Located in Vancouver’s Chinatown neighbourhood, Massy Books is an Indigenous-owned and operated bookshop and community space, carrying everything from rare, out-of-print books, to familiar titles and current best sellers, sourced locally and globally. They also buy books for resale.
Founded by Patricia Massy, the shop is “a place full of wordy, quirky, artsy connectivity” – a welcoming space for folks to browse and ask questions. Massy Books believes in the magic power of books to engage curiosity, make connections, and inspire conversations and action.
In addition to the bookshop, Patricia Massy used to operate Massy Arts Society, a gallery space and community arts hub dedicated to supporting Indigenous and under-represented artists. Together with Massy Books, they hosted book launches, art exhibitions, workshops and other cultural events.
(Photo credits: Massy Books.)
What we like about this bookshop
Massy Books is more than just a bookstore. It’s about community, and making a welcoming, supporting space for folks to explore and engage their curiosity, and make connections through conversations and action – all through books.
We share their belief in the magical power of books to inspire and engage! Their staff picks offer some great suggestions, with titles from well-known Canadian authors, like Behind You, by Catherine Hernandez. You can also search by theme by clicking on Book Lists – in addition to browsing new arrivals and new used titles here – and discover books like Indigenous writer Waubgeshig Rice’s post-apocalyptic novel Moon of the Crusted Snow. We love the range of titles they carry, and that they also buy books for resale – it’s an economic and environmentally friendly way to purchase books.
We also appreciate that they pay their staff a living wage, and that they care about sustainability and accessibility. (Written by C.M.)
Accessibility information: Massy Books offers an accessible downstairs event space and washroom. Please see their layout by clicking on Accessibility here. For any inquiries or more info, please contact info@massybooks.com.
Ideas for where you can go from here:
- Visit Massy Books online. If you’re in the Vancouver area, drop by the shop at 229 E. Georgia St.
- Shop their books.
- See what makes Massy Books special by reading their story here.
We love bookshops because they inspire you to buy physical books. Buying physical books allows you to experience the act of reading without distractions. Experiencing the act of reading without distractions is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring READING and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.
Broken or out-of-date link? Let us know and we’ll fix it. Thanks for helping us keep the information on Young W up to date.
