The Glebe),
613-235-6517). SF, horror, and fantasy. It takes special orders
and offers friendly service out of an old (100 yrs?) house.
"They're looking to expand and the staff is friendly and
knowledgeable and do refer you to other places if they haven't got
what you want." "You might spy Charles de Lint hanging out."
Librarie de la Capitale (171 Rideau at Dalhousie (Market area),
613-236-7287). New books. French. Large collection of French
literature, dictionaries, essays, etc.
Librarie Trillium (321 Dalhousie at York (Market area), 613-236-2331).
New books. French. Large collection of French books, magazines and
newspapers.
Loisir des Usagers (321 Boulevard St-Joseph, Hull (across the river from
Ottawa), 819-778-0341). Used books. French. Good selection of
paperback fiction. Cheap, as French paperbacks go.
McGahern (J. Patrick) Books Inc. (783 Bank, 613-230-2275). Used and
antiquarian and rare books; Canadiana.
Neil Cournoyer Books (1194 Bank Street at Ossington, 613-237-0500). Used
books. Located a bit south of the Glebe, but still in the heart of
the action with many antique stores in the neighbourhood. Neil
specializes in literature, especially first editions and cheap
copies of the classic required by the curriculum at nearby Carleton
University. One of the newer book-shops, but a very nice one. Neil
is now beginning new specialities in Medieval Studies, and Myths and
Legends.
The Old Book Cellar (238 Dalhousie (Market area), 613-232-2121). Quality
used books. Art book specialists.
Octopus Books (798 Bank at 3rd Avenue (The Glebe), 613-236-2589). New books
on socialist and internationalist themes. Run on a non-profit basis
(intentionally!) by a socialist collective. They often host
socialist talks or films in the store in the evenings.
Ottawa Women's Bookstore (Elgin Street).
Patrick McGahern Books Inc. (783 Bank at 3rd Avenue (The Glebe),
613-230-2275). New and used books. A good collection of paperback
fiction upstairs. But downstairs the layout is that of a true
antiquarian book-store, with high shelves and tall ladders.
Specializes in used and rare books, Canadiana, Arctica, voyages and
travels, medicine, and Irish history and literature. Recently
(9/93), Patrick has acquired a considerable stock of remaindered new
books from the University of Toronto Press. The front part of the
store is now full of these new scholarly works at a fraction of
their original prices. A very knowledgeable book-seller.
R.R. Knott, Bookseller (3 Roberta Cres., Nepean, Ontario, K2J 1G5,
613-825-0537). Used books. Rare and interesting books. Canadian
literature and modern firsts. Ancient and medieval studies.
Richard Fitzpatrick Books (242 1/2 Dalhousie at St. Patrick (Market area),
613-562-1088). Used books. Overflowing stock cramped into what
seems like a fairly tiny place. Still, an eclectic mix of used and
rare books, Canadiana, religions, myths and general stock. Richard
Fitzpatrick, with his near-waist-length hair, can usually be seen
transacting business on the steps outside the store, where there is
more room!
Renouf Books (61 Sparks at Elgin (Downtown), 613-238-8995. Good selection
of new books. Federal and Ontario Government publications.
International Reports and Documents. General business and current
affairs.
Sapre Aude Books (4th Ave at Bank (The Glebe)). Native Studies, Eastern
religions, women's studies.
Sunnyside Bookshop (113 Murray at Sussex (Market area), 613-236-0943).
Consciousness through holistic health, psychology, spirituality,
astrology, occult.
Thorne and Co. (803 Bank at 3rd Ave (The Glebe), 613-232-6565). Gardening
books (exotic and practical), including gardening books for
children.
Traveller's Tales Books (20 Powell Hill Avenue, Ottawa, K1S 2A1,
613-236-6650). Used books. By appointment or mail order. Fine and
interesting books in many fields, especially travel, cookery,
literature, Jane Austen, decorative arts, and children's.
