Happy 2017 one and all! We are starting this blogging year with a guest post from our friend Gillian!

Gillian is an Arts Educator located in Toronto and is the kind of person who takes books from Free Little Libraries without ever putting any of them back. She’s also an avid reader of the classics which you can find out more about by listening to her podcast #Classic. Season one is starting January 15th. You can follow her on twitter @GillMurphyGoes or @ClassicPod.

Now what are you waiting for? Find out how Gillian keeps reading even after the bills of December holidays start to come in… goes to cry in a corner over her bills.

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Happy new Year Dream Team Readers!

I hope you had a chance to relax and kick back with a good book over the holidays. I started to read some Sarah J Maas and to make a long story short: IT’S FANTASTIC! (Hint Hint Olivia and Sarah).

I’m so excited to guest post on my favourite new website. I contacted Olivia a while ago with an idea and it’s taken me months to deliver but I think it’s coming at the perfect time. During the holidays I tend to go overboard for my family and friends to make sure everyone has the perfect gift. This tends to end with me in the red come January and February, even after I clear out the cash in the cards from my Grandparents. A small break from a few of my vices (coffee and wine) can help me get back on track, yet the one thing I could never give up even if I tried (and I’ve tried) is books. To save my wallet, I’ve found some great places which sell used books around Toronto for cheap so that I can indulge within my tight budget.

Until we can afford the intense pleasure of cracking the fresh spine of a brand-new book I will maybe see you round these places.

Happy New Year!

Gillian

Toronto Reference Library

I bet you didn’t know that the Toronto Public Library sells used books through its “BookEnds” program. The Toronto Public Library sells used books out of its North York Central Library location and the Toronto Reference Library location. Books are in good condition and a majority of the books are only $1.00 (the maximum price is $5.00). I know, I know, it’s practically perfect and you’re welcome, BUT make sure you check the hours before visiting either location because they are only open a few days a week.

Re-Reading

This is probably my favourite used bookstore in Toronto, but I’m not afraid to share it. I found it in high school and go bi-monthly; to the point where the owner knows that he knows me, but he can’t figure out exactly where from. The condition of the books is great and it is meticulously ordered (Hallelujah!!!!) and there is a section on EVERYTHING. Canadian Fiction? Check. Gardening? Check. Dvds? Check. Recommendations? Check.

The Book Exchange

It’s small but the owner is super nice and you get the feeling that this is his passion project. The books are in great condition, though things are loosely ordered, so just ask for help or spend hours browsing in a small space with another human not speaking to one another (ooh a good first date idea!). The selection isn’t stacked (hehe) with every title under the sun, but you’re every time you go you’re able to find a good read. Plus, it’s dirt cheap. Basically praying hands emoji

Pandemonium

If you’re looking for more selection only a couple blocks away is Pandemonium. They have a huge selection (aka just about every book from every section you could want) plus a sweet selection of records you can browse through and pretend you know what you’re doing in the record section. Everything is in great condition and just about any book you could want is in there, including recently published books (YAAAAAS). Pick up a book and then get some good coffee in The Junction and enjoy. your. life.

Doug Miller Books

Okay, so I’ve only been here once while I was trying to kill time before meeting friends, but I remember DIGGING it. It was organized and neat with a great selection. It wasn’t the cheapest used bookstore I’ve been to but the book I bought was in immaculate condition. You could feel the care that went into curating the shelves with the best of everything.

Your Local Library

This is maybe my favourite place to visit for books. Since I was a kid the library has always been my true house of worship. I went so often as a child the librarians knew my name and when I ran into one on the street last year she still remembered! Only since I have become an adult have I realized that they are cornerstones of our communities and provide so many vital services. Make sure you’re supporting your local library either through patronage or (if you’re in Toronto) buying a book from Indigo THROUGH the library website! It’s a great program which helps sustain libraries!

Of course there are so many more used book stores in Toronto so do a quick google maps search to see where they are and don’t forget about your local library!