For all book lovers, finding a cozy spot to browse new reads or ask for recommendations is always a gem. Independent, local bookstores do a better job than your average “big box” store in terms of personalized recommendations, thoughtful conversation, and community connection. In fact, many of Calgary’s independent bookstores also offer book clubs, author readings, and other curated events beyond the books on their shelves.
As any reader knows, books are also getting increasingly expensive, making reading and book collecting an ever more expensive hobby. Luckily, many of these Calgary bookstores offer used books as well as new, allowing you to save a little money.
My favourite in terms of affordability is Books Between Friends in NE Calgary, where most books are between $3–6. Others, like Pages in Kensington and The Next Page in Inglewood offer a mixed collection on new and used books, which can be useful if you’re searching for specific titles.
There are 11 independent bookstores in and near Calgary that I recommend all bookworms add to their list. Some offer in-store coffee shops, others have a local bookstore cat, and each has its own special vibe, focus, and community offerings. Browse the list, pick your favourites, and stop by a nearby cafe while you’re shopping.
Downtown and Beltline Bookstores
Nekoto Books
Nekoto Books is located in the Dragon City Mall on Centre Street in Downtown Calgary. They carry Japanese stationery in addition to new books. They stock books across genres, from classic literature to foreign (non-English) language novels. As well, they curate a selection of Art books, Manga, and feature Asian authors.
You should absolutely stop by this welcoming little shop the next time you’re downtown.
Shelf Life Books
Shelf Life Books first appeared on my radar in the summer prior to my first year at university. One of my professors had ordered a specific translation of The Odyssey to be picked up here. Beyond assisting with book orders, Shelf Life Books has been in Calgary’s Beltline area since 2010, serving customers with curated book recommendations, supporting local authors, and community engagement and programming.
They support self-published local authors and small press releases. Shelf Life Books is also pet friendly! All their books are new, but they do sometimes have offerings on sale.
The Next Page
The Next Page in Inglewood is a cozy bookworm’s dream. They have floor-to-ceiling shelves lining the main space, with a book ladder. They have a used books for sale in the basement and buy books ($1 per book or $2 for in-store credit). You can also purchase a coffee while you browse.
The Next Page also organizes book clubs and hosts events like author readings, while renting out their space to local clubs and groups. They also host a Seed Library in their space, further demonstrating their focus on community and connection.
North Calgary Bookstores
Pages in Kensington
Pages is probably one of the best-known independent bookstores in Calgary, especially in the North. The shop offers both new and used (in the basement) books to browse. There is also a resident cat in the store named Kilgore.
Pages focuses on highlighting local authors and offers a discount to teachers and librarians. They also host different sales and attend events like the Elbow Book Show in Crescent Heights. This summer, they will be running a “Garage Sale” every Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm starting June 5th and continuing to August 22nd. The sale is located in the alley behind the store and all books will be $2.
Books Between Friends in NE Calgary
Books Between Friends is easy to overlook, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth stopping by! This is actually my favourite bookstore on the list, because of their unbeatable prices. Books are all between $3–6, with some specially priced books. They have everything from collectible antiques to new releases, and operate entirely from donated books.
Proceeds from the book sales support Calgary charities. Between Friends has been their primary recipient, a Calgary-based organization that focuses on providing social and recreational programs for individuals with disabilities. They also support Alberta Guide Dogs, the Bethany Care Centre, Calgary Cerebral Palsy, the Calgary Remand Centre, and the Calgary Veterans Food Bank.
The staff are kind and helpful. You’ll be asked to wash your hands before browsing, to preserve the books from any oils or residue. There are many rooms to check out, so give yourself some time here!
Found in Cochrane
For residents in deep NW Calgary, Found, a bookstore located in Cochrane, may actually be closer than stores in South Calgary. Found is an independent bookstore that really embraces being a community hub. They organize regular readers events, like their Summer Reading Retreat and book clubs, as well as open mic nights, scheduled musician performances, poetry readings, and more.
Found houses a cafe inside the shop, offers both new and used books, and sells a few other products from local businesses. I highly recommend seeking them out.
South Calgary Bookstores
Owl’s Nest Books
Owl’s Nest Books is located in Britannia, just off Elbow Drive on 49th Ave. They have been a Calgary indie bookstore staple for over 50 years now. Owl’s Nest hosts regular book clubs, including a general fiction club, a mystery book club, and a queer book club.
The Owl’s Nest also hosts book signings and launch parties, as well as workshops. All their events are listed on their website. All their books are new. Their website has a thorough catalogue of all their titles, with handy filters for genre, new and future releases, Canadian authors, and more. Their staff are friendly and willing to give lots of recommendations if you’re interested.
Fair’s Fair
Fair’s Fair now has two locations in Calgary: Inglewood and Chinook. They sell used books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and vinyls. We found National Geographic magazines at the Inglewood locations dating back to 1920!
Fair’s Fair has a trade-in program for clients in an effort to keep books circulating and making it easier to update your collection without throwing books away. They’ll buy back books purchased from them as long as the sticker is still on for 50% of its purchased price, or your can trade in books from other places for store credit or cash.
Forbidden Library
Forbidden Library is the only independent bookstore in Calgary’s deep south. They are located in the Lake Bonavista Promenade, in the southeast. Forbidden Library is a romance-focused bookstore, with lots of sub-genres like YA, comedy, western, queer stories, and more (yes, you can find Heated Rivalry here).
They also highlight their local authors, which is great. They even have author photos on the website, making it easy to find their works. In addition, Forbidden Library hosts regular events, from book signings to fun activities like drawing your own romance novel cover with local authors. If you’re a romance fan or live in South Calgary, you should definitely make a stop here.
Nocturne Books
Nocturne Books is Alberta’s first horror-focused bookstore, selling novels in the horror, sci-fi/fantasy, thriller, and other dark fiction genres. They are located in the Henry Block building in Marda Loop. Their small shop prioritizes community, diversity, and authenticity, and they do offer consignment options for local authors.
When book shopping in Marda Loop, you can stop for a break or dive right into your new novel at the AVITUS Wine Bar in Henry Block or Le Comptoir, by François cafe next door. Don’t forget to check out Slow Burn Books upstairs.
Slow Burn Books
Slow Burn Books is on the second level of the Henry Block, and offers all things romance. Similar to Forbidden Library, Slow Burn Books stocks all different sub-genres of romance novels. They host book signings, author talks, book clubs, wine and cheese nights, writing workshops, and other community events at the shop.
Slow Burn Books will also accept used books in exchange for store credit ($2 for paperback and $4 for hardcover books). While the shop may be small, the shelves are stocked full of romance from floor to ceiling. I’d recommend checking out both Slow Burn and Nocturne if you’re in the Marda Loop area.