Shop Local: Independent Bookstores in Hamilton
If you’re a book lover in Hamilton, hold off before you place that next order on Amazon or stop by Indigo. The city has some fantastic independent bookstores to support where you’ll be able to find just about any title, new or used. Here are some of my favourites:
King West Books
One of my favourite shops to visit in the city. This shop is a Westdale staple and was previously Bryan Prince Bookseller before changing ownership to Dave of Mixed Media (formerly on James N). Here you’ll find not just books, but games, greeting cards, gifts, kid’s stuff, and more. Next door you also have Mixed Media to pick up art supplies and stationery if that’s your thing. Just a lovely store to poke around in or find a gift.
Address: 1060 King St W
Website: kingwestbooks.com
Epic Books & The Sequel
A great bookseller with its original location Epic Books on Locke Street and The Sequel located in the Playhouse Theatre on Sherman Ave. You can shop in-store or online with free delivery in Hamilton for orders over $50. Epic does a great job supporting Canadian writers and hosts lots of events with authors, so make sure to check out their calendar. If you don’t know what you’re looking for and need a recommendation, just ask – the folks there are super knowledgeable.
Epic Books: 226 Locke St S
The Sequel: 177 Sherman Ave N
Website: epicbooks.ca
River trading Company
Amazing used book shop located on Barton St in the Gibson neighbourhood. Here you’ll find walls lined with used books, music, movies & collectibles. As the name suggests, you can trade your used books in here for store credit or a percentage of the sale price. The owners, David & Mary, are wonderful and moved their business here from Toronto.
Address: 559 Barton St E
Website: rivertradingco.com
The City & The City Books
A great addition to Ottawa St and the Crown Point neighbourhood. This shop sells both new and used books, as well as a selection of local authors. They also host author talks and have a community book club – follow them on instagram to keep updated on upcoming events.
Address: 181 Ottawa St N
Website: thecityandthecitybooks.ca
Looking for more independent shops in Hamilton? Check out this retail guide.
