https://bobostory.wordpress.com List

  • 13 Things I Found on the Internet Today (Vol. 687) - [image: 13 Things I Found on the Internet Today (Vol. 687)] 1. Truth Windows A traditional feature of strawbale houses is the truth window – a small secti...
    15 hours ago
  • 陳韻文的《滋事札》 - *陳韻文著︰《滋事札》* 陳韻文八十年代在《星島日報》的專欄,陳進權先生經年剪存,如今選輯修改,訂成一冊,最近終於面世,書友無不捧場。五十多篇文章,有些未必來自《星島》,大部分經過重寫,和專欄原貌大不相同,不少寫的更是這數年的人事,完全可當是新書看。〈引子〉寫「滋事札」名字之由來(原來轉自鵲鴝「豬屎渣」之名)...
    2 days ago
  • 蒟蒻 - 蒟蒻,就是魔竽,英文名稱為魔舌Devil’s Tongue,是一粒粒的球狀根物,外表漆黑,肉雪白。 主要成分是 […]
    3 days ago
  • belated February 2024 Patreon round-up: EXCLUSIVE - True Detective: Night Country + ADVANCE - TWIN PEAKS Character Series entry - Although I offered a couple standalone sci-fi episodes last fall, *True Detective: Night Country* is my first (but probably not my last) patron-exclusive...
    1 week ago
  • Politics (論政治) - 要做醫生,先要讀醫;要做司機,也要考牌。世上唯有從政,可以完全沒有受過訓練就上任。其實從政應該如何入手呢?回看上世紀的政治人物,不少都受過深厚的哲學訓練,那是因為哲學一般分為形而上學、自然哲學、倫理學以及政治哲學。其中政治哲學研究的,正是政府的形式、權力的分配、革命的基礎等。美國的開國領袖不少便是美國哲學學會的...
    4 weeks ago
  • Live Q & A with David Harvey & Miguel Robles-Durán - Join me and Miguel Robles-Durán for a live Q&A session tomorrow, Wednesday, January 10th at 2:00pm (EST). Support our Politics in Motion Patreon to submit ...
    2 months ago
  • 下坡的思維 - 當我們沿迎風坡而下時,風顯得大而勁了。我穿在許臂彎裡的手慣性的縮回而拉一下裙裾。陡然,我感到這種無意識動作的可 … 繼續閱讀 下坡的思維
    3 months ago
  • 鄭明仁:41年歷史《旅行家》成絕響 - 陳溢晃帶隊遊新界。 資深旅行家陳溢晃於1972年成立正剛旅行隊,半個世紀以來他每周都帶隊作本地遠足遊;1982年1月他創辦了《旅行家》雜誌,到今年已41年,是香港歷史最悠久的本土旅遊雜誌。遺憾的是,陳溢晃月前急病離世,正剛和《旅行家》恐怕要停辦了。 陳溢晃離世,是香港旅行界的損失。 *研究本地史的寶貴資料...
    4 months ago
  • 翻译:巴迪欧《真理的内在性》第二章四种有限类型的辩证法 - 第二节 辩证法 就某一类消极有限性而言,这绝不是一个将无限性与有限性相对立的问题。因为所有真正的力量最终都需要在有限记录(registre )中运算。问题在于,要假设出一种积极有限性,而这种有限性不会成为无限性的消极废值。 一、主要假设 既然如此,我提出以下假设:要想有真正的活动,要想让有限的东西...
    2 years ago
  • 溫度日記 APP:用柔美的手繪插圖來療癒你的心、豐富你的手帳日記!(Android、iOS) - 無意中看到「溫度日記 Hearty Journal」,赫然驚覺,原來我們每天的生活早已被社群網站、即時聊天軟體攻佔已久,忘了有多久沒有靜下心來寫一段文字或是陳述自己的心靈告白,或為自己那荒蕪的一方天地灌溉過一滴水分呢? 吉娜承認自己心癢了!因為溫度日記不僅僅是日記網站、線上日記或是日記App,他更像是一個文字...
    2 years ago
  • 溫度日記 APP:用柔美的手繪插圖來療癒你的心、豐富你的手帳日記!(Android、iOS) - 無意中看到「溫度日記 Hearty Journal」,赫然驚覺,原來我們每天的生活早已被社群網站、即時聊天軟體攻佔已久,忘了有多久沒有靜下心來寫一段文字或是陳述自己的心靈告白,或為自己那荒蕪的一方天地灌溉過一滴水分呢? 吉娜承認自己心癢了!因為溫度日記不僅僅是日記網站、線上日記或是日記App,他更像是一個文字...