[Most of this section contributed by Paul Shuttle,
[email protected].]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Toronto ON
Atticus Books (84 Harbord just west of Spadina). Used books. "Atticus is
probably the finest used bookstore for scholarly books in Toronto.
It has an excellent philosophy/social-sciences section, books are in
excellent shape. Two floors; basement is softcover only. Also good
selection of art books, some rare."
Bakka Books (Queen W near Spadina). The SF bookstore in Toronto. "They
have an e-mail newsletter-cum-catalogue, annotated by their
knowledgeable staff who seem to read everything in print."
"This is *the* SF bookstore in Toronto, a must-visit for any SF fan.
Right across from Bakka is Silver Snail, the best comic bookstore in
Toronto."
Book City (501 Bloor W, 348 Danforth Ave, and other locations). Good
selection of small press as well as everything else. Good newstand.
No place to sit. Helpful staff. Cat-free, but famous people wander
through: Barbara Gowdy, Sheilagh Rogers, Ralph Benmergui, and more.
(Canuck alert: above named are Canadians, you might not have heard
of them.) Mentioned by posters as one of Canada's best bookstores.
"All hardcovers are sold with a discount (I think 10%) price." Open
till midnight.
Britnell's Bookstore (Yonge Street north of Bloor). One of the best and
most popular bookstore in Toronto and is a must for any book buyer!
Coles (see World's Biggest Bookstore).
College Bookshop (College and Major). A really fine small bookstore, heavy
on non-fiction, light on fiction. "Has the distinction of ordering
more copies of CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS ANSWERS ALL CHARGES than any
other bookstore in the world." No GST (Good and Services Tax) at
this bookstore. Also a discount card--buy 10, get one (1/10 the
price of the total spending) free."
David Mirvish's Bookstore.
DEC. Radical bookstore.
Edward's Books and Art. Small chain. "Always have a large selection of
interesting coffee table art books on sale, 50-60% off." Late
evening hours.
Glad Day (598-A Yonge north of Wellesley). Gay/lesbian/bisexual books.
It's on the second floor, but there is a large pink neon sign at
street level. The store has an excellent selection of
gay/lesbian/bisexual literature (fiction and non-fiction), AIDS
information, and an international assortment of magazines and
journals. Unfortunately, it's also one of the bookstores targeted
for arbitrary censorship by Canada Customs.
Lichtman's. Small chain with an impressive selection of newspapers and
magazines. Late evening hours.
Monroe's. The highest ceilings in a bookstore in Canada.
Pages (Queen St E near John St).
This Ain't the Rosedale Library (Church St near Wellesley).
Unknown Worlds (Danforth just east of Pape; Pape subway stop). Small,
sometimes smoky. Good selection of SF, horror, magazines (back
issues especially) and comics.
World's Biggest Bookstore (WBB) (Edward Street between Yonge and Bay). Part
of the Coles bookstore chain (one of the two surviving large
chains--the other is Smithbooks, formerly W. H. Smith). Claims to
be the largest bookstore in the world (or did at one time). One
poster qualifies this with, "But it isn't a great bookstore. For
one thing, it's really just a Coles on growth hormones. (What do I
mean by that? I guess I mean that the selection is wide, but not
deep. For example, there are a lot of books about the Napoleanic
wars, but they seem to have been chosen at random and with little
thought. There might be several biographies of Henry VIII and
Cromwell but none of More.) I've spent many a spare moment on the
TTC pondering the question of exactly how they select their books.
I can't decide if they make a list of every book which is currently
on the shelves or in a box in *any* Coles in Canada and get a copy
of it, or if the way Coles deals with its remainders is to have all
the stores ship them to this one (in which case, they augment the
selection with a lot of copies of "current" stuff)." (Another
poster says, "I like that summary. I also like to shop there.")
Late evening hours.
several used book stores along Queen St E between John and Bathurst, along
Bloor Street west of Spadina, and Harbord Street east of Spadina.
a few good used bookstores on Yonge between Bloor and College.
