Used bookstores for second-hand books in Vancouver
There’s something magical about discovering the right book. And it’s only more fun when you’re digging around a bookstore that’s overflowing with stacks of pre-loved paperbacks and hard-to-find first editions. So why not hunt for special reading material at one of Vancouver’s charming used bookstores? This list will help you find a favourite second-hand shop that fits your reading style.
Kestrel Books
3642 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P1Cat lovers must check out Kestrel Books, which has its own resident kitty named Ruby. She often sits on one of the stools inside the bookstore and is quite friendly with shoppers. Kestrels is within walking distance to Jericho Beach, so it’s a great place to visit if you need to pick up an easy-to-read paperback to enjoy on the beach in the summer.
MacLeod's Books
455 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1V2This otherworldly shop is reminiscent of an old bookstore in a historical period film, with its dark wooden shelves filled to the brim with dusty old hardbacks (you know, those beautiful gold-lined leather books) and overflowing stacks over books piled on the ground. If you’re looking to do some indoor exploring during Vancouver’s rainy months, this is the perfect place to hunt around for some interesting reading material.
The Paper Hound Bookshop
344 Pender St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T1The Paper Hound is a cute and quirky bookshop carrying a mix of new and used. The interior is nicely decorated and – if you pay close attention – you’ll notice that they have a working poetry vending machine just inside the door. Visitors can buy a surprise poem for less than $1, and you might even win a free poetry book. The staff here also deserve a shout out for their customer service: if there’s a book you want that they don’t have, they will order it for you and call you promptly when it’s ready for pick up.
Steveston Book Store
150-3760 Moncton St, Richmond, BC V7E 3A6This compact bookstore makes the most use of its space by lining almost every inch of shelving and the floor with books. Sometimes you have to move piles of books on the ground to get to the bookcases. Don’t let the clutter deter you from checking out Steveston Book Store; its abundance of old and new books means that you’re bound to find something new to read. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re into classics, as they have a large selection of classic literature.
Lawrence Books
3591 41st Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6N 3E7This is a strange one: Lawrence Books is open daily throughout the week, but only for four hours a day (from 1:00 to 5:00 pm). But don’t be dismayed by its odd hours and the faded books along the exterior; the interior is actually quite large and boasts an extensive collection of books ranging from older classics to contemporary titles. You’ll also find a large selection of out-of-print books here.
Halfmoon Books Store
8171 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3L2Half Moon is a quiet bookstore located on Main Street that’s stocked mostly with Japanese books and comics – so you’re in luck if you read Japanese! They have a wide selection of Japanese manga comic books for those of you who are avid manga readers. If you don’t read Japanese, fear not; they do have a small selection of English-language manga.
Tanglewood Books
2306 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E5You’ll find Tanglewood Books located in an old Victorian style building on West Broadway. The rustic interior features well-worn wooden flooring and shelves stacked with vintage books and out-of-print titles. Another nice thing about Tanglewood is the newly opened Platform 7 café located right next door. Visitors can easily purchase a book and bring it next door to read and relax over a cup of coffee.
First Used Books
69 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3J1First Used Books is an interesting little bookstore on Kingsway that’s full of quirky old books with a mix of modern titles. It’s a little disorganized inside, so be prepared to look around. If you’re willing to dig then you will definitely find an interesting book to add to your collection. What’s great about this place is that it’s relatively quiet, and you’ll often spot the owner at his own table reading a book or doing a Sudoku puzzle.
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