    2 years ago
  • 【藝術源於生活,但高於生活】 - ​ 【藝術源於生活,但高於生活】 脫口秀大會第四季的slogan「還是生活最幽默」,周奇墨決賽的段子顯示他對生活的敏銳觀察,加上深厚的表演經驗,更有第三季跌跌撞撞的表現,殺君馬者道旁兒的網路磨難,讓他從線下小劇場到線上綜藝節目表演的交換舞台,更小心拿捏那條線。更難得的是笑果文化在打造激烈的脫口秀大會喜劇擂台同時...
    2 years ago
  • John Cage: ASLSP(as slow as possible) - 在德国哈尔伯斯塔特的一座教堂里,一个不寻常的艺术事件正在进行,这个事件被称为「尽可能慢」。这并非一场普通的音乐会,而是由美国作曲家约翰·凯奇(John Cage)创作的一项持续时间长达数百年的音乐演出。 这个音乐演出的主角是一台巨大的管风琴(organ),位于哈尔伯斯塔特的圣母教堂内。这座管风琴被设计成每隔几...
    3 years ago
  • 林樹勛:馬吉〈臭屁〉的美感──兼讀其文集《時日悠悠》 - 馬吉文集《時日悠悠》,有一篇題為〈臭屁〉,全文如下: 兩口子睡在床上,意旺忽地在 … 繼續閱讀 →
    3 years ago
  • 蘇賡哲 : 他做不成杜月笙 - 杜月笙 舊書商回憶錄之四十 包括蔣介石在內,很多人喜歡和杜月笙稱兄道弟。因為任你有天大難題求助於他,他都若無其事,「閒話一句」就替你解决了。 當然,天下沒有白吃的午餐,但杜月笙的本事正在於,他要你還的人情債,即使是加倍奉還,必定是你還得起,樂於償還的。 奶路臣街有一位常作杜月笙狀的書商,他...
    3 years ago
  • 侶倫的《窮巷》 - 香港文苑書店1952年初版。書影來自香港中文大學圖書館。 香港文苑書店1952年初版。書影來自香港中文大學圖書館。 《窮巷》是侶倫第一部長篇小說,1948年動筆,隨寫隨刊於夏衍主編的《華商報》副刊《熱風》上,由1948年7月1日起,連載至8月22日止,共約3萬6千字。恰遇夏衍離開報館,新人上場,編輯方...
    3 years ago
  • 財富之城──威尼斯 - 剛讀完Roger Crowley(羅傑.克勞利)有關威尼斯共和國歷史的著作: City of Fortune: How Venice Won & Lost a Naval Empire (財富之城──威尼斯怎樣嬴取及失去其海上帝國)(台版:《財富之城──威尼斯共和國的海洋霸權》),作為我近年來閱讀地中海和威尼...
    5 years ago
  • 杭寧遊記 - 我的藏書裡有二部古籍和西湖相關,一是《御覽西湖志纂》,一是《西湖志》。
    5 years ago
  • 釐清香港議員取消資格案的法律概念:又名「跳出跳入打我呀笨蛋」然後被打 - 好多人真的不懂法律又要講法律。又有好多人以為只有香港才會有「人大釋法」。任何一個 … 繼續閱讀 →
    6 years ago
  • 照顧與創作 - 月前為谷淑美的攝影詩文集《流光.時黑》做了中文部分的編輯工作,實在因為是一種唇亡齒寒感。谷淑美的書,是關於她照顧年老患病的母親,過程中進而對母親生命、自己生命的發掘,轉化為攝影與文字創作。自己進入中年,身體開始變差,也進一步想到將來要照顧家人的責任,暗暗畏懼其龐大。於是,也就想通過進入谷淑美的歷程,讓自己學...
    6 years ago
  • - 暗夜小巴像搖骰,我們每個橫切面都刻了字,不知我們在終站會變成甚麼。或者是上帝,或者是狗。或者倒轉的日歷。紙張一天一天倒著依附,雨中有人望過來問:為甚麼不可以?聽到問題的人,心裡又虛又慌,因為撇除了時日的制裁,也沒有多麼費力。耗費也是不足夠的。如果真的有努力過的話,根本不會站在這裡。喂,他其實一早...
    6 years ago
  • 《別字》試刊號第二期出版﹗ - 立即下載:《別字》試刊號第二期 《字花》的網上純創作誌《別字》登場了! 「別字」一名,既有別冊之意,更寄望透過網上平台,另闢傳播門徑,開拓閱讀體驗。 暫定三個欄目,「透光」的作品從自由投稿中特別挑選,「有時」配合《字花》徵稿或另設新題,「極限」則專載萬字長篇。 試刊號第二期,以PDF形式呈現,供各位下載...
