We’re celebrating Indie Bookstore Day with these women-owned bookshops. Bookshops are an essential part of any society, and women are helping keep our reads diverse, inclusive, and fun! These bookshops boast great selections! Reading for yourself or looking for great books to snuggle up with your little ones, head to these shops to build a great home library.

Indie Bookshops in Vancouver

Massy Books

Massy Books is the bookstore Vancouver always needed. Packed full of books for readers of all ages, they offer rare, off-beat, and out-of-print books. Massy has become widely known for its selection of Indigenous authors and diverse books. Learn more about Patricia in our As a Mother Series. She will inspire you and keep you well-read. Head to her Chinatown location and support her shop today.

229 E Georgia St, Vancouver / 604. 721.4405

Book Warehouse and Black Bonds Books

Madeline Neill bought Black Bonds bookstore in the mid-1960s; later joined by Cathy Jesson, they acquired Book Warehouse in 2012. You can always find a great selection of books for all ages. A cart full of books is always ready to greet (or tempt) you to come inside.

Various locations / 604.872.5711

Kidsbooks

Owned by former librarian Phyllis Simon and her co-partner, Kelly McKinnon, Kidsbooks is a local fave. Known for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, ready to help make any recommendation you may need. You’ll find new favorites from board books to pop-ups and sound books that will have all the farm animals come alive in your home.

2557 W Broadway, Vancouver / 604.738.5335
3040 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver

READ Books

READ Books is an award-winning bookstore located within the Libby Leshgold Gallery. Opened by Kathy Slade, this space is packed wall to wall with artist’s books, art theory, and a little bit of poetry. Public book launches and readings are organized by the store regularly.

Emily Carr University, 520 East 1st Avenue / 604.630.7411

Indie Bookshops in the Tri-Cities

Western Sky Books

Western Sky Books is an award-winning used and new bookseller based in Port Coquitlam. Owned by Dianne Ganz and Tamara Gorin, their name is inspired by the broadway musical Wicked. With a gallery space for local visual artists and writers’ talks and workshops, budding authors will want to check out their great selection of used and new books.

2850 Shaughnessy St Unit 2132, Port Coquitlam 604.461.5602

Secret Society of Books

Started as an Instagram account for sharing books, Secret Society of Books has grown in to a trusted readers community. From helping with book launches like Jon Klassen and Carson Ellis to middle grade book clubs – Secret Society of Book has been a part of the local bookish community for several years.

They are now moving into a bookshop, while shopping is temporarily online, check back in to see what the future shop has in the works. Secret Society of Books is currently offering free local delivery!

Coming soon, online shopping here.

Did we miss your favourite women owned bookshop? Let us know by using #vancouvermom so we can share.