A Vanier institution, this bookstore recently celebrated their third decade at the corner of Beechwood and MacKay. It was founded in 1994 by Jean Barton and Mary Mahoney, two book lovers who thought the neighbourhood would be a good place for a bookstore – and based on the store’s success, it’s safe to say the neighbourhood agreed. 

“I think my favourite part is introducing folks to books they maybe don’t know about,” says Hilary Porter, the store manager. “So when they come in not sure what they’re looking for, you can give them something that they wouldn’t have come across any other way.” 

As for Vanier? Her favourite part is the people, she says. “I love walking up and down the street and talking to my fellow business owners and managers. All of our customers are so wonderful, and so many of them live in the neighbourhood. We’ve got a really, really special neighbourhood around us.” 

Find your new favourite book at 35 Beechwood Avenue!