    6 years ago
  • 乌托邦遗迹 - [image: uploads/201510/18_114414_s1.1973peterderret.jpg] [水瓶节,宁宾,1973年。摄影:Peter Derret] 乌托邦遗迹 欧宁 宁宾(Nimbin)是澳大利亚新南威尔士东北部山区的一个小镇,因1973年举办水瓶节(Aquarius Fes...
    8 years ago
  • 「馬拉松 看世界」專頁 向世界馬拉松出發 - 如無意外,本周日我應該身在三藩巿,跑今年第五個外國比賽,也是人生第三十個馬拉松比賽(廿九個在香港以外)。雖然Blog有好一段日子沒有update,但跑步仍是繼續下去,這兩年尤其多,也去了俄羅斯、澳洲這些新國家、新大陸跑,是另一個飛躍期。 這些年的跑馬路上,有幸認識一些志同道合、見識廣博、洞察力強、對比賽有要...
    8 years ago
  • 自由路艱:再思肖友懷事件 - 文:野莩遣返或特赦肖友懷,無絕對之可不可行,但決定時當先考慮法理依據,而非道德情懷。我曾就此事詢問一位在入境處工作的朋友,她的答覆非常簡單:「1. 依法當遣返事主;2. 父母非港人,事主不能申請單程證;3. 除了酌情,事主無其他留港途徑。」那麼酌情先例會為制度開漏洞嗎?「Personally speaking...
    8 years ago
  • 烏蘭巴托的夜 - 《烏蘭巴托的夜》是首蒙古歌曲。蒙古的作曲家寫的,賈樟柯重新填了詞,左小祖咒改編,電影《世界》插曲(湖南台的字幕打錯了)。左小原版的就好聽,他少有的比較「正經」地演唱。譚版也不錯,大氣,聲情並茂。 左小改編演唱的《烏蘭巴托的夜》 賈樟柯電影片斷(趙濤演唱) 蒙古族樂隊杭蓋的版本 烏蘭巴托的夜 作詞:賈樟...
    8 years ago
  • 莉娜骑士在盘子上 - 1874年12月25日,一个女孩诞生在罗马北部小城维泰博的贫民窟,迷信说,这一天诞生的人有特别的命运,父母为她取名“娜塔莉娜”(Natalina ),因为“natale”是意大利语里的“圣诞节”。12 岁开始,她当过卖花姑娘、包装女工,生活虽然贫寒,好在她天赋歌喉,每天从早唱到晚。邻居一个音乐教师给她上...
    9 years ago
  • 欲望的事故 - 欲望的事故 顾文豪 特里林在《知性乃道德职责》一书中引述亚里士多德关于悲剧的定义,认为悲剧的主人公具有某种程度的、可进行自由选择的可能性,他“必须通过自己的道德状况来为自己的命运进行辩解”,而其道德状况并非十全十... *博客大巴,你的个人传媒早班车*
    10 years ago
  • 給《明報》 - 一口答應寫一篇給《明報》,箇中心情,猶如「償還」。 明明我沒有欠這報甚麼,稿債沒有,瓜葛沒有。 都是人情吧。多老套。 這些年來,跟《明報》的這些年來,救命,怎麼細數。 第一次認真寫稿刊登,已是2003年的事了。正是馬家輝博士邀請,給世紀版寫一篇關於「網上飄流的香港家書」。(私人回憶:先生有份跟我寫的。)一年過...
    10 years ago
  • 召喚 新春秋 - 召喚 新春秋 諸劍仙現身, 草草一刀 頓首
    10 years ago
  • 偶然的發現 - 很久沒在facebook上看到湯正川的post,早上偶然看到他與另一DJ的對談,發現這首歌,先放上來,待電腦回復正常,再仔細欣賞。
    10 years ago
  • 阿城:你这个名字怎么念? - *你这个名字怎么念?阿城 * 堪萨斯州多好农地,广大,略有起伏,种着苞谷。苞谷快收了,一般高矮,一片灰黄。不过从车里望出去,灰黄得实在单调,车开得愈久,愈单调。 偶有棉田。两个人坐在路边白房子前,有车开过去,瞥也不瞥,呆看着棉花地。 从后视镜里望他们,愈来愈小了。发什么呆呢?棉花出了问题?第一次种棉...
    10 years ago
  • - *Chapeau...!*Cock your hat - angles are attitudes (Sinatra) By Heinz Decker Hats seem to stimulate the imagination; maybe because they are a prolongatio...
    11 years ago
  • 閱讀讓我質疑制度 - [本訪問稿乃〈不可能所有的真實都出現在你的攝影機前──賈樟柯、杜海濱訪談〉的第一部份。訪問稿全文網上版見以下網頁: http://leftfilm.wordpress.com/2012/07/17/jiaduinterview1/ http://leftfilm.wordpress.com/2012/07/17...
