When The Bookshelf first opened in 1973, downtown #Guelph was vibrant and full of well-established shops. Businesses came and went, but The Bookshelf grew to include a café, followed by a cinema and event space. Four decades later, it continues to be a vital community hub and an inspiration for local artists and authors.

“When we opened, we had to go on a side street because there were no vacancies on Willette Avenue.” – Sheila Wisdom, Windsor, ON

“Oh, I’ll meet you at Books & Co. It’s a given.” – Betty Bekkering, Prince George, BC

“When I first told my parents that I was buying a business in town, my parents were like ‘why would you want to do that? There’s nobody your age in Picton!” But they were wrong!” – Alexandra Bake, Picton, ON

“La libraire a toujours été au centre-ville, même qu’avant elle était vraiment située autour du Carré-Royal.” – Daniel Lemoine, Sorel, QC