"My usual route is: From Queen's Park TTC (subway) station W along College
St to the University of Toronto bookstore at College & St George (1/4 mile).
W along College, N on Spadina to Harbord St (1/2 mile); watch for Atticus
Books and About Books. S on Spadina to Queen St -- W on Queen to Abelard
Books (about 1 mile from Harbord). E on Queen to pick up the rest (about
3/4 mile to the Osgoode TTC station). (Keep your eyes open along Queen;
there are a number of used bookstores on the second floor.)"
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Guelph, ON
The Book Shelf (41 Quebec Street). A diverse selection of magazines and
books for all interests. "Some of my friends in Toronto said The
Book Shelf rivals some of the better bookstores in Toronto. They
deal in new books and their magazine selection is better than some
good newsstands in Canada. Anything you cannot find on their
shelves can be ordered through them. This is their 20th year and
according to a local newspaper, they are currently computerizing
their shop. However, the uniqueness of the Book Shelf is not only
in their books, but they also have (1) a cafe, (2) a cinema (for
foreign films) and (3) a patio (summer only, this is Canada after
all!) all under the same roof." This place is highly recommended.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Windsor, Ontario
Starting from the south and working north towards the river:
Bookmark Book Exchange (537 Ouelette, 519-253-8231). New and used
paperbacks. It's a small store but absolutely crammed with books.
This place also carries Dover editions including children's books
and coloring books.
Borderline Books (39 Park W, 519-256-9042). Eclectic selection of art
books, political science, psychology, and literature.
Coles (255 Ouelette, 519-253-8144). This is a chain store with the usual
selection of best sellers, paperbacks, how-to books, and the like.
South Shore Books (164 Pitt St W, 519-253-9102). Literature, history,
children's books. It's not huge, but it's a pleasant place to
browse.
University of Windsor Bookstore (just off the bridge). It has some great
little things.
[Most of this section contributed by Sandra Loosemore,
[email protected].]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Winnipeg, MB
Bold Print (about a block down from Osborne on River). Women's bookstore.
"It doesn't have the greatest selection but it's our only woman's
bookstore. The women who work there are amazingly helpful!"
McNally Robertson (Osborne Village at River and Osborne). Great selection!!
University of Manitoba Bookstore. Amazing classical literature selection.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Calgary AB
A & B Sound (140 8th Ave SW, 403-232-1200). This store has become somewhat
of a legend for its amazingly low prices since it opened here less
than two years ago. The first two FLOORS are for CDs (new releases
for CDN$11.88-12.88--that's less than US$10 for a CD!) and
audio/video stuff. The top (third) floor is the bookstore (movies
are also sold there) and the prices are standard A & B fare: 15-30%
(or more) below cover price. Tough to beat!
Apple Books (Brentwood Village Mall, 403-284-1100; D171 Glenmore Landing,
403-255-3174). A store that specializes in educational books and
materials, but also have good selections of history, classics, and
SF.
Book Company (Banker's Hall, 3rd St at 8th Ave SW, 403-237-8344). Large
store with a good, broad selection (lots of Penguins, as well as big
history and art sections but the SF selection is poor).
Coles, The Book People (14 stores (seems like one in every mall)). The
biggest chain in the city. Standard mall-type bookstore selection,
but they do have good sales (and they've always got something on
sale). CON: They don't usually carry anything outside of the
mainstream releases (try Sandpiper Books). PRO: With 14 stores,
if the local store has sold out of a particular book, you never have
far to go to check another (and they can bring in other copies
quickly; they are a national chain).
Map Town (640 6th Ave SW, 403-266-2241). Map Town sells, well, maps, *but*
they also have a large and diverse selection of travel books.
Sandpiper Books (1587 7th Ave SW, 403-228-0272; 1145 Kensington Cr NW,
403-270-2115). One of the better independent stores in the city;
they carry some pretty interesting stuff that's not found at other
more mainstream stores. A good, reliable order desk and
well-informed staff.
