When the world starts to feel like too much, there’s no better escape than a fantastic book. While any literature will do, there’s something particularly comforting about an old book. The dusty smell, the worn-in binding and the delicate pages provide a sensory experience that just soothes the soul.
If your collection of childhood favourites is packed away in a hard-to-reach box stored somewhere in your parents’ house, just hit up one of Vancouver’s incredible used bookstores. Here are a few of our favourites:
Spartacus Books
If you want to engage with real literature lovers, Spartacus is the place to go. Volunteers have been running this non-profit as a collective for more than 40 years! They’re open every day and encourage their customers to come in, hang out and flip through some pages. Be sure to check out their $2 shelf.
Address: 3378 Findlay St.
Kestrel Books
This Kitsilano gem is a dream for book nuts. They specialize in rare, fine, out-of-print, and antiquarian books, but their inventory is excellent overall. They’ve been around since 1985 so they must be doing something right!
Address: 3642 W 4th Ave.
MacLeod’s Books
With a price list that ranges from $1 - $40,000, you’re sure to find something that suits your budget at MacLeod’s. This downtown staple is definitely an experience; their extensive collection is practically bursting out of the shelves. The best thing about MacLeod’s is that you’re always guaranteed to find something unique.
Address: 455 W Pender St.
Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction boasts a generous inventory of over 80,000 new and used titles from their three locations. They’re a straight-up, no-nonsense bookstore and claim to only stock “the good stuff” when it comes to used books.
Address: 1830 Commercial Dr., 2422 Main St., 2754 W Broadway.
Tanglewood Books
Tanglewood specializes in used, out-of-print, rare and publisher-remaindered books. If you’re getting tired of what’s currently stocked on your shelf, you can trade-in or sell books between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. From bestsellers to classics, they’ve got it all.
Address: 2306 West Broadway
