Thanks to Natasha for the heads up:
One of the last awesome, crazy-funky bookstores in my city only to find out that it is going out of business. Sadly, that is a tired old tune, but in this case perhaps the bitchery can benefit. In a desperate bid to keep the store open, the owner, (a delightful rambler in the way that only old scottish guys can be) is trying to GIVE the store away. Seriously, if all you have is sweat equity, he’ll take it.
The place is floor-to-ceiling full, nearing fire hazard scale and contains an absolute jewel of a romance section. I couldn’t even look through the whole thing properly because most of the shelves were blocked by additional boxes of books. I saw scads of decades-old harlequins/mills boon/etc. The potential cover snark material was dizzying.
The bookstore is called, (appropriately) Booklovers in North Vancouver. He says he got so much inventory by being the bookstore equivalent to a bottle return depot.
According to Natasha, the bookstore itself is for sale, and interested parties can talk to the current owner, who should be there all weekend moving inventory. So if you’re in Vancouver (and if you are I am so jealous) stop by and get yerself some books, matey.
I wish I were in Vancouver but alas, I am at the opposite side of the country. It always makes me sad to see so many lovely little bookstores closing everywhere. I saw at least four disappear in Montreal in the last years.
I *just* spoke on the phone with Duncan the owner, to find out when his hours are, as I hope to make the trek into the big city this weekend and load up the Echo with as many books as I can salvage! I visited this store once before, a few years ago, and it is truly delightful. He told me he’s had lots of people who could maybe take over the business, but they can’t afford the rent. A too-common problem in Vancouver’s sky-high rental market.
— Bonz
I figured it would be a rent issue.
I am delurking to pimp old books to y’all.
Booklovers
102-175 3rd Street East
North Vancouver, BC
(604) 986-9501
It will definately involve some pawing, but this place is a total treasure trove!
required85 – you must rescue 85 books or you will be condemned to big box booksellers for eternity….
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
I love BC bookstores. It’s too bad we’re not moving there for another while yet, because I’d love to go visit this store or even buy it. 🙂
I’m just across Howe Sound from North Van, but alas, have no capital to keep the store going even if he wants to give it away. Nor would it be practical for me to live where I do and commute. Such a shame. I never even made it there, and can’t get there this weekend.
Awww… I always hate to see an independent business go under…I hope the old guy makes a killing!
Awwww MAN, if only I still lived in Vancouver, and not back in Australia!! Nuts.
Damn. That’s awful news. I’d spend a whole week moving books, but I’m way over on the East Coast USA.
Think he would ship to me? I’d give him a list and pay for the the freight. I’m gonna call.
Also, is there any place he could move the store to, where the rent is better?
R
P.S. Here’s a 2003 picture of his warehouse.
Romance Lovers Don’t Despair! I’ve bought Booklovers and take over Labour Day Weekend. This “old” gal quit her job, cashed in everything, begged and borrowed and can’t wait to find out what he’s had stored in those boxes all these years!
I’ve signed a 5-year lease, so all of you that thought you’d missed out, come on by and say hi.
Rebecca J – sure, send me a list and I’ll see what I can do. Of course I’ll ship if you’re willing to pay the charges. Eventually I want to sell on-line too, but if I can find what you want beforehand, I’m game.
I’ll post the bookstore e-mail address when I’ve set it up next week.
Hope you’ll all support me – stores like this are few and far between. Thx.
Three cheers for Dalyce!
I will be by to dig through your newly acquired treasure trove for sure.
Congrats and thankyouthankyouthankyou!!!
Three weeks into this and holy sh** are there a lot of books here!
New e-mail address is bookloversnv @ shawbiz.ca
Come to visit 7 days a week (11 – 6 M-S, Noon-5 Sun) 175 E. 3rd Street, North Van (free parking right next door) or e-mail me with any requests if you’re out of town and I’ll do my best.
I just googled Booklovers and came upon this! So Dalyce, you took over ownership? Is this why books no longer block the entrance at night when the store is closed? 😀 I haven’t been in yet (too busy), but always pass the store on the bus and yearn to go in…
Hey Mel,
Get off that bus and come to visit! Thanks for noticing that I’m cleaning up…I’m trying.