Top Independent book stores that focus on celebrating queer and racialized writers

Top book stores in Edmonton, Calgary and across Canada, that are both independent owners and focus on celebrating queer and racialized writers.

Last Updated: Feb 12 2025

Edmonton

Audreys Books

Located: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Audreys Books Ltd., incorporated in 1975, traces its roots back to bookstores founded by Mel Hurtig in the mid-fifties. Their mission is to support Canadian writers by offering an excellent book selection and by providing a suitable environment for the local literary experience, while ensuring the existence of a professional practical alternative.

Magpie Books

Located: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

A charming independent bookstore with a curated selection of literature focused on diversity, inclusion, and social justice, fostering meaningful conversations through books.

Daisy Chain Book Co.

Located: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

A welcoming space that champions inclusivity, with books that reflect diverse perspectives and a commitment to creating an equitable, welcoming environment for all readers.

Paper Birch Books

Located: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

A community-driven bookstore offering a carefully chosen collection of titles that explore diverse voices, cultures, and experiences, perfect for those seeking thought-provoking reads.

Porch Light Books

Located: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

An independent bookstore shining a light on underrepresented authors and stories, building bridges through literature and promoting inclusion with every page turned.

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Calgary

Owl’s Nest Bookstore

Located: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Proudly carrying on the tradition of book industry legend Evelyn deMille in what is Calgary'slongest established independent bookstore. Evelyn de Mille (August 1, 1919 – October 31, 2013) is known for being the first woman in Calgary, Alberta to own her own stand-alone bookstore.

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Vancouver Area

Strong Nations

Located: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Indigenous & Native American Books, Aboriginal Kids Books, First Nations Kids Books, Inuit, Métis - Building Strong Nations Together!

Indigenous owned and operated publishing house and online bookstore located in Nanaimo on the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Since 2010 we have created and facilitated the acquisition of authentic Indigenous resources with the aim of developing a deeper understanding of Indigenous Peoples, cultures, and rights among all people.

Iron Dog Books

Located: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Iron Dog Books is a book truck and bookstore in Vancouver, British Columbia. Iron dog sells new, used and remaindered books in Tsleil-Waututh, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Musqueam territories (metro Vancouver) in an effort to keep books affordable.

Massy Books

Located: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Massy Books also partners with and supports many community non-profit and social justice organizations such as the Writer’s Exchange and Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs (RAVEN).

Little Sister’s Book and Art Emporium Online

Located: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Store co-founder Bruce Smyth ( - 2019) (along with his late partner Jim Deva (1950-2014) for whom the nearby Jim Deva Plaza is named), first opened the doors to Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium at its original location, upstairs in an old residential house at 1221 Thurlow Street in April 1983. Little Sister's Book & Art Emporium continues to offer a great selection of queer reads for all ages, vital coming out info...all in a friendly, relaxed, non-judgmental environment.

Glad Day Bookshop

Located: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Glad Day Bookshop is the oldest queer bookstore in the world. Serving the LGBTQ community since 1970, we offer the widest possible selection of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, and queer literature.

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Across Canada

Good Minds

GoodMinds.com remains a leading source of Indigenous education resources for schools and libraries in North America, while continuing to promote Indigenous authors, illustrators and translators.

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What is your favorite independent shop that supports inclusivity, equity and diversity?