The Untitled Bookshop

The Untitled Bookshop makes the librarian in me swoon. Even though my field is exemplified by taking books and organizing them systematically, I absolutely love the scattered chaos of this store. It represents the ultimate treasure hunt for me and my fellow bibliophiles.
I wish I had hours to spend in here. There’s always something new to discover. Of course you can find all of the old classics here, but this is also one of the few used bookshops I’ve found that takes in old textbooks (probably due to its proximity to the university). I’ve never understood why other stores don’t. Some textbooks are great comprehensive resources when you’re interested in a topic. They also have a good assortment of strange and unique titles and he children’s section is a hoot. It felt like a throwback to my childhood with all of the «Babysitter’s Club» and «Sweet Valley High» copies it had.
I like the hands-​off attitude of the staff here. I don’t like being approached when I’m looking for literature. For some reason it feels kind of private, like I’m on a personal mission or something. However, even though the cashier was nowhere in sight, she came running over as soon as she saw me approach the counter.

Still my favorite used bookstore in the city, and now they are adding poetry readings (possible once a month if all goes as planned). This just adds to the bohemian nature of this outstanding bookstore. My only fear is that it never seems to be busy when I’m there and I’m afraid that Edmonton will lose a great local business if more people don’t discover this hidden gem. If looking for rare or out-​of-​print books (as well as some more current and popular works) in a variety of topics (their fiction section is great) with great used prices, you HAVE to check this store out. Yes, Edmonton has a large variety of used books stores (and a lot are located in the Old Strathcona area) but this is one of the best. Give it a try and you’ll be hooked.
And now with POETRY READINGS! Get your fingers ready to snap!

I think it’s important to support used bookstores in all shapes and forms, but I was disappointed with my last visit to this bookstore. I found it disorganized and the variety was lacking. The sections are not properly labelled, it was hard to find what I was looking for. And when I finally got to the science section, it was all jumbled up and unorganized. The staff is very friendly and helpful, don’t get me wrong… but there is some much needed improvement here. Also, they have very reasonable prices, so I wouldn’t avoid this place.

The latest bookstore in the Whyte Avenue area, Untitled carries books from every genre — and lots of them. The place is filled with books. Every nook and cranny has something there. This is the perfect place to spend time browsing, because I honestly could not tell if there was any logic to the arrangement of titles, other than being organized by genre. The staff seemed friendly and quite a number of people were browsing. Book lovers should definitely head here — just watch your step on those stairs!

This new bookshop recently opened up on Whyte, just where the old Fringe Gallery used to be (heading south from Chapters). Just look for its name in bright yellow letters above the door, and watch your head as you descend the stairs to the basement shop. I’m rather short and just grazed the ceiling, so I don’t know how tall people go down those stairs …
The Untitled Bookshop is not your average bookstore, and makes sure it stands apart from the book giant Chapters, which stands a few doors down the street. The tiny shop’s inventory includes but is not limited to: cookbooks, sci-​fi, drama, mystery, children’s lit, and various non-​fiction. Countless classics and brilliant names line the shelves, from Austen and Hemingway to Coupland and McLuhan.
It’s all about the books here at The Untitled Bookshop. There is no seating, save for one small couch which, alas, is laden with books as well. Shabby chic throw pillows on the couch seem to be the only items in the shop you can’t read (I believe they are also for sale).
The girl behind the desk was very sociable with the customers and seemed to know some of her patrons pretty well, gauging from her friendly banter with a few individuals. The store has been open since July 2010 and I get the feeling it has built quite a steady base of loyal customers already.
If you’re interested in visiting the shop, I suggest checking out their Facebook page first. They post regular updates on new books coming in and also any specials or sales they may be offering.