When the leaves change colour and there is a noticeable chill in the air there’s no better way to relax and stay cozy than with a great book. You know, that page-turner you can’t put down because you just have to find out what happens next, or that eye-opening read that offers a perspective you haven’t thought of before. If you’re one of those bookworms that enjoy reading as much as searching for the next great find, you’ll love the The Book Exchange, situated in The Junction neighbourhood.
Located at 3111 Dundas St. West, just east of Clendenan Avenue, this quaint book shop offers new and used books for sale, while providing customers the opportunity to trade in their used books. In a city like Toronto, where major chain book stores sell more home decor items than actual books – and e-books are becoming the new normal – it’s nice to see that there are still thriving independent book stores out there stocking beautiful coffee-table tomes, out-of-print vintage editions, and, of course, the newest hard covers across all genres.
The Book Exchange has been serving The Junction for over 14 years, adding to the charm of the neighbourhood. Even though in recent years many of the area’s independent retailers had to shut down as a result of gentrification and high rent prices, The Book Exchange continues as a well-established shop in the community. On a Thursday afternoon when we stopped by, local patrons wonder through the rows of books from floor to ceiling and some neatly stacked up on the floor every few feet. Despite the pleasantly overwhelming amount of books in this tiny space, the shop is well organized and is relatively easy to navigate. All the books are also catalogued into a computer system which makes finding a particular piece possible.
As we browsed through the collections we can confirm there's a book for everyone and every interest. There's a generous well-stocked non-fiction section, including books by one of our favourite authors, Malcolm Gladwell. Ever wondered what makes some people thrive and succeed? Gladwell presents a fascinating and provocative blueprint for making the most of human potential.
If you enjoy cooking, eating healthier, or are seeking guidance on reversing the signs of aging, 'How Not To Die' by Michael Greger, M.D. reveals groundbreaking scientific evidence behind foods that can prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death.
This shop caters to all ages, including a huge selection of kids’ books. The shelves have classics like Dr. Seuss’s 'Cat in the Hat', as well as 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid', the 'Harry Potter' Series as well as 'The Hobbit'.
If you live in The Junction you probably know this little shop well. If you don’t, this is a great place to visit on the weekend. Browse for your next great read and get started right away with a cup of java at the nearby Crema Coffee Co. or The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar. The shop is also open late (9:00pm) during weekdays, so if you had a stressful day and would like to relax and decompress, a few minutes here and you’ll be good as new.
The Book Exchange
3111 Dundas Street West
Toronto, ON M6P 1Z9
Tel. (416) 604-9270
Monday CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday 11am-9pm
Saturday 10am-7pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
Along with our other faves like Cool Hand of a Girl and Ro House, The Book Exchange is yet another great spot to discover in The Junction neighbourhood. Can you imagine having this fun, family-friendly spot just steps away from your home? Check out this two bedroom and den suite, now SOLD —> Hip and Happening On Heintzman in The Junction. It’s the ultimate urban space in a cool neighbourhood.
Check out our Junction Neighbourhood Page, which includes a flavour video, the census data and several of our amenity blogs on what we love about this area! Or explore our other Neighbourhood Pages – we love Toronto's diversity!
~ the urbaneer team
earn your trust, then your business
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