People's Co-Op Bookstore

Strolling through The People's Co-op Bookstore feels like a throwback to a simpler time. And no wonder: the little Commercial Drive shop is one of the city's oldest bookstores, having been a vibrant part of Vancouver's retail landscape for more than 60 years. No Starbucks outlets or computer searches here­—just knowledgeable staff and volunteers with a seemingly encyclopaedic knowledge of what goes where, and deep blue shelves piled high with impeccably organized books. The store has only two employees, bolstered in their efforts by the co-op's hundreds of members and more than a dozen volunteers. You don't have to be a member to shop here, though; everyone is welcome to buy, browse, ask questions or settle down in the shop's reading area, which just so happens to be stocked with comfy couches.

Intended to be a social hub as well as a bookshop, The People's Co-op also features regular events, including book launches, author signings and a weekly “story jam.” In addition, considerable shelf space is devoted to local authors and publishers, allowing independent writers exposure they might not get with a larger retailer.

“We're a strong supporter of local authors and poets,” explains manager Nancy Tam. “That's very important to us: to be able to serve our community – not just the neighbourhood, but the literary community as well.”