Best Bookstores & Libraries in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
1. The Word on the Street Bookstore
A community-focused independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books, events, and a cozy atmosphere.
- Community Hub: Offers events like author readings, workshops, and storytimes.
- Wide Selection: Stocks a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, children's books, and local authors.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Features a comfortable seating area for browsing and reading.
2. Waterloo Public Library - downtown branch
A modern library located in the heart of Kitchener offering a vast collection of books, e-resources, and programming for all ages.
- Vast Collection: Offers a diverse range of books, e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources.
- Modern Facilities: Features comfortable seating areas, study rooms, and a tech bar with computers and tablets.
- Programming for All: Provides events like author readings, workshops, and storytimes for children and adults.
3. Biblioasis Bookstore
An award-winning independent bookstore offering a carefully curated selection of literary fiction and poetry.
- Literary Focus: Specializes in contemporary literary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
- Award-Winning: Has won numerous awards for its commitment to literature and bookstore excellence.
- Café and Events: Features a café and hosts author readings, workshops, and book clubs.
4. The Bookshelf Independent Film & Bookstore
A unique bookstore and independent cinema offering a diverse selection of books, films, and events.
- Independent Cinema: Features an on-site independent cinema that shows art house films.
- Diverse Selection: Offers a diverse selection of books, DVDs, and vinyl records.
- Community Space: Provides a community space for events like author readings, workshops, and film screenings.
5. The Big Book Store
A large bookstore offering a wide variety of books at discounted prices.
- Discount Prices: Offers heavily discounted books, CDs, and DVDs.
- Wide Variety: Stocks a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, and bestsellers.
- Convenient Location: Located near multiple shopping centers for easy access.
6. KW Library – Neufeld Campus
A library catering to the University of Waterloo community offering a vast collection of academic resources.
- Academic Resources: Offers a wide range of books, e-resources, and research databases.
- Study Space: Features study rooms, quiet areas, and group study spaces.
- Extended Hours: Stays open late to accommodate students' study needs.
7. The Textbook Exchange
A used textbook store offering affordable options for students.
- Affordable Options: Offers high-quality used textbooks at discounted prices.
- Convenient Location: Located near multiple educational institutions for easy access.
- Buy and Sell: Allows students to buy and sell their used textbooks.
8. Maria's Bookstore
A family-owned bookstore offering a variety of books, cards, and gifts.
- Family-Owned: Run by a local family dedicated to the community.
- Variety of Books: Offers a wide variety of books, cards, and gifts for all ages.
- Friendly Service: Provides friendly and knowledgeable customer service.
9. The Cambridge Centre for the Arts Library
A library offering books, art supplies, and programming focused on arts and creativity.
- Arts Focus: Specializes in books related to visual arts, crafts, and creative writing.
- Art Supplies: Offers a selection of art supplies for purchase.
- Programming: Provides workshops, classes, and events related to various arts and crafts.
10. The Library Express
A small bookstore offering a wide variety of books at discounted prices.
- Discount Prices: Offers heavily discounted books, CDs, and DVDs.
- Wide Variety: Stocks a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, and bestsellers.
- Convenient Location: Located near multiple shopping centers for easy access.
11. The Tiger Bookshop
An independent bookstore focusing on children's books and education resources.
- Children's Books: Offers a wide selection of children's books, educational toys, and puzzles.
- Educational Resources: Stocks a variety of homeschooling resources, teaching materials, and stationery.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Provides knowledgeable staff to help customers find the right resources.
12. The Scholars' Bookstore
A student-focused bookstore offering new and used textbooks for multiple educational institutions.
- Student Focus: Caters specifically to students at local universities and colleges.
- New and Used Textbooks: Stocks both new and used textbooks for various courses.
- Textbook Rentals: Offers textbook rentals to save students money.
13. The Used Book Warehouse
A large used bookstore offering a wide variety of books at affordable prices.
- Affordable Prices: Offers heavily discounted used books.
- Wide Variety: Stocks a wide variety of fiction, non-fiction, and bestsellers.
- Convenient Location: Located near multiple shopping centers for easy access.
14. The Scholar's Retreat
A cozy study lounge offering books, coffee, and a quiet place to work or relax.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Features comfortable seating areas for studying or relaxing.
- Books and Coffee: Offers a selection of books, magazines, and coffee.
- Quiet Space: Provides a quiet space to study or relax away from the noise of bustling cafés.
15. The Open Book
A unique bookstore focusing on books about spirituality and self-help.
- Spirituality Focus: Specializes in books related to spirituality, self-help, and personal growth.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Provides knowledgeable staff to help customers find the right resources.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers workshops, classes, and events related to personal growth and spirituality.