School is in session, the air is getting chillier… fall is the perfect season to curl up with a good book! If you’re looking for your next autumn read, you’ll find great selections, quirky treasures, and community spirit at Edmonton’s independent bookstores.
1) Daisy Chain Book Co.
Formerly a mobile book truck, Daisy Chain Book Co. offers a great selection of new and used titles for kids, teens, and adults, as well as small gifts. The store also accepts donations of good-quality, “shelf-worthy” books in exchange for great discounts in-store. Owner Brandi Morpugo’s podcast, The Bookshop Chronicles, gives you the inside scoop on the team’s favourite books and what life is like running a bookstore in the age of COVID-19. || 12525-102 Ave.
2) Audreys Books
Edmonton’s oldest independent bookstore has tons of titles for readers of all demographics and interests, right in the heart of downtown Edmonton on Jasper Avenue. Across their two floors, you can also find children’s toys, puzzles, games, and gifts. Audreys hosts dozens of authors throughout the year; these events are currently running virtually. Join the Audreys Book Club for rewards points and special discounts. || 10702 Jasper Ave.
3) Glass Bookshop
With a brick-and-mortar location in Stovel Block in the near future, this store is currently offering free book delivery with in Edmonton, St. Albert, and Sherwood Park, with shipping available for bookworms across Canada. Glass Bookshop’s collection focuses on works by traditionally marginalized groups, including LGBTQ2SIA+ and BIPOC authors. They also offer fun, spunky merch including t-shirts, pins, stickers, and more so you can proudly proclaim your love of indie bookstores to the world. || www.glassbookshop.com
4) Ascendant Books
This New Age bookshop, founded in 1983, specializes in books covering the esoteric and the mystical: find information on crystals, metaphysics, yoga, and everything in between. They also offer a variety of gifts and home goods such as crystals, tarot cards, and essential oils, as well as CDs for meditation and relaxation. || #105, 10310-124 St.
5) Week Book Inn
Having recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, this used bookshop is an Edmonton fixture; they currently operate stores on both Whyte Avenue and Jasper Avenue. Their selection includes books, movies, and music; you can order a curated selection of titles that will be hand-picked by staff based on your interests. Stop by to find a great read and to say hello to the bookstore cats, Fleur and Saku! || South Central: 10310 Whyte (82) Ave. Downtown: 10328 Jasper Ave.
6) The Bookstore on Perron Street
Operating since 1975, St. Albert’s resident family bookstore offers everything from classics to current bestsellers, as well as plenty of toys and games for kids. They also offer kitchen goods and homewares, making them a one-stop-shop for gifts (including gifts for yourself—we won’t judge). || 7 Perron St., St. Albert
7) Mandolin Books & Coffee
Browse a great selection of gently-loved used books, including both fiction and non-fiction titles, at this cozy shop. You can also grab a fresh-brewed, locally-roasted Catfish Coffee Roasters coffee or tasty baked goods from their cafe. Indoor dining has been temporarily discontinued, but patio seating is available as well as the option of taking your treats to go. Mandolin is also looking to buy high-quality used books; guidelines are available on their website. || 6419-112 Ave.
8) Edmonton Book Store
If you’re looking for something on the rarer side, this bookshop is your go-to. As a proud member of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of Canada, Edmonton Book Store buys and sells rare, out-of-print books covering any and every topic you can imagine. With over 80,000 titles in store, you’ll be sure to find something that’ll spark your interest. || 10533 Whyte (82) Ave.