Sentry Box (2047 34th Ave SW, 403-242-4567). If you want SF in Calgary,
this is the place for you, bar none. They have over 5000 titles
(only SF), plus art books/prints, and lots of other cool SF stuff.
(Note: The store is actually a gaming store; the bookstore is in the
back.) Some manga and anime as well.
[Most of this section contributed by Mark Stadel, [email protected].]
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Edmonton AB
Aspen Books (10624 Whyte Ave). Another independent bookstore. "A bit
smaller than the other two (Audrey's and Greenwoods')." A good one
to hit on a Whyte Avenue sweep (see below).
Athabasca Books (8228 105 Street, 403-431-1776). This interesting store,
just around the corner from Bjarne's, is also Bjarne's main
competition. Owner Margo has spend several years building up a fine
stock of antiquarian and out-of-print books. There are good
selections in Canadiana, children's books, theology, music, and
literature.
Audrey's Books (10702 Jasper Ave). One of the best independent bookstores
in Edmonton. Two floors, friendly staff, and lots of selection.
Their SF section is a bit small, and in the basement.
Bjarne's Books (10533 82 Ave, 403-439-7133). Was the other second-floor
store, but now occupies a new, snazzy location. One of Edmonton's
better used bookstores. A great collection of Canadiana, including
first-editions of novels and historical works on the Arctic and the
exploration of Western Canada. In any case, it's probably the best
for Antiquarian books Bjarne is a knowledgable and friendly dealer
and is a member of Antiquarian Booksellers of Canada.
Coles (Bonnie Doon Mall). Surplus store.
Edmonton Book Store (8530 109 Street, 403-433-1871). Originally a used book
store on the university campus, this bookstore now caters to both
students and the general book-buying public. Good selections in
most of the standard areas and an interesting selection of
antiquarian and Canadiana. Lots of paperbacks in the basement.
Edmonton Computer Books (10265-107 St, 403-429-1077, fax 403-429-1964). A
couple of blocks down the street from Audrey's. "I *love* this
store, and want everyone to support it so I don't have to go to
Calgary to get these kind of books like I used to."
Flights of Fantasy Books (7508 103 St; Best Route--take Calgary Trail North
or South, turn left on 76th or 75th Ave. Don't turn too early.
403-433-0693). Right next to the Greyhound station. Edmonton's SF
bookstore, with a good selection of Canadian SF as well as all other
kinds. Prominent authors get their own shelves. Also features
horror, mysteries, and thrillers. Martin, the manager, is
incredibly knowledgeable and has a great memory.
Greenwoods' Bookshoppe (10355 Whyte Ave). Another great independent
bookstore. Has a large SF section than Audrey's, and stocks more
Canadian SF. Also has a friendly staff. Two subsidiaries,
Greenwood's Small World (children's books and novelties) and
Greenwoods' Calendars Etc. (as the title says...) are just around
the corner on 104 St.
Old Penny Bookshop (9112 112 St; really in HUB Mall at the University of
Alberta). A small second-hand store, but treasures can be found
there. Prices are a bit higher than many second-hand stores.
Varscona Books (2 Floor, 10824a 82 Ave). One of two small upstairs
secondhand bookstores on Whyte Avenue. Has a good selection--more
of the literary and non-fiction hardcover than Wee Book Inn, and is
particularly good for language dictionaries.
Volume II Bookshop (12433 102 Ave). A small place, and its SF is together
with its mainstream. Its best selection is in children's books.
Wee Book Inn (10310 Whyte Ave, 10428 Jasper Ave, 8216 118 Ave, and 15103A
Stony Plain Rd). The premiere used bookstore chain in Edmonton.
The Whyte Avenue location is the largest, and as of this writing
recently renovated, but there's good selection here. Normal price
is 1/2 cover price, trade-ins accepted. Peeve: the books are only
vaguely alphabetized. Also, most stores feature semi-resident cats,
are in the seedier parts of town, and are open till midnight.
