This Ain't the Rosedale Library

Contributed by Crystal Wood

The sign above the window at This Ain't the Rosedale Library is subtle, making it easy to miss on the otherwise busy strip of Church where the store is located. But I'm telling you: look for the sign. It would be a serious mistake to walk on by.

The store, though small and well-organized, can easily suck hours of your time. This is a bookstore made for exploring. Set in the heart of The Village, the store definitely caters to the area, but more importantly to book lovers in general. The sex and gender studies sections are right by the door, and are quite comprehensive, proudly displaying titles like The Butt Book. Also near the front are signs of local talent: Sky Gilbert's Brother Dumb sits on a table of featured books.

The fiction is at the back, which seems a little odd to me. Running along one wall, it's decent but not exhaustive. Sarah Waters is there, obviously, but I was a little disappointed on my last visit not to find a copy of Nabokov's Lolita. (But I could be projecting; I can't seem to find that book anywhere.)

Also at the back are the arts and entertainment books. This is normally my favourite section, and This Ain't The Rosedale Library doesn't disappoint. There are decent offerings of film, television, and music books. And oh, books about the Beat Generation, Kerouac and Ginsberg are everywhere.

My favourite section in the store may be the children's section. Yes, the children's section, okay? No bright colours and oversized Disney characters here, just a rocking chair and shelves of picture books. Even copies of Harry Potter are put on a top shelf, to make room for more interesting titles like the illustrated Peaceful Protest: The Life of Nelson Mandela.

Equality is key at this store, with sections dedicated not only to the GLBTQ community, but to women, African-American and Native-American cultures. In particular, don't miss the great shelves of poetry devoted to each group.