    11 years ago
  • 蜚聲卓越在書林──蘇州文育山房 - 蘇州的氣候溫潤,步調舒緩,水道與巷弄縱橫交錯,教人一來到此便安下心來。城裡的平江街區,從宋代便已經存在,以今日留存的巷弄來看,八百年來的格局規劃變化並不大,只是範圍縮小許多。而就在這僅存的街區裡,留下的不只是悠悠時光,亦有不少哲人賢士駐守的痕跡。書癡黃丕烈的百宋一廛、史學家顧頡剛的顧氏花園、清代狀元洪...
    12 years ago
  • 當世界留下二行詩 宣傳BV - 當世界留下二行詩瓦歷斯.諾幹Walis.Nokan本書以極簡的形式,現代詩行的排列,挑戰詩藝和語境的實驗風格觀察視角從台灣的土地與家園,擴及到族群、社會乃至世界的關懷。動情至深,引發共鳴,為作者近年來最新創意力作!短短的二行詩,宛如「芥子納須彌」激起無限想像空間,是一本趣意盎然、值得珍藏的現代詩集。向陽、李...
    12 years ago
  • V城系列明信片 - 圖:by 智海 and 楊智恆
    12 years ago
  • 【世界眼系列特别活动】迈克尔•桑德尔:公正,该如何做是好? - *迈克尔•桑德尔:公正,该如何做是好? Justice:What's the Right Thing to Do?* *开始时间:* 2011年5月21日 周六 13:45 *结束时间:* 2011年5月21日 周六 17:00 *地点:* 上海 长宁区上海市天山路356号长宁区图书馆10楼报告厅(地铁2...
    12 years ago
  • 诗歌是飞行术,散文是步兵 - *诗歌是飞行术,散文是步兵顾文豪* *刊于《南方都市报——阅读周刊》2009年10月11日* 在众多优秀诗人看来,散文不是适合他们展露才思表陈感情的文体,偶然为之,亦不过如布罗茨基所说的是一种“以其他方式延续的诗歌”。他还有另一个比喻———诗歌是飞行术,散文则是步兵。 是的,诗人兴许能在...
    14 years ago
  • 《般若波罗蜜多心经》印存 - 《般若波罗蜜多心经》印存 般若波罗蜜多心经 35*35*138mm 薄意山水巴林红丝冻石 观自在菩萨 26*35*80mm 貔貅钮巴林黄冻石 行深般若波罗蜜多时 30*38*90mm 貔貅钮巴林冻石 照见五蕴皆空 33*33*114mm 螭钮巴林黄彩石 度一切苦厄 25*2...
    15 years ago

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

The Best Used Bookstores in Toronto


Review by DEREK FLACK MARCH 26, 2009
Facebook Twitter Google+
Despite the rise of web-based giants like Chapters/Indigo and Amazon, the used bookseller remains alive, if not altogether well. Like a character from a William Faulkner novel, they endure despite the forces of change that surround them. No doubt technology like the Kindle - the so-called ipod of books - will make the going even tougher in the years to come. But, for those Torontonians who still value the experience of cradling and collecting books, and who don't want to pay an arm and a leg for the pleasure, there remain a number of well-stocked used bookstores scattered across the city.
These places are, for the most part, operated by lovers of literature and music who believe in the community importance of bookstores, who love to discuss books with their customers, and who generally provide far more reliable purchasing suggestions than an algorithm based on one's past purchases. Here's a list of Toronto's best as voted by our readers.
See also: The Best Bookstores in Toronto
THE BEST USED BOOKSTORES IN TORONTO
1. BMV BOOKS
2. MONKEY'S PAW
3. BALFOUR BOOKS
4. ELIOT'S BOOKSHOP
5. SHE SAID BOOM
6. SEEKERS
7. THE BOOK EXCHANGE
8. DENCAN BOOKS
9. PANDEMONIUM
10. CIRCUS BOOKS AND MUSIC
11. A GOOD READ
12. ZOINKS!




Map data ©2013 Google - Terms of Use

Map
Satellite
Facebook Twitter Google+
LATEST BEST OF LISTS
The Best Microbrewery in Toronto
The Best Sliders in Toronto
The Best Late Night Poutine in Toronto
The Best Irish Pubs in Toronto
COMMENTS
View comment policy
bart this is more like a list of the last remaining used bookstores in toronto ;) they're all great places, but living close to zoinks makes it one of my favourites. even though their stock is smaller than the other stores on the list, i always seem to find the books i'm looking for.
26/03/2009 09:34 am
Torontonian The Bloor St. BMV bookstore is fairly noisy,particularly if one compares it to the Edward St. location. The background music is high, people talk on their cell phones and couples talk across distances rather than approach one another to converse more quietly. It's all quite distracting, really.