82 (Whyte) Avenue is by far the best place for a bookhunter to go wandering.
The biggest cluster is around 103 and 104 St. (Calgary Trail North and
South), where you have Greenwoods' and the main Wee Book Inn. In addition,
on 81 Avenue there's also Warp 1 Comics & Games, which has a few SF books in
addition to the comics and games. South on the Calgary Trails you get to
Flights of Fantasy and The Curious Mind, a children's bookstore a block or
so north. Heading west, you hit Bjarne's at 105th on the south side of the
street, and Aspen a block later on the north side. (Athabasca Books, a good
place to look for used romances and some other second-hand stuff, is half a
block north on 105th Street.) Then Varscona books upstairs by 109th Street,
on the north side of the street--if you're not watching, you may miss it.
Across the street from that is Tumbleweed Books, which is really more of a
comic store these days. You can also continue up 109th Street to the
Edmonton Book Store on 85 Ave., a second-hand store that, due to its
proximity to the University, has a thriving business in textbooks. On 88
Ave., there's Second Fiddle books, another upstairs second-hand store I know
little about. If you're still feeling energetic, you could go over to HUB
Mall and check out the Old Penny, but I'd be more inclined to stop and have
nachos at one of the restaurants in that area.... (Aaron Humphrey,
[email protected])
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Vancouver, BC
A B C Book & Comic Emporium (1247 Granville Street, 604-682-3019). It's a
used book store, with all kinds of books, but has a section at least
twenty metres long with floor to ceiling SF, including some rarities
like the first paperback edition of Piper's LORD KALVAN OF
OTHERWHEN.
Albion Books (523 Richards). Used books. Mostly literature and history,
some music books.
Ashley Books (3754 W 10th,604-228-1180). Used books. "One of the best used
bookstores I've been in anywhere. An excellent selection of
hardcovers in good condition, plus a fairly good assortment of
paperbacks. Strong in literature, philosophy, the arts, history.
Worth a special trip if you're in town."
Banyen Books (2671 W Broadway, 604-732-7912). A "new-age" bookstore:
metaphysics, ecology, new age, Eastern religions etc. "Plus a lot
more that shows you can't judge a bookstore by their Yellow Pages
ad. The biggest and best of its kind in Canada."
Blackberry Books (Granville Island: 1663 Duranleau; Kitslano: 2206 W 4th).
New books. Nice selection. Knowledgeable staff.
Book Warehouse (635 W Broadway, 1150 Robson, 2388 W 4th, also in the
Metrotown mall in Burnaby). Remainders, special deals, off-prints.
Not a reliable selection, but there are usually good bargains here.
Colophon Books (407 West Cordova upstairs, 604-685-4138). A mix of new
paperbacks (mostly modern fiction) and used. "Black Sparrow books
have their own glass-doored bookcase. Good prices. Near Gastown
(as are a wide assortment of other used bookstores)."
The Comic Shop (4th Ave). A reasonable selection of new and used SF.
Duthie's (downtown: 919 Robson; university: 4444 W 10th; Arbutus Village;
[email protected]). Good all-purpose bookstore; new
books. University branch has more esoteric selection, but the
downtown branch is bigger. Mentioned by posters as one of Canada's
best bookstores. They also will do searches for out-of-print books
and mail worldwide.
Granville Book Company (850 Granville St, 604-687-2213). A cooperative
ownership. Good stock of mystery and SF. Usually excellent on new
younger writers. Top notch computer book section. Always willing
to take orders. "You wouldn't normally expect a very good selection
on this stretch of street, but for a small bookstore, it has
excellent taste in modern fiction. At least it matches my
interests!"
Lawrence Books (3591 W 41st at Dunbar, 604-261-3812). Used books.
