I find the hunt for a good read can be as compelling as the book itself and Bibliophile Bookshop, located at 2010 Commercial Drive, is no exception.

This wee gem of a bookshop is the antithesis of Chapters/Borders/Amazon (of which I also spend far too much time in and online), providing a spectacular selection of tomes in all genres in the smallest of spaces without the usual dusty, gloriousmess that sometimes plagues the used bookstore.

Open for nearly a decade next year, Bibliophile has managed to stay alive by offering a beautiful selection of used books in every non-fiction and fiction genre while also providing its customers with all the charms of a locally owned and operated shop.

I am always cordially greeted by the owner himself, Mr. Scott Akin or one of his similarly lovely employees when I pull open the heavy door and step through the shop entrance. Immediately I am transported to a more relaxed world, in which there is nothing more to do but peruse books and expand the neural pathways of my brain by way of words, stories and recipes alike.

Finding myself stumped while searching the high aisles all labeled neatly with country wooden signs, I make a point of asking the staff where or if a book can be found here and inevitably I am directed to its exact location or told that I just missed the last copy. There has never been a time when I’ve been told, “Well, um, I’m not sure - maybe you should try Chapters/Borders/Amazon.”

Complete with a languid cat who lazes about waiting to be patted, Bibliophile Bookshop is a little corner of story heaven.

- Mercedes