26/03/2009 09:48 am
Rosalin Krieger Seekers has a wide range of gems (and great prices) that nobody else seems to carry in Toronto. I got an early Nelson Mandela biography, an old Ralph Ellison essay collection, The Joy of Sex and books on Jewish popular culture. This store has such character and warmth, I can't imagine buying books anywhere else.
26/03/2009 09:48 am
Rosalin Are you serious? This is a great bookstore. People yapping on the bus are much more annoying. In fact, it is very quiet and spacious and not stuffy like most old book stores. BMV and Seekers are the best used book stores -- both are very different but very good.
26/03/2009 09:55 am
Eric S. Smith If e-books published for devices like the Kindle remain DRM-encumbered, users will find themselves shut out of the secondary market in two ways. First, of course, they'll have no real book to sell. Second, even if they can find someone with a theoretically compatible device who would be willing to pay for a "used" e-book, they'll probably discover that the DRM prevents the transaction.
26/03/2009 10:12 am
matts It's a bit unfair to put the BMV behemot against some other stores in this list; after all, BMV deals mostly with remainder books - brand new books sold by publishers at discounts. I frequent the store and absolutely love the bargains, but it is not a "used" book store by a long shot.
26/03/2009 11:08 am
Jenn There is nothing like the smell of a book, and the feel of a book. While I do read some ebooks, I hope that these stores stay open and thriving. Sometimes progress is not a good thing! Hopefully enough book lovers continue to shop at these places to keep them open for good :) Great list!
26/03/2009 11:10 am
laurel love love frantic city! (and doubt i'll ever grow out of loving kerouac, even just a little bit)
26/03/2009 11:27 am
Dudley She Said Boom was literally the first store I ever visited in Toronto, ten minutes after I moved into my first T.O. apartment, which was right across the street. I've loved it ever since.
26/03/2009 11:28 am
Bosephus An awesome list! I'm glad to see that Seekers made it - I can't remember the last time I went in there without buying something. Now, if only they would get rid of that horrible incense...
26/03/2009 12:16 pm
kate I gotta say... as an English student it's impossible to afford 12 books x 5 classes every year. I survive on second hand bookstores, and it's a shame that people would rather spend their money on the same books at corporate stores.
26/03/2009 12:55 pm
khalid if any one ,wants or need books,used books about and from saudi arabia,email me ty star_mans2000@hotmail.com
26/03/2009 14:09 pm
Matt What about Ten Editions on Spadina, just south of Bloor? It has a larger selection than some of the other stores on the list and is fairly cheap. I do like BMV, but it must be remembered that it is really a remainder store.
26/03/2009 21:25 pm
Matthew This list is awesome. I was in Seeker's last night and left with four books instead of the one I'd intended - I promptly forgot them at my friend's house afterwards... Le sigh. Recycled is my favourite, but I can spend hours and hours in Atticus too. I love its disregard for effective classification of its stock.
27/03/2009 07:21 am
rapi can't beleive you don't mention Acadia Art & Rare Books (416) 364-7638. 232 Queen St E...the BEST art bookstore in toronto....
27/03/2009 08:08 am
Corina Does Bakka not count? Or maybe they don't sell any used books anymore... also, RIP Jamie Fraser Books.
27/03/2009 08:18 am
Walter Small in comparison to BMV, but just up the road from ELLIOT's is ABC BOOKS. Its worth a look. They have a good selection of used literature and its not as picked over as some of the larger stores. You can still find Phillip K. Dick, Kerouac etc. and other perennial favourites if you look around. They even have a blog at: www.abcbookstoronto.blogspot.com . Also a nice selection of back issues of comic books and graphic novels AND Dvd's. W.
27/03/2009 08:57 am
Derek It's great that so many are writing in with suggestions of stores that didn't make the list. I would have personally also added NDJ books on Yonge, which has always had something in stock for me. The fifteen in the original post are, however, a reflection of the voting of our readers. But, if anyone can think of still others not in the original post, it can only help the booksellers and buyers of the city.
27/03/2009 09:42 am
Colleen I too was surprised not to see Ten Editions. I love that place.
27/03/2009 11:55 am
Hayden I'm with rapi on this, Acadia (http://www.arcadiabooks.com) is superb, with a gorgeous black cat called 'Mishu'. All the best book shops have cats (see Balfour Books).
06/04/2009 14:39 pm
justme I love BMV! It's not technically a used book store but they do have a huge selection. It always sucks me in.
14/05/2009 15:45 pm
Rapp A Good Read is huge. Many books. Rare ones too.
23/06/2009 14:33 pm
Rapp She Said Boom sucks. Barely anything in there. Definitely nothing good. And I know why. I went in there once with a bunch of best sellers. They refused to buy though because my books weren't the right "size." They were paperbacks, and the store only wanted trade paperbacks. The person told me to bring in any trade paperback book, by anyone, and they'd buy it. Yeah, your customers really care what the size of a book is.