Excellent selection of history and literature. Knows the value of
what he has, so there are very few great bargains. "A nice
neighborhood used bookstore, with a broad selection of books that
look like they've come from retired university professors, i.e.,
good quality, eclectic collection."
Little Sisters Book & Art Emporium (1221 Thurlow, 604-669-1753, FAX
604-685-0252). A gay/lesbian/bisexual bookstore, well known for
fighting Canada Customs on censorship issues.
MacLeod's Books (455 W Pender). Used books. Excellent history and art
selections. Some of the staff are extremely knowledgeable, but some
of the younger staff are not, and can mislead the customer.
Michael Thompson Bookseller 9311 W Cordova). Used bookstore, with extensive
horror and okay SF collections. (Recently had a complete Weird
Tales set, most of which has since been sold.)
Mystery Merchant Bookstore (1952 W 4th). Mystery and suspense books, spy
thrillers. Lots of Canadian authors.
Neville Books (7793 Royal Oak, Burnaby). Used books. Specializes in
military history, but has a good selection of other stuff. Carries
new books by local authors. Extremely knowledgeable bookseller.
Spartacus Books (311 West Hastings, upstairs, 604-688-6138). A wide
selection of new books on anarchism, lesbian/gay/bisexual issues,
socialism, labour, environment, postmodernism, Asian studies,
Canadian studies, etc., as well as an excellent selection of current
periodicals. Cooperative-owned, volunteer-run, bargains on a small
selection of used books, open evenings, and there's a couch for
browsing.
Vancouver Women's Bookstore & Centre (315 Cambie, 604-684-0523). Near
Gastown. "Small, but focussed, and friendly."
White Dwarf Books (4374 West 10th Avenue, 604-228-8223). Fantasy and SF.
"I completed my H. Beam Piper collection there, and they had all but
two of them in stock, and ordered those." "A description of White
Dwarf is incomplete without a mention of the dog. Next to the cash
register sleeps a basset of various hues of brown. A sound from
outside arouses his interest and he's off, out the door. The
storekeeper runs after, calling, "Manny! Manny!" He reluctantly
returns to lie down again at his post, growling slightly at a
customer who comes too close. He's tired now, and 10 years is
getting on for a dog, and he wants his sleep." (Pam Gurd
<[email protected]>)
William McCarley's Bookstore and Gallery (213 Carrall, 604-683-5003).
Features graphic design, architectural etc books; in Gastown, an
interesting area to explore.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Victoria, BC
Bolen Books (Hillside Mall) Don't let the location put you off, it's not
your typical mall bookstore. Decent computer section, good SF and
mystery sections.
Munro's Books (Government St. between Fort and View) Carries a bit
of everything. Largest bookstore in Victoria. Mentioned by
posters as one of Canada's best bookstores.
Wimsey Books (Market Square) Specializes in mystery/crime. Carries both
new and used books. Knowledgeable staff.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Fairbanks AK
Baker and Baker Booksellers ([old address and phone number] North Gate
Square, 330 Old Steese Hwy, 907-456-2278). "Everything!!
SF/fantasy, mystery, classics, mainstream, non-fiction, children's
(very good). Hardbacks on discount; mass market and trade
paperbacks. Autograph parties sometimes. Very helpful staff!
They know everything about books, and they obviously care very much
about what they're doing."
Gulliver's Used Books (corner of College Road and University Ave).
Paperbacks mostly, some hardbacks, lots of SF/fantasy. fiction and
non-fiction. "Near university. Great hangout for intellectuals,
liberals, students, backpackers.
============================================================================
------------------------------
Subject: Anchorage AK
There are Book Cache stores in Anchorage; also some B. Daltons and other
major west coast chains.
============================================================================
Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | [email protected] /
[email protected]
--
Evelyn C. Leeper | +1 908 957 2070 | [email protected]
"The Internet is already an information superhighway, except that ... it is
like
driving a car through a blizzard without windshield wipers or lights, and all
of
the road signs are written upside down and backwards."--Mike Royko (not Dave
Barry!)
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