Hey Bookworms,
I've been meaning to share my thoughts on the Saskatoon book scene for some time now. Sometimes it's better to wait, gather all the details, and then share. I've been in Saskatoon for almost a decade now, and it's remarkable how many bookish places I've discovered over the years. Admittedly, I didn't fully rekindle my love for reading until 2022, so I'm granting myself some leeway there.
However, it's fair to say that while there aren't an abundance of options, there are certainly some noteworthy ones. Here are my top recommendations for bookstores in Saskatoon, and no, i did not include Indigo or McNally Robson.
- Leather and Lace Books
I must begin with Leather and Lace. Stefanie, the owner, is a true angel. She established Saskatoon's FIRST Romance Only Bookstore in June of 2023! Operating both online and locally from her home, Stefanie initially specialized in Dark Romance but now offers a diverse selection of romance books. If she doesn't have a particular title, she'll go out of her way to find it for you. Beyond her business, Stefanie is an integral member and role model in our Saskatoon Book Community.
I'm someone who vibes with people, and within minutes of meeting Stefanie, I knew we had a connection. She has supported me throughout my journey in the book world and in building our community. My focus is not solely on profit but on fostering connections and collaborations to enhance our book community. Collaborating with Stefanie on our first-ever Book Box in January 2024 has been a delightful experience, allowing us to acquire new books, foster community growth, plan future collaborations, and support a local bookstore business.
Oh, and did I mention the infamous 'Book Room'? Picture this: shelves stocked with romance galore, giving off major cozy vibes. No, it's not the Red Room à la E.L. Grey; it's something even better - it's Stefanie's sanctuary of love, lust, and literature.
- Westgate Books
Who doesn't appreciate a good used bookstore? It's unfortunate that I only discovered Westgate last year by chance. This store is a treasure trove of old and new literature. Although the layout can be a bit confusing, I've finally navigated it. Everytime I visit Westgate, I always find something intriguing, whether I need it or not.
They also accept used book drop-offs and offer trade-ins for store credit. However, they may not accept every book due to factors like inventory volume or condition. Drop off your pre-loved books, and they'll hook you up with store credit faster than you can say 'Marie Kondo.' And if your books don't make the cut, don't sweat it. That's where I swoop in to help rehome those literary misfits.
Reduce, reuse, recycle, am I right?
- Peryton Books
Picture this: a cozy bookstore bathed in natural light, adorned with lush greenery. That's Peryton Books for you, folks. It's like stepping into a serene oasis where books and plants live in perfect harmony. And the best part? They also have a book trading system. Bring in your old reads, and they'll either give them a new home and you store credit OR they will donate them on your behalf. It's a win-win situation. I mean, really - no one wants to continually be lugging around 25 pounds of books.
- Turning the Tide Bookstore
Last but certainly not least, we have Turning the Tide Bookstore. Nestled in the heart of Saskatoon, this little gem has been spreading bookish goodness since 2003. Specializing in fiction and hand-picked non-fiction, they're all about making the world a better place, one page at a time. It's wild ot me that this gem has been around for 20 years, yet I only discovered it during my third year of university.
It is very conveniently located near multiple coffee shops and restaurants - a very calculated move - I love it. It really is a perfect stop during a stroll down Broadway. Plus, they offer sweet deals for book clubbers, because let's face it, bookworms are the real MVPs.
Alright fam, that's my take on things today. And while there's one bookstore in Saskatoon that I'm not affiliated with (we won't name names but IYKYK), let's keep the vibes positive and focus on supporting these local treasures. After all, they really are the beating heart of our book community.
xoxo
Les