Books rock! Our family has lost track of time hanging out in our city’s many amazing stores, more times than I count. While there are always national and international chains, as well as numerous online sellers, there’s something more personal and thoughtful about shopping from our local bookstores. In addition, many have a specialized focus, where you can find something new and different beyond the usual bestseller list. Plus they are filled with great gift ideas for any member of the family, any time of year and for any occasion. Read all about it in our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Independent Book Stores in Toronto!
Children’s Books
Another Story Bookstore
Where: 315 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto
This independent bookshop has been “radically supporting” 2SQTBIPOC writers plus kidlit and YA experts in the Roncy area since 1987.
The Children’s Book Bank
Where: 585 Dundas St. East, 561 Sherbourne Street, 1154 Morningside Ave.
The Children’s Book Bank is a charity that gives away free books to children across Toronto. Just drop by during operating hours with your child(ren) and choose a book anytime! Donations can also be made on scheduled days.
Children’s French Book Corner
Where: 2205 Danforth Avenue
This east-end shop offers French books for young children, mainly ranging from preschool to Grade 8. They are also a Preferred Vendor for local school boards, assisting teachers and librarians by providing appropriate French language resources and books for schools.
Ella Minnow Children’s Bookstore
Where: 991 Kingston Road
Also on the east side of town in the family-friendly Upper Beaches neighbourhood, this charming shop is compact but packed with a great selection of books for both kids and teens, plus some interesting gift ideas to boot.
Mabel’s Fables Children’s Bookstore
Where: 662 Mt. Pleasant Road
Uptown in Leaside, this cozy shop is like a playhouse with inviting couches to curl up on with a fun book, including low tables so little kids can discover their next favourite story for themselves. For older readers, they also have a popular teen book club every summer.
Independent Book Stores — Downtown Toronto
A Different Booklist
Where: 779 Bathurst Street
While the former Mirvish Village has drastically changed in recent years, this long-running bookstore has thankfully moved into a new storefront just across the street from its original location. This multicultural bookstore specializes in books from the African Caribbean Diaspora and the Global South.
Bakka-Phoenix Books
Where: 84 Harbord Street
For sci-fi and fantasy fans, this specialty bookstore is a treasure trove of goodies, including a vast collection of juvenile and young adult fiction. Bring your Harry Potter and Percy Jackson addicts here and let their imaginations run wild!
Glad Day Bookshop
Where: 499 Church Street
No trip to the Church-Wellesley Village is complete without a visit to this institution, the oldest queer bookstore in the world! Fans of Netflix’s hit show “Heartstopper” (based on the graphic novel) will surely be inspired by their Young Adult section.
Independent Book Stores — West End
Flying Books
Where: 784 College Street, 371 Queen Street West
A publisher, book store and even a writing school come together in this welcoming space in Little Italy. When the founder has a background from some of the top publishing companies in the country, you can be assured the robust children’s section will be well curated.
Little Ghosts Books
Where: 930 Dundas St. West
BOO! Focusing on spooky books, this LGBTQ+-friendly shop has lots of indie/small press selections and is also surprisingly open, bright and family-friendly. There’s even a little coffee shop to hang out and read your new purchases.
Independent Book Stores —East End
Ben McNally Books
Where: 108 Queen Street East
Recently moved to Queen East, this charming shop offers something for every type of reader, including a thoughtfully created collection of children’s books.
Great Escape Book Store
Where: 957 Kingston Road
This bookstore in the Upper Beaches has been supplying the east end with reading materials for over 50 years! They are also involved in the neighbourhood, such as a Book & Film Club and book donation drives in support of the Children’s Book Bank.
Manifest Bookstore
Where: 45 Overlea Blvd.
Manifest Bookstore is an African-Caribbean book store located at the East York Town Centre in the Don Mills area. They offer a wide selection of diverse books, including children’s literature, modern fiction, cookbooks, foreign language titles and more.
Queen Books
Where: 914 Queen Street East
In the heart of Leslieville, Queen Books does brisk business with online sales, special orders and a subscription service. They have a welcoming kids section in the back of the store which always has some fun toys and gifts too.
Inhabit Books
Where: 612 Mount Pleasant Road
Inhabit Books sells books from Nunavut, celebrating Inuit authors and Inuktitut language resources. They carry children’s books and toys, along with adult literature, cookbooks, graphic novels, music and more.
Various Locations
BMV Books
With locations in the downtown core, the Annex, and Uptown, BMV has new and used books, comics and graphic novels, gift ideas, vinyl records, movies and everything in between! The Annex location in particular is huge, with an impressive three levels of stock that rivals any big-box chain store.
Book City
This small chain of stores has locations around the city — in the Beaches, Bloor West Village, Danforth, Yonge & St. Clair — with a terrific magazine section and bustling kids section, plus welcoming and knowledgeable staff.
Type Books
In locations on Queen West (conveniently found across the street from Trinity Bellwoods Park for your urges to read a book under a big tree), the Junction and Forest Hill, these stores are both accessible and upscale. Their Type Kids sections are always bursting with great books and gift ideas.
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