If you’ve been reading our posts lately, you know that we’re on a reading kick. We’re going to wrap this theme up with our Top 10 Independent Montreal Bookstores that we recommend visiting!
If you want to promote reading in your family, visiting an independent bookstore is a great way to start. Whether you’re looking for a new book, a personal recommendation, or a literary event, these booksellers are worth a visit.
1. Librarie Drawn & Quarterly / La Petit Librarie D+Q
There’s a lot to love about Drawn & Quarterly. The company is a bookseller, an internationally-renowned comic publisher, and a hub for Montreal’s literary community.
Located in the Mile End, Librarie Drawn & Quarterly specializes in local comics, graphic novels, poetry, and literature. Drawn & Quarterly’s new bookstore for kids, La Petit Library D+Q is right across the street. Check out their Facebook page for events including book clubs, readings, and kid’s activities.
2. O-Taku Manga Lounge
O-Taku Manga Lounge boasts the largest manga selection in Montreal. O-Taku also hosts a large reading room with 4500 permanent titles!
3. Argo Bookshop https://argobookshop.ca/?q=h
Established in 1966, Argo is Montreal’s oldest independent English-language bookstore. Check out their event calendar for author readings, book clubs, and open mic nights.
4. Encore Books & Records
An NDG institution, Encore features a well-curated selection of used books, records, and vintage posters.
5. The Word
The Word Bookstore has a well-earned reputation as Montreal’s best used bookstore for literature and philosophy. The Word also hosts regular poetry readings and book launches.
6. Cheap Thrills
In edition to being a fantastic record store, Cheap Thrills has a great selection of used books at unbeatable prices. Apart from the name of this Independent Montreal Bookstore reminding us of a Sia ft. Sean Paul song, we assure you the thrills are purely for your reading desires and needs!
7. S.W. Welch Bookseller
We love walking into S.W. Welch’s. It’s the kind of used bookstore that you can lose yourself in. S.W. Welch is an avid book buyer and seller, so their eclectic selection is always changing. Which also means, in good old Montreal Bookstores fashion, you never go to the same place twice, there are always new people, new ideas being discussed, and new books to dive into!
8. Archambault
Archembault is more than just a bookstore—they also sell musical instruments, sell sheet music, and games. This is the definition of Montreal Bookstores, it takes the culture of Montreal seriously and does not disappoint!
9. Nearly New Books
Nearly New Books is a cozy used bookseller with friendly staff and a great selection of new, used, vintage, and collectable books in French and English.
10. Bibliophile
Bibliophile is an independent bookstore that has been operating in NDG for 30 years. They carry books of all genres, but their selection of cookbooks and children’s books make them worth a visit.
Ordering books online may be convenient, but it just doesn’t compare to the experience of an independent bookstore. Montreal has a thriving literary community, so take advantage of it!
Do you have a favourite independent bookseller that we've missed? Be sure to let us know about your favourite Montreal Bookstores!
P.S. We are training our Summer 2018 Staff and they are beyond excited for Camp to start! Our early bird prices are still in effect so be sure to register soon. We can't wait to see you all!
