5 Montreal Bookstore Treasures Hidden In Plain Sight

Okay. I’ll start by admitting that maybe these bookstores aren’t quite hidden. But they certainly don’t have the hype they deserve. Does any bookstore, for that matter? 

I’m newer to Montreal, and back where I’m from, the independent bookstore just does not survive. It’s big-box or bust. But here, there are so many stores with unique vibes, specially-curated inventories, and staff that actually do read. It’s my mission to explore them all. If you’re new to Montreal, you’re welcome in advance. If you’ve been here a while, you need to pay these places another visit. 

Maktaba

Nestled in the heart of the Old Port, Maktaba is a bookstore championing representation and culture. Maktaba means “bookstore” and “library” in Arabic and they take a lot of pride in their carefully curated selection and cultural space.

Some of the book section titles include Children are the Future, Theory and Thought, Black Power, and Ancestral Knowledge. They are truly mindful of platforming voices for everyone. 

Maktaba is artist-run, and aside from books they also carry vinyl records and other merchandise such as clothing, tote bags, and skateboards. Their space is gorgeous and super inviting. The perfect combination. I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a cozy, peaceful spot to shop.

Photo credit: maktaba.online

Pulp

The newest bookstore on this list, Librairie Pulp Books & Cafe opened its doors in late 2023. They are an English-language bookstore and coffee bar right on the iconic Wellington Street in Verdun. 

Pulp is all about community-building and the resurgence of the neighbourhood bookstore. They’re proud of their indie roots and they want to create a space where people are comfortable, social, and welcoming. The store has a warm 70s vibe with a quiet coffee bar and even a terrasse in the summer. 

Pulp is proudly staffed with long-time bookworms, who are always eager to jump in with a rec.

Photo credit: @pulpbooksmtl on instagram

De Stiil 

Now this store, you may miss if you don’t look closely. De Stiil is a beautiful, quiet little shop on a brick-paved street in the Plateau neighbourhood. With its spacious, clean white interior and neat book stacks on oversized tables, it sort of also looks like an art gallery. 

The owner, a forever book lover and writer, can be seen more often than not behind the counter. She has a welcoming voice and a no-pressure presence that has slowly grown a loyal customer base over the years.

Aside from selling books, De Stiil also has a great newsletter and hosts in-person writing workshops. This store hosts a collection of many translated works and is truly an ode to the reader and the writer equally.

Photo credit: @destiil_books on instagram

Word (The)

My used books bookstore spotlight has to go to The Word Bookstore. They’ve been around since 1975, and they specialize in philosophy, poetry, and literature. Also called Word (The), they’re situated in Milton Parc near Mount Royal.  

Aside from their blend of used and new books, they also have a selection of rare-edition books, with some publishing dates going as far back as the 1850s. They not only sell books, but also rent their stock to film productions, so they can beautifully and authentically decorate their sets. 

Fair and event hosts, request takers, and just a general trusted staple, The Word is a must-visit stop in Montreal. 

Photo credit: @wordbookstore on instagram

Librairie Drawn & Quarterly 

My last pick for you has a very cool specialty. Graphic novels! Originally, Librairie Drawn & Quarterly was a graphic novel publishing house. This store was born and still lives in the Mile End neighbourhood, and they more recently opened a separate kid’s location down the street. 

With a mix of graphic novels, English-language, and French-language books. Librairie Drawn & Quarterly celebrates the reader, writer, and passionate illustrator. They have a blog, host events, and also have a handful of book clubs, so the community can stay involved and engaged. 

The vibe of this store is friendly and incorporates a lot of hand-made elements. It kind of reminds you of your sweet childhood library days, and it makes you excited to want to pick up your next read. I can promise you, the staff are just as excited for you too.

I don’t think I’ll ever get over the book-lover community here. For a long time, it felt like there was a dark cloud over the book industry, as readership was on the decline. Seeing these stores open and thriving instills a little hope in me that it’s not declining, just shifting and evolving. It’s more about community, representation, and offering a voice to authors who didn’t always have the chance. And I’m glad to be a part of it.