Your Friendly Neighbourhood Bookstore

By Venetia Bodanis

“There’s a large portion of the community that still wants to hold a book,” says Re: Reading owner Christopher Sheedy. “I don’t think people will ever get sick of having a book.”

Boasting cheap secondhand books and movies that are still in good condition, Re: Reading is considered a staple store on the Danforth despite being open only four years.

“It’s one of the few places in Toronto everyone else comes to; they do the Danforth and they go to the beach,” says Sheedy about the location. “This is just one of those neighbourhoods.”

With the dozens of big-box stores with in-house coffee shops cropping up around the city, it’s nice to see a local book business thrive. Re: Reading’s success can be attributed its helpful and inviting staff. It is often cited as one of the top secondhand bookstores in the city.

“I’m local and the neighbourhood is very supportive of small stores as opposed to big stores,” says Sheedy.

Not only do Danforth residents appreciate a local business, but it’s also hard to compete with Re: Reading’s deals. Their items are reasonably priced, from their $20 season of Dexter to their $5 book rack, it is more than affordable for everyone, especially students. Add in their cute reading nook, and Re: Reading has all the comforts of Chapters with the added benefits of helping the local economy.

“I beat Amazon and Chapters on their prices because everything is used. A $40 hardcover sells for $10 here,” continued Sheedy. “If you want to buy the hardcover, the better deal is here.”

The next time you’re walking along the Danforth, stop in at Re: Reading. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find what you’re looking for and you’ll leave with a few extra good finds.

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