Jian Ghomeshi on the eminent extinction of the independent bookstore

Have a listen to Jian Ghomeshi's opening lines for his CBC show Q. The topic: our independent bookstores and what's left of them. If you scroll down that webpage there are also some good comments from listeners posted.
Thanks Jian, couldn't agree more!

While on this topic:

Here are four really great indie bookstores I love that are currently operating in Vancouver that have Not gone out of business yet and should you not have been there I highly recommend going there.

1. Humpty Dumpty Books and Music

1496 Cartwright St

(604) 683-7009

online

( located inside the Kidsmarket on Granville Island)

They offer a great selection of classics especially and have a lot of softcover books which means that they will be more affordable. Also featured is a French and Spanish selection. It's a very small space crammed full of amazing books! Next time your on Granville Island go and check it out!

2. Lucky's Comics

3972 Main Street
(604) 875-9858

online

Lucky's has a great and quircky selection of comics, some especially for children, graphic novels, novelty books, picture books, novels and zines. Also there is a gallery in the back so you can check out some local talent at the same time. Great place to get lost in for a bit while you're on Main Street.

3. Oscars Art Books

1533 West Broadway (Granville & Broadway)
(604) 731-0553

online

Oscars is a fantastic bookstore full of art books. They book shelves just on drawing, just on typography, just on painting techniques, paper making, illustration, photography, etc... Also they have tons of books on artists as well as a great selection of moleskin sketchbooks, calendars, and always a big table in the back with books on sale! Go there!

4. Mc Clouds Books

455 Pender Street

(604) 681-7654

online

This is my favorite bookstore in Vancouver in terms of atmosphere. You go in there and the first thing you'll probably see is just stacks of books not even on shelves, just stacked on top of each other. It really smells like books in there if you know what I mean. Mc Clouds specializes in antique books and if you really want to tease yourself go peek in their glass cabinets filled with antique Children's picture books. Absolutely amazing!