New bookstores in Toronto where you'll find literary gems
Sure it might be easier and more convinient to shop for new books online, but there’s something special about combing through the pages at your local bookstore. Whether you’re dying to read the latest bestseller, hunting down an obscure specialty book or picking up this month’s book club selection, here are six new bookstores in Toronto that'll have you covered.
Type Books
883 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G5You could fill a coffee table book with images of the whimsical window displays at this independent bookstore with locations in Queen West and Forest Hill. The ever-changing storefront vignettes are thematic exhibitions that pay homage to the selection of books inside. Shelves are lined with a well-curated range of contemporary fiction, art and design books, cookbooks and children’s titles. The community shop also hosts regular literary events, book launches and readings.
Mabel's Fables Childrens Book Store
662 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto, ON M4S 2N3This beloved children’s bookshop on Mount Pleasant has been catering to pint-sized bookworms since 1988. You’ll find a range of unique and quirky kids’ lit, from the childhood classics to contemporary new favourites. Bring along the young ones and you’re sure to leave with a superhero popup book or a suspenseful young adult novel. Don’t forget to keep your eye out for Mabel; the shop’s ginger feline can often be spotted prowling among the bookshelves.
Another Story Bookshop
315 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M6This independent shop in Roncesvalles attracts customers both young and old with its broad selection of books with a focus on themes of social justice, equity and global diversity. The progressive bookseller stocks politically charged titles from big name activists like Naomi Klein and David Suzuki as well as lesser-known radical reads. Educators receive an in-store discount as do book clubs and other groups who order titles in bulk.
Ben Mcnally Books
317 Adélaïde St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1N2Serious bibliophiles stimulate their senses at this independent bookseller in the Financial District. The wood-panelled shelves are stocked with first-run hardcovers, signed editions and sophisticated books that deserve a prominent spot on any bookshelf. Even a brief browse through these handsome displays will make you want to give up your e-reader for good.
Bmv Books
471 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X9Find new(ish) releases for less at this independent book chain with three locations across the city. The 15,000-square-foot Bloor Street West flagship shop features stacks and stacks of discounted new books and unusual hard-to-find titles covering a diverse variety of genres including literature, history, entertainment, fiction and biography. The shop also buys books from customers if you’re looking to unload some of the well-worn titles from your own library.
Indigo
55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M4W 1A5When it comes to quantity, you can’t beat this expansive multi-levelled bookshop with locations across the GTA. With deep discounts on new releases, a lucrative reward card, and on-site Starbucks, sometimes you just have to give in to the temptation of this big box bookstore. You can’t go wrong with a thought-provoking read from the “Heather’s Picks” table.
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