There’s something about the smell of books – old or new, they have the ability to transport you someplace magical! And while many now prefer to read their favorite books online, nothing beats the charm of holding that paperback and carefully using bookmarks to come back to it the next day. That is, if you can actually put it down in the first place!
August 9th is Book Lovers’ Day and what better day to give a shout-out to these amazing bookstores in Metro Vancouver that you can easily check out on transit!
Of course, let’s not forget stores like Chapters or Indigo, but with this listicle, we are shining the spotlight on the little-known neighborhood bookstores that are tucked away.
Some of these stores only sell used books, while some specialize in a certain genre. At the end of the day, they are all book lovers’ paradise.
1. The Paper Hound
Location: 344 West Pender Street, Vancouver Transit: Expo Line, Bus 19
The Paper Hound offers a selection of new, used, and rare titles in a historic, atmospheric building. This bookstore has over 9,000 titles and favours classics.
2.Spartacus Books
Location: 3378 Findlay St, Vancouver Transit: Bus 20
This bookstore is non-profit and run by volunteers. It’s open every day and is heaven if you are a literature-lover. They also have a $2 shelf!
3.People’s Co-op Bookstore
Location: 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver Transit Bus 20
This bookstore was in the news a few months ago – falling prey to online reading. But, this socialist bookshop defied trends and continues to live on because it is a co-op. The store has been in Vancouver since 1945.
4.Book Warehouse
Location: 4118 Main Street, Vancouver Transit: Bus 3, 25
Three generations of booksellers run this independent store that prides itself on having a vast selection of titles. Head to the store and browse through its numerous shelves, or relax in its wooden chairs and immerse yourself in your latest read. They also boast of regular author signings.
5.Brown’s Books
Location: 3740, Hastings Street, Burnaby Transit: Bus 27, 28, 130
Owner Roger Brown runs this bookstore that is located in one of the oldest commercial buildings in Burnaby. They specialize in out of print books, rare books, mystery books, science fiction, vintage fiction, war, and horror.
6.Creative Bookworm
Location: 20438 Douglas Crescent, Langley Transit: Bus 501, 502, 503, 595
This downtown Langley bookstore is family-owned and operated. They pride themselves on their collection of over 100,000 books they offer in store credit for your previously-read books.
7.Tomes & Tales Books
Location: 19141 Ford Rd, Pitt Meadows Transit: Bus 701, 791
A used bookstore in the Tri-Cities, Tomes & Tales has a great range of fantasy, children’s, mystery, and non-fiction books. They also sell a variety of teas, notebooks, bookmarks and other gifts for book lovers.
8.Comic Scene
Location: 8912 152 St, Surrey Transit: Bus 345, 502
Comic lovers, this is your Mecca! One of the few bookstores dedicated to comics outside of Vancouver, this one is run by a comic enthusiast. If comics are your thing, be sure to hit this place even if you don’t live in Surrey.
These are just a handful of bookstores that we thought deserved a mention from the hundreds of others in Metro Vancouver that are equally stellar. Which is your favorite bookstore? Let us know if we missed any more gems!
Take advantage of this beautiful weather and head to a beach where you can read to your heart’s content! If you are not a beach lover, don’t worry. Here are some farmers’ markets in Metro Vancouver that offer some delicious eats. You can also hit these popular ice cream spots if you love your sundaes. Another way to beat the heat is to splash at these family-friendly spray parks. Remember, you can take advantage of our increased service to many popular summer attractions to get out and about. Tap to Pay provides you with an option to pay for your transit fare — just tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card and be on your way. Remember, Compass Card is still your best option for reduced fares.
Author: Tanushree Pillai
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