It may be easier than ever to buy books online, but there’s something about visiting a neighbourhood bookstore that just can’t be beat. One of the best ways to spend a weekend afternoon is perusing the book-stocked shelves of a charming bookstore, wasting the hours away. Fall is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and a cup of your favourite warm beverage, so take a look at 6 of the best bookstores in Toronto and get your reading on!
1. Type Books
Beginning as a charming bookstore on Queen Street West (across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park), Type Books recently opened a second location in the Junction. Both shops carry books and novels for all ages and host regular literary events. Over the years, Type has become one of the city’s most recognized bookstores, and anyone who steps inside knows the contagious energy you get from being in there. Both stores are beautiful and well-curated, with many people spending hours browsing the stacks.
2. Another Story Bookshop
Small and humble, this charming bookshop in Roncesvalles is a book lover’s dream. An independent bookstore with 30 years of history, it’s no wonder that Another Story is a neighbourhood favourite. They offer a broad range of literature for children, young adults and adults with a focus on themes such as social justice, equity, and diversity.
3. Swipe Books
Part bookstore, part design shop, Swipe bookstore is pretty much as cool as it gets. Located at Richmond and Spadina (in the heart of Toronto’s design district), they offer contemporary books on graphic design, advertising, architecture and urbanism. Not to mention, they also sell trendy design and home items so you can take home more than just books!
4. Ben McNally Books
This bookstore on Bay Street may just be the most beautiful place to look for books in Toronto. It truly feels like you’re stepping right into a fairytale when you open the door. With staff who are always reading, and happy to answer any of your questions, and an atmosphere that feel like your great grandfather’s study, Ben McNally Books is not to be missed! They also regularly host public events at the store, so make sure to check their event calendar if you want to connect with authors and fellow book lovers like you!
5. The Monkey’s Paw
Located on Bloor Street West, The Monkey’s Paw is an antiquarian shop specializing in uncommon books and obscure and eclectic titles that hard to find anywhere else. They stock a range of 20th-century books with a special emphasis on visual culture, obsolete opinions and technologies, and lesser-known works on highly specific topics. The Monkey’s Paw is also home to the Biblio-Mat, the world’s first randomizing vending machine for old books for the modest cost of $2.
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Paperholics can belly up to the “Ephemera Bar” at our Back Room Clearance Sale.
6. Glad Day Bookshop
The world’s oldest LGBTQ bookstore (since 1970), Glad Day Bookshop is so much more than a place to find books. Boasting a cafe, bar and restaurant, board games, weekly events and weekend dance parties, you’re sure to have the time of your life at Glad Day. Peruse their wide selection of book titles while sipping on a cappuccino or a dark n’ stormy, and munching on loaded nachos or poutine.
Do you know any other great independent bookstores in Toronto? Let us know in the comment section.
Featured image: Instagram/ @typebooksjunction