Bargain bestsellers: Where to find used books in Toronto
Those loonies and toonies you’re spending at the coffee shop could go towards pre-loved books at these stores instead. Each specializes in affordably priced second-hand books on countless topics and genres plus other used media and offbeat ephemera. You’ll also find staff with a deep passion for reading.
Pandemonium Books & Discs
2920 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Y8Pandemonium Books has been around since 2000, moving to their current location in 2012 when their old space could no longer contain the thousands of titles in stock. Staff adhere to an impeccable filing system, resulting in easy searches when you’re pressed for time. As well, they stock vinyl records and CDs, so it’s feasible you could read Mario Puzo’s The Godfather while listening to the soundtrack at the same time.
Balfour Books
468 College St, Toronto, ON M6G 1A1Brand new books can cost an arm and a leg, particularly new edition hardcovers. But at Balfour Books you can get many coveted releases for a fraction of the price. The bookshop originally started out at College and Clinton but relocated to its new location once its popularity required a larger space. What that’s meant for bookworms is more titles, more editions and greater variety. You’ll find every genre: philosophy, opera, literature, poetry and many more.
Eliot's Bookshop
584 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z3There are three floors at this Yonge and Wellesley bookstore and they’re filled from floor to ceiling with thousands of books. As imposing as it is, titles are easy to find because of the ace categorization system. If that doesn’t work, you can always ask the staff as they’ve got an encyclopedic knowledge of everything on the shelves. Plus, these literary lovers know the joy of reading and don’t mind if you grab a book and stay awhile.
BMV Books
2289 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C6With three Toronto locations, this bookstore is one of the best-known and loved in the city. You'll find thousands of titles in every possible category and genre and all at better prices than big-name bookstores. Along with regular releases of unique publications, BMV routinely drops its already low prices on their famous bargain tables. It’s easy to spend a few bucks on their sidewalk bargain bins.
She Said Boom Books & Records
378 College St, Toronto, ON M5T 1S6There are two locations, two owners and a world of cheap reading material to fuel your book addiction. She Said Boom deals exclusively in used; their prices are generally more competitive than most and sharp-eyed shoppers can occasionally land some great bargains. This store also sells vinyl records, CDs and DVDs —making it a top spot for multimedia lovers — but books are the backbone and primary focus.
A Good Read
341 Roncesvalles Ave Main, Toronto, ON M6R 2M8What’s alluring about buying used books is the savings but another draw is being able to score rare and uncommon titles. Here, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to scarce, out-of-print or signed editions. If sleuthing isn’t your fancy, you can still find a decent selection of second-hand books at reasonable prices. But keep in mind that this is one of Toronto’s best spots for books you can’t find anywhere else.
Dencan Books & Magazines
3113 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1Z9Here's where you can buy and sell used books all under the same roof. But there’s a lot more to it than that. You’ll also find magazines, vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, sheet music and even cassette tapes, all curated by the owner and manager, Eddie. He prides himself on keeping thousands of items in stock and doesn’t mind haggling over price. Visit him in the Junction or call to discuss a pickup if you have items to sell.
