Attic Books - London, ON Canada

Attic Books, London, ON Canada

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Not only is Attic Books an excellent used book store, it’s also an opportunity waiting for the right entrepreneur.  Have you ever thought about opening your own bookstore?  Or maybe you want to increase your inventory?  Maybe your challenge is just finding enough books to get started?  This bookstore has an entire level of books waiting for your bookstore ownership.  Attic Books is willing to sell you their entire basement of books to make your dream come true.  My observation of the particular inventory is that it is kept up neatly and well-organized, definitely not smelly or damp, and LOTS of fantastic titles I recognized.  I’ll never open a bookstore but if I were, this would be a great start.

That basement inventory is part of 250,000+ books (after talking to booksellers Abigail and Trinity, I think this estimate is conservative).  Attic Books sells almost all used books spread out over four levels but the 3rd floor is the online inventory and not open to in-person shopping.  If you’re looking for bargains, the basement is the place to go.  But honestly, bargains can be found on the main floor and 2nd floor as well.  Books are accepted from customers by appointment only on Fridays or Saturdays.  They can receive store credit or cash in return for the books the store takes.  There are a few sidelines here like greeting cards, post cards, and some unique art but other than that this is mostly about the books.  However, there are many antiques and curiosities for sale and they can be found as you browse throughout the store.  I thought this part of the business was impressive and thoroughly enjoyed seeing these many antiquities, all appearing to be in excellent condition.  

Attic Books has been in business for about 48 years and now located in a historic building in the Dundas Place area of downtown London.  Marvin P. has been the only owner for all these years and although I didn’t get to meet him during my visit, the store was well cared for by the booksellers I met.  Abigail, Trinity, Robert, and Alissa were terrific and I’m sure regular customers can back me up on this .  I was so glad to hear from them that the business is continuing to do very well.  

What else?  Well, there may or may not be a ghost in this building dating back to 1880.  So if you smell some tobacco smoke, sharpen those intuitive senses!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  The Stone Angel, Margaret Laurence.  Canadian author who depicts the long life of Hagar Currie Shipley, growing up in an isolated Canadian region and the challenges that come with it.  Author is renowned as an accomplished writer and I think her writing is excellent, but, meh.  Didn't grab me. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Path Lit By Lightning, David Maraniss. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  In God We Trust, Jean Shepherd. 

 

If you see banners like this, keep your eyes open for the bookstore. 

The historic building of Attic Books in downtown London.

Let the browsing begin. 

Perched high above the storefront, this gargoyle is forever reading and keeping watch. 

One of the display windows in the store entryway. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Yes, their James Patterson inventory is healthy. 

From the gargoyle on the outside to this crime fighter on the inside, Attic Books is well protected. 

I told you. 

Variety of unique greeting cards. 

Go ahead, take a chance. 

I didn't get to meet owner Marvin P. but I did see his likeness artistically recreated and displayed in the store.  Excellent work by the artist. 

One of the several nooks on the main floor. 

Books destined for the shelves and waiting for you. 

A wide assortment of the "big little books", popular with children in the early and mid 20th century. 

The store offers many vintage and collectible editions. 

Overview of the children's area. 

A sampling of the music available here. 

Lots of Canadian interests and authors. 

Visual confirmation of something that can't be found on Amazon.  Yes, the bathroom. 

The long view looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

Overview of the basement looking toward the left after descending. 

Another view of the basement level. 

Browse the wall of greeting cards on your way upstairs to the 2nd floor. 

Where else can you find cards like this but at an independent bookstore?!

Overview of the 2nd floor.  Curious readers might recognize the customer pondering her next book purchase, Indie Bob Spot field agent, Michelle T. 

Overview of the 2nd floor. 

As Abigail told me, the store is drowning in mysteries. 

Even if you don't read pulp fiction, the covers are always fun to see. 

Overview of the front half of the 2nd floor. 

Antique hunters will enjoy browsing here as much as book lovers. 

With Abigail in the center and Trinity on the right, two of the fine booksellers you'll meet at Attic Books.  Thanks for a great visit.