23/06/2009 14:38 pm
Peter "I went in there once with a bunch of best sellers" There is a difference between the best-sellers you brought, and the trade paperbacks that they are after. A best-seller like Dan Brown, Michael Creighton etc. is a different animal than a trade paperback. Trade paperbacks are works of literary fiction - Kerouac, Bukowski, Camus, etc. are examples of trade paperbacks. The best-sellers you brought in can be found for sale in any airport or supermarket. Trade paperbacks can only be found in dedicated booksellers.
26/08/2009 00:11 am
paco marcial Hey, Is there in Toronto any automotive/motorsport-oriented bookstore? Thanks in advance for any clue! P
30/09/2009 14:15 pm
andrea don't forget the Great Escape on Kingston Road for new, used, rare and kids. Their trading system here might mean you never have to buy again. NO school texts though, just pure enjoyment....losing yourself in the written word.
10/10/2009 10:36 am
kipik You don't have my favorite one, called Tenth edition book store on spadina north of harbour street. It's the best selection of art books, children books, unusual books, she has a sharp eye for great find you'll find there stuff you won't find anywhere else!
17/10/2009 16:17 pm
Michael Why isn't the Paperback Exchange listed? I find it to be one of the best stores in Toronto (Located McCowan/Lawerance. I'd say if you want a great read go there!
22/10/2009 08:49 am
Julia Another great place is Willow Books, on Bathurst just south of Bloor (right behind Honest Ed's). They have more books than they have room for, which tends to equal some great deals. Best of all, it's owned by an elderly gentleman who knows and loves every one of his books. Some amazing conversations, and backstories to the things you're buying!
21/11/2009 00:45 am
Limo4u Helpful information if I need any book I will try some.
21/11/2009 03:20 am
ron Tenth Edition is a marvellous store with the added bonus of a rolling ladder that lets you reach the high shelves!
19/12/2009 09:38 am
George It's great to see how many stores considered "used" books stores are operating in Toronto and the enthusiastic comments are refreshing. There are many ways to operate a used books store business so it is impressive not to see 31 comments without there being a clear cut favourite. Count yourselves among the blessed cities but also know it is only by continuing shopping at your local stores you can keep an important part of your city's culture alive. Another thing customers can do to improve the stores they prefer is to keep after them to improve - tell them what you are looking for everytime you go into their store - let them know what you like about what they are doing and what you wish they could start doing better. Even though few merchants don't seem to realize it - their customers and their staff are the most vital ingredients contributing to their longevity. Customers know the books they really want and generally staff are in the best position to keep in touch with what is currently in demand. Knowledgable staff takes longer to develop and can be extremely valuable, if they can retain their enthusiasm, remember all the inventory that is still relevant even though it is no longer in fashion and possess a willingness to share their hard-earned experience. Used books stores can be among the jewels in a city's treasures - but only with the help and support of their customers. May God bless you every one.
23/12/2009 01:24 am
Diane There's also 're-reading' on the danforth near chester station. They're pretty new, but the owner is really nice, and the space is beautiful. Small, but that's okay. nice big selection of sci-fi. and a good collection of comic books ;D I often go into circus too though... I pass them everyday on my way home.
23/12/2009 11:47 am
Toronto pink</a Even though few merchants don't seem to realize it - their customers and their staff are the most vital ingredients contributing to their longevity. Customers know the books they really want and generally staff are in the best position to keep in touch with what is currently in demand. Knowledgable staff takes longer to develop and can be extremely valuable, if they can retain their enthusiasm, remember all the inventory that is still relevant even though it is no longer in fashion and possess a willingness to share their hard-earned experience. Used books stores can be among the jewels in a city's treasures - but only with the help and support of their customers.
18/01/2010 19:11 pm
Gtacarservices There is a difference between the best-sellers you brought, and the trade paperbacks that they are after. A best-seller like Dan Brown, Michael Creighton etc. is a different animal than a trade paperback. Trade paperbacks are works of literary fiction - Kerouac, Bukowski, Camus, etc. are examples of trade paperbacks.
18/01/2010 19:12 pm
James don't forget the Great Escape on Kingston Road for new, used, rare and kids. Their trading system here might mean you never have to buy again. NO school texts though, just pure enjoyment....losing yourself in the written word.
18/01/2010 19:16 pm
BookSmart BMV is a great store, well layed out and a very good selection of books and DVDS however there is a guy who works there that is extremely rude to customers. I purchased some books and asked him for a bag (expecting to pay for the bag) and he ripped into me about how they do not just give bags away for free. He has some sort of psychological problem and needs customer service training.
