Four Favourite Indigo Alternatives in Vancouver
Buying Books Locally, Ethically, and Economically
This National Read a Book Day I will, of course, be curling up with a couple of light library reads currently on my TBR. But I also wanted to start September shouting out my four favourite independent bookstores in Vancouver.
Independent (Indie) booksellers are bookstores that are not part of a larger chain retailer. The bookstores I’m highlighting here support the local economy and writers in Vancouver B.C. They prioritise sustainability, equity, and giving back to the community.
These bookstores also serve as alternatives to Canada’s major English-language bookstore chain Indigo Books and Music, which is currently on the Canadian boycotts, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) Coalition list.
Why is Indigo on the BDS list?
Indigo’s founder and CEO co-founded the HESEG Foundation for Lone Soldiers with her husband, and they remain on as directors.
The HESEG foundation rewards hundreds of “Lone Soldiers” with scholarships and living expenses to allow them to continue their academic studies in Israel.
From Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East:
Unlike Israeli citizens, the “Lone Soldiers” are under no civil obligation to participate in the Israeli army. On the contrary, they volunteer to participate in Israel’s occupation forces. While HESEG may not be directly involved in recruiting for the Israeli army, it provides a financial incentive for foreigners to enlist as lone soldiers by offering support when they complete their military service.
My intention was only to visit these stores for photos of their signs, but because I lack self control in a bookstore, I will also share the books I purchased at each location.
- Spartacus Books: A nonprofit, volunteer-run bookstore that has been collectively run for fifty years. Spartacus has a rich history in Vancouver. You can get 10% off all purchases if you become a member!
Location: 101–1983 Commercial Drive,Vancouver, BC V5N 4A8
The Book I Bought: Alive at The End of The World, by Saeed Jones
2. People’s Co-Op Bookstore: Vancouver’s member-owned bookshop formed in 1945 and is the oldest independent bookstore in Canada. Membership forms are available at the store. When you buy 25 shares at $1 each you receive a 10% discount on all your book purchases.
Location: 1391 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC V5L 3X5
The Book I Bought: The Free People’s Village, by Sim Kern
3. Iron Dog Books: An Indigenous-owned bookshop; “dedicated to bringing great books to Səl̓ilwətaɁɬ, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm territories (metro Vancouver)”. While this bookstore is the youngest of the three listed so far Iron Dog has a great origin story which I encourage you to read HERE.
Location: 2671 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 1Z5
The Book I Bought: the time of my life dirty dancing, by Andrea Warner
4. Massy Books: A Nêhiyaw-Métis woman-owned and operated bookstore. Massy Books is warm, inviting, and surrounded by quality drink and food options. They were the first bookstore in BC designated as a Living Wage Employer, are Rick Hansen Certified, BC Green Business Certified, and a designated Apartheid-Free Business with the Canadian BDS Coalition.
They have an impressive section on Palestine with enough books that they have sections (children's, poetry, cooking ,etc) within this section.
This is wonderful to see as uplifting Palestinian voices is more important now than ever.
** There is also a gallery space (at 23 E. Pender) where I have attended various book signings, poetry readings, and fundraisers.
It is also definitely worth a visit.
Location: 229 E. Georgia St. ,Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6
The Books I Bought: Rifqa, by Mohammed el-Kurd and The Selected Works of Edward Said (Edited by Moustafa Bayoumi and Andrew Rubin)
Wherever you are I hope you will look up independent bookstores in your area.
They offer support for local writers, invested and passionate staff/owners, and support your local economy.
If you are in Vancouver I hope this list has given you quick access to some great options.
