Bison Books - Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Bison Books, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

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If you want to learn about Canada, Winnipeg, and the antiquarian book scene, Aimee P., the owner at Bison Books is the person to see.  She knows her stuff and if she doesn't have the answer she can find it through her various personal contacts and her skill at online research.  She shared with me that 100 years ago Winnipeg was happening and THE place to be.  Lots of money, affluence, and people who built large houses and needed to fill them.  That included books.  Fast forward to today and an antiquarian and used book store where you can find some of those books from a century ago.  A perfect match to go with its well-informed and knowledgeable owner.

If you're a collector of vintage books, this place is a destination.  Bison Books has a good offering of these collectables and Aimee is always looking to add to her inventory.  The store is a medium-sized one-level located on the Graham Mall of downtown Winnipeg.  It differs from most general independent bookstores in that you'll find no sidelines here.  What you will find is a well-organized, neat store that has enough space to enjoy browsing.  As you might expect, among the used books you'll find lots of titles of local interest, history, and authors.  I especially liked the section of fiction by Canadian authors.  It was also nice to see a good assortment of piano sheet music.  Aimee doesn't have to pursue her used books too hard.  Most of them come into the store and she offers customers a fair price if she's interested.

I hope when you visit here you have the same luck I did.  Not only did I meet Aimee, I also met Jim A., another antiquarian bookseller.  You can find his books for sale here at Bison Books as well.  Both of these people are great to talk to and you'll enjoy meeting and talking to either one of them.  I'm always appreciative during my visits when I get to see these people and they take time to tell me a bit about the store.  If you drive here, look for public parking behind the store.

If vintage books aren't your thing, maybe you'd be interested in antiques or art.  You know who to talk to?  Aimee works with that business too.  You now have all kinds of reasons to visit Bison Books.  A great bookstore with a terrific owner.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Whistling Past The Graveyard, Susan Crandall.  Starla, a 9-year old white girl and Eula, a black woman form an unlikely bond in 1963 Mississippi.   Starla is on a journey to find her mother and she finds out along the journey the challenges of prejudice and racism of the times.  We could all use Starla's insight about these social issues today.  Outstanding.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Blood Brothers, Ernst Haffner.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Stone Diaries, Carol Shields.

Another exterior view.  

I've seen lots of great exterior building murals across the country, oops, I mean NORTH AMERICA.  This is as good as any.   

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

You'll find vintage books in this display case as well as other areas of the store.  

Lots of wonderful book inventory in these aisles.  

Have a seat and sample a book.  

Another area to find collectables.  

Have a seat and decide what book to get.  

Many used bookstores have hard wood floors.  Here they have carpeting and beautiful area rugs like this one.  

You'll find lots of local history here.  

If I didn't buy so many books on my journey I would be able to buy some piano music.  

View from the back of the store looking toward the front entrance.  

Where else can you find a 1913 Britannica Yearbook?!

Another overview of the store looking out through the huge front windows onto the street.  

Jim A. on the left and Aimee on the right trade bookselling tips.  Both of these people are great to talk to.  

Find Jim's books in this area of the store.  

With Aimee on the left, the fine owner at Bison Books.  Thanks for a great visit.