09/03/2010 18:19 pm
Bally You also forgot Roxanne Reads New and Used Books on Queen Street East (near Broadview) - named Toronto's Best Used Book Store by Now Magazine after only being open a year. A great selection of New and Used Books at great prices. A beautiful and welcoming shop - with something for everyone.
17/03/2010 15:09 pm
kipik The best of those would be Eliot on Yonge. But the best one of all has to be !0th Edition Bookstore on Spadina just north of Harbour. She's great, prices are great, huge selection of art books, children books, nature, poetry, 1st nation history... You ar garanteed to find a rare treasure and pay 10$ for it!!!
06/05/2010 13:22 pm
Ihor Prociuk Atticus Books on Harbord (just west of the University of Toronto) closed about a year ago (I think). I don't think they've moved: they've closed permanently.
01/06/2010 10:59 am
Loma thanks for the list i havent been do any of them but will try atleast one of them.. right now i use cheapest textbooks try them at http://www.cheapesttextbooks.com
14/07/2010 09:39 am
Captmondo Just wanted to recommend The Great Escape bookstore on Kingston Road. I know it has already been mentioned here by someone else already, but it is a real little gem of a used book store. A great selection of books for kids, excellent genre (SciFi, Horror, Murder Mysteries etc) plus history and so on (no textbooks). It may be small, but the staff are excellent (it's run by a couple of retired teachers if I remember right) and extremely helpful. If I am ever in need of a cheap read, I start with this store and only then head downtown (usually to by more. ;-)
15/07/2010 15:43 pm
mellon Roxanne reads is gone already. Too bad.
30/07/2010 14:04 pm
Sydney Don't forget about the College bookstores at U of T! University College has an awesome used bookstore with a lot more variety than most. Plus they have a gigantic sale in October that is mind blowing! Check out their website and be sure to drop by! http://www.uc.utoronto.ca/content/view/172/817/
30/07/2010 14:18 pm
Alissa Acutally, I buy and sell my books at http://www.UsedBookBuySell.com. This is a great site where you do not need to register or sign up for an account. No need to login. You just post the book and buyers contact you through emails. They even keep your email address hidden. The best thing is it's completely Free. no listing fee, no transaction fees. I would strongly recommend it to anyone.
11/09/2010 21:59 pm
Dave Hosei Good Day, I have hundreds of ESL books. Would you by chance be interested. Email: Faizul@rogers. Cell 416-966-7373 Thanks, Dave
18/11/2010 14:01 pm
athena Eliot's is one of my favorites! Not just in Toronto, but worldwide... it's got that used bookstore smell that just feels like heaven.
20/12/2010 06:41 am
Ginni Hi, I am in the process of opening a used book store/ cafe in the North york area. If you have any used books that you would like to consign and/or sell, please contact me. They must be in reasonably good condition and any age, topic will be accepted. Paperbacks are welcome! Tel: 647 774 8836 or email - melodycafe at ymail dot com
13/01/2011 10:16 am
rapi you forgot acadia bookstore at queen and sherbourne...THE BEST for used and rare edition art books...just another east-ender...i see the list lacks in that direction
11/02/2011 06:37 am
MJ How could you possibly forget the Pleasant Bookstore at Bayview and Eglinton!? By far the nicest, best stocked, book store in all of Toronto. You should check it out some time.
14/03/2011 16:53 pm
MJ I can't believe there is no listing for the Pleasant Bookstore at Bayview & Eglinton. It's awsome. Albeit small, it always has a title I'm looking for. Check it out.
16/04/2011 16:02 pm
Brad Ford Another store you have left off and the only used bookstore in all of North Toronto is Handy Book Exchange at 1762 Avenue Riad (north of Lawrence). It's been there forever and they have a blend of mass market and trade paperbacks as well as hardcovers. The books in their window always changes and both Al and Carole are very knowledgeable and friendly and if you buy a nice little stack of stuff, Al will even give you a break on the price. While they concentrate on Fiction, History, Military and Kid's books, there are also some neat cookbooks, true crime and some modern first editions at great prices. Other North Toronto stores have come and gone but Handy Book is still chugging along. I remember my mom taking me there when I was a young kid so the store is now generational!
03/05/2011 10:52 am
MM Why in the world do used bookstores NOT have their books on a database? I just called three better known ones in Toronto who told me that they have no database. There is a popular out-of-print book that I am interested in purchasing. I would be happy to pop by a used book store to pick one up, if they had a copy. Since they do not have a database of their books, they are unable to tell me whether they have a copy -- I have to go there and browse there shelves (I could easily spend 3 hours visiting various shops, in areas where parking is a challenge). I have decided instead to order the book online (Chapters and Amazon have ample copies). A database seems like a no-brainer to me. Used book stores would sell more books.
