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The Book Mark: Toronto's Oldest Independent Bookstore

Posted by Joseph / March 14, 2008

7 Comments

Book Mark
The Book Mark in Etobicoke is Toronto's oldest independent bookstore. In the 43 years of operation the store has moved twice and changed ownership a couple of times, yet remarkably, has maintained its charm throughout the years. By charm I mean a cozy, friendly not flashy or pretentious charm, something more fitting in a small town than the big city. Its location then is a natural fit, the wealthy West-end Bloor St. village of Kingsway.

Despite the fact its targeted demographics are typically older, middle-age or young parents with infants, and not "twenty-something yupsters", the staff is dedicated to knowing a wide variety of literature to fit particular tastes. The Book Mark is an important staple in West Toronto and it store should remain the oldest independent bookstore for a long time to come. Again though I caution, minipolisaphobics beware.

See more photos and read an interview with the owner of The Book Mark in our bookstore section.

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Andrea / April 4, 2008 at 11:01 am
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I loved this book store. It has so many hidden treasures. I especially like their selection on outdoor/adventurous books.
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Suri / May 16, 2009 at 04:01 pm
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Congrats to the Book Mark for being able to survive as an independent bookstore for 43 years! However, our store, Squibb's Stationers, has been in business also as an independent bookstore and stationers since 1927 and in the same location since 1935. While our product lines are a little broader as we carry not only trade books but also educational from grades K through 12 and ESL, we have been selling books since the late 1920's. We are also a traditional stationers as well as bookstore. Many generations have come in to purchase their textbooks and we have great-grandparents who still come in to make selections for the newest additions to their families.
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sabina replying to a comment from Suri / June 17, 2009 at 11:21 pm
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I have been fortunate enough to purchase items in both bookstores. I used to live in Weston Village and Squibbs was I where I spent many afternoons when my kids were babies and walking out with bags of books and fun stuff...Now I live near The Bookmark and have been fortunate enough to find this gem as well. I also spent many afternoons (and mornings with starbucks in hand) in The Bookmark. The staff is great and they know which books to recommend. I have never been disappointed with the Summer Reading Lists... Bravo!!!
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Peter / April 17, 2011 at 04:44 pm
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Lovely bookstore! Visited for the first time a week or so ago even though I live in the area.

Two thumbs up!!
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Lydia / July 27, 2011 at 05:24 pm
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if I find books elsewhere that I want to buy, I call bookmark and purchase them by telephone order, thereby hopefully keeping my local bookstore in business!
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tibor kaiser / September 29, 2011 at 04:49 pm
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I've always wanted to refer to a store that sold/ordered books to please my pallet enough for me to call it "my bookstore". Halelujah, the BOOK MARK meets this and passes it by milestones. The staff as busy as they are make time to discuss my taste of novels. Their knowledge of the "system" of how books are published and sold makes me feel confident that I'm always on top of my reading list and wishes.Thank you one and all...t.
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Mike / January 5, 2012 at 08:45 pm
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Very sad to hear about the upcoming closing of the store. I liked it so much I got a part time job in it a few years ago and loved the atmosphere of the store and friendships with my coworkers. It was part of the soul of the Kingsway neighborhood. Now I'll just have to seek out another alternative to Chapters.
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