30/06/2011 19:54 pm
Morgan This covers where to buy but what about the best places to sell?
05/07/2011 08:49 am
Darcy McGee It's a two way street: used bookstores that sell good books buy good books. As for that collection of Tom Clancy and Twilight novels you have, good luck. (Seriously: why *hasn't* Tom Clancy written a Twilight novel yet.)
05/07/2011 09:16 am
Al Navis I will reply about not having a database. A true used bookstore (in other words NOT a BMV location which are more of a remainder store) will have recent bestsellers turned in by their customers as well as old titles. Perhaps a 1960s paperback of "A Clockwork Orange" or a 1950s paperback of "Gone with the Wind". To properly create a database requires that someone input each book into that database and if you have 35,000 books, doing 100 books a day (which would leave little time for anything else) would require a full year to accomplish. Meanwhile how many of those would have been sold throughout that year and how many new books would have come in and gone out within a week? Finally, while new books all have ISBN bar codes on them so that a bar code reader could be used, anything older than 1967 and many from 1967-1980 had no such thing. A real used bookseller worth his salt KNOWS what he has in his store.
05/07/2011 12:17 pm
Robert Thistle love books...have a small collection of around 800 - no electronics need apply....thanks for the list...I will definitely make plans to spend part of my holidays browsing...question, if I might - I have 24 books by Horatio Alger, Jr - circa 1910 - any thoughts on a possible buyer
29/07/2011 19:14 pm
J ..sweetie, if no one purchased those books before you snatched them up, all second hand, however would you be able to purchase them?
04/01/2012 08:16 am
Sophie Does anyone know which used book stores give a good trade in value?Older mysteries mostly.
10/01/2012 10:29 am
Nate I found very little that appealed to me at ABC Books. It's more of a front/cover for the adult movies in the back.
14/01/2012 04:37 am
Collectible Item - Marvel Comics Marvel Comics has always been great for me. I have been collecting marvel comics through these years. I am a real avid fun of it.
19/01/2012 01:09 am
David What about Willow Books 333 Bloor W. in the old Rochdale building. Great stock, operated by original founder of Seekers, 30 years experience!
04/09/2012 22:21 pm
COSPLAY What about Ten Editions on Spadina, just south of Bloor? It has a larger selection than some of the other stores on the list and is fairly cheap. I do like BMV, but it must be remembered that it is really a remainder store.
26/09/2012 23:52 pm
Beverley Looking for dr. Seuss Do any of the used book stores stock kids books.?
04/11/2012 11:52 am
Rebecca BMV books is not a good place if you are looking for selling old books and or old movies. I speak from knowledge in going there and the guy whom i was speaking to specifically said "We do not sell books" Hello its called "bmv "books" and you do not sell books??. It is basically a "remainder store" this store should not be labeled as a used book store.
23/11/2012 18:35 pm
shanks I am looking to buy the complete hard bound Readers Digest Condensed Books.Live in a suburb of Toronto,Ontario
16/12/2012 09:42 am
Amelia Willow books is a great store - it's not at Bathurst anymore, it's by U of T. I'd never been to the Bathurst location, but I pass the new(ish) location all the time, since I go to school at U of T. It's an awesome place, they have so many different subjects and lots of cool/weird books that I haven't seen anywhere else. Pretty much three stories of new, used, eclectic, textbooks, occult, rare, literature, kids - everything! I'm surprised it didn't make BlogTo's list... Ten Editions is also a pretty sweet place.
15/02/2013 19:54 pm
Amelia Yeah, Willow books does for sure. So does BMV, Doug Miller, and probably most others.
21/02/2013 15:16 pm
Carolina Barfbag yes! I love all of these!
02/03/2013 11:51 am
Carolina Barfbag Yes!
02/03/2013 11:52 am
Smith Smitson (And yes, thats actually my name) Very interesting. Do you know if any of these stores are accepting books for consoignment?
02/03/2013 11:53 am
Magy I am looking for a used book store with a good selection of European history books.
18/03/2013 12:33 pm
Shirley Josephs ATTICUS BOOKS is NOT closed. Atticus Books sold there downtown property on Harbord Street to Bakka Science Fiction Bookstore. Atticus operates a large on-line store . See their website at atticus-books.com. They can arrange for down town delivery of a book to avoid postal charges for local clients. They are also interested in purchasing large or small quantities of suitable books. They even make house calls when appropriate. They continue to offer quality scholarship at reasonable prices!
25/04/2013 08:41 am
D Kenney Shank, just read your comment from Dec 2012.I have a complete set of the Readers Digest condensed stories[10 books] They are hardbound and have leather-like covers in excellent [like new] condition. I would like to sell for $60.I'm flexible on the price if you want to make an offer.I live in south Mississauga....Dan
06/05/2013 23:29 pm