I came across Seekers Books by chance, and it feels like one of those hidden spots only true book lovers appreciate. The space is a bit packed and unpolished, but that's exactly what makes it interesting--you never know what you'll find tucked between the shelves. It has a quiet, slightly nostalgic vibe, perfect for slowing down and browsing. Not a place for quick visits, but definitely worth it if you enjoy the hunt. read more

The workers here maintain such a high level of cleanliness I could tell they cleaned regularly, even during the day. I asked one staff member for a book recommendation and they were so enthusiastic. Clean, helpful, and peaceful that's what this place is. read more

What a great bookshop. I spent two hours and $150. They have such a great selection, including a good selection of occult books, and the proprietor was extremely knowledgeable about it seems an inexhaustible amount of topics. To make it even better there is a cat. I wish I lived nearer Toronto so I could go more often and I live in Oxford, England. read more

Dear Book Lovers, sell your books to a business that treats you with respect I now go to Seekers Books where Patrick is professional and personable. PLUS, he offers you fair price for the books that are accepted. I previously sold books at BMV Books also on Bloor Street. I have no problem with the process whereby they accept or reject books.I do have a problem with the near distain that seem to emanate from the "humans" on the buying desk. In life it's not only profit or loss but the experience but the quality of the transaction. read more

I was introduced to this bookstore many years ago in the middle of the 1990s which the prices were extremely affordable, found a few interesting items for gifts for family but while some were well worth the money, others had no price giving the impression that the prices were comparable to Indigo or my major music store for sheet music without the rewards at Indigo or my teacher discounts for my music books for brand new copies. But, way better looking and organized compared to the way it was a few years ago and quite a variety and selection although it seems that they don't have the old classics of Western philosophy, especially those that don't have criticism and commentary. Quite busy when I went still with the couple beautiful finds that are a really good value and friendly sounding service well worth the visit even if you have to struggle a bit getting there east of Bathurst station. Not wheelchair accessible. read more

My go-to bookstore. Great selection, atmosphere, and service (both human & feline). I never go in with an agenda in mind, but leave it up to fate & chance to discover some obscure book that I wouldn't have found otherwise - and it always turns out to be the best choice. Great selection, however not overly mainstream, (thankfully). Enter with an open mind. This bookstore is an adventure :) read more

What an absolutely delightful used bookstore! I'm so happy we happened upon Seekers Books by accident while we were strolling through Toronto. As a few other books have mentioned, this is not the place to go if you're looking for new bestsellers. This is a used bookstore, so the collection is naturally going to reflect that. I would also not necessarily recommend coming into this store if there's a specific book you need. This place is all about browsing and letting the books you want to read find you. (Kind of like going to Target where you go for something specific and then you leave with a whole lot more!) The employee here was lovely--very cool and friendly. I felt like I was walking into a friend's book collection. Great ambiance. The best part? They have a CAT! Or at least there was one when I came here at the end of March 2018. This adorable orange and white tabby cat greeted us when we walked in. He was just sitting there calm as a clam near the register. My heart just about melted! I strongly recommend Seekers Books. read more

If you're looking for the latest bestseller then go to Indigo. If you're looking for great deals on used books including classic literature then head straight for Seekers at Bloor and Borden. I was there today and walked out with "Tristram Shandy" and "Vanity Fair", both books are in very good condition and under $10 each. The guy behind the counter was pleasant, they take credit cards (although not AMEX), and there was a beautiful orange and white cat who sat there watching everything. I suspect that the cat is the true owner and was quietly observing operations. Seekers is not Indigo (thankfully) nor is it BMV with its emphasis on remainders; Seekers is simply a nice old-fashioned used bookstore for people who enjoy the world of literature. A good selection at a good price. read more

I hate to leave such a low rating, as I do typically enjoy this store. The selection may not be what you would find at a big store like Indigo, but I have found plenty of hidden gems. The man who owns it is lovely and I have had some wonderful chats with him. And there's even an adorable cat! However, there is one aspect of this shop that ruins the entire experience for me - a female worker who is downright hostile. She is incredibly rude, speaking harshly to customers and at times treating me like I am an errant child (ie telling me off for the grave sin of pointing out the bookstore cat to my friend while he was sleeping, which was apparently equivalent to maliciously waking him up). She's also likes to stare at my friends and I while we are browsing, making us incredibly uncomfortable - we feel as if she is just waiting for us to start shoving books into our bags or something. Honestly, her behavior makes me want to find a different bookstore to frequent, which is immensely saddening to me as I once considered the shop one of my favorites. read more

This is the anti-Indigo! By far one of the best bookstores in Toronto. Hidden in a nook at the corner of Borden & Bloor, this gem is what a book store used to be and in some ways still should be. Indigo is more of a showroom for books, cd/dvds and with a Starbucks attached. This is a large room where books are stored and kept until someone who wants them finds them. Yes, the musky incense along with the musty old books give it charm. In fact, I would say this store has its own very unique smell, it's Seeker Incense. Tons of English literature, history, some large New Age collection, (not a fan however), comics and sadly as of recent (a few years actually) an ever growing collection of CDs and DVDs. Boo. As far as the staff? Normally just one guy at the cash, he himself reading a tome and always willing to chat if you are willing to engage. Also and without fail an avid reader himself. Yes, "the guy" at the cash might not be the same from visit to visit but one thing you can expect, whoever works there, will knows his genre of books and will be interesting to chat to about books. Prices are pretty good -- in the $7-$9 range and most importantly, you are helping your local bookstore. Wink, wink, pledge, pledge! If there is one small nuisance is that sometimes you might not find the "latest" books, so you have to wait a few weeks or in some cases months if want something that was released last weeks. I used to find myself on weekends swinging by this place and just browse until a book or two picked my fancy to add to my collection. Good times. THIS is a place worth going and check out! Highly recommended. read more

Seekers Books - One of my favourite bookstores in Toronto. - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Super limited selection. I came on Boxing Day in search of Becoming by Michelle Obama, but they were sold out of it. I asked for Joan Didion, and they were sold out of her too. Then I tried to look for The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, and they didn't have that either. So I settled for The Wind Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. It was marked for $23 retail price, but with the Boxing Day Sale and everything it was only $11! read more

I fell in love with this place since I first saw in underground. The neon signs, the small cozy place. Walking in this store gave me a glimpse of feeling like being in an indie movie. I didn't know how much time I spent there, people was going in and out but I just couldn't resist of this place. Seekers has all kind of books, especially amazing small collection of vintage newspapers and magazines. I'd definitely save it as my secret favorite place in Toronto and visit it again and again. Last but not least, because it was a rainy day so the bookstore owner gave me a bag to leave my books into, I thought it was a usual plastic bag but it's actually a degradable one ! I was so impressed and loved this place more ! read more

Seekers Books - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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By far my favorite book store in Toronto. The books are at a very reasonable price and I always come out with more books than I need, but not complaining at all. I always find great stuff and my to-read list is always put on hold by the stuff i find here. I wish the had tote bags, my only suggestions. Otherwise im a big fan and would recommend this store to anyone. The owners are super friendly and very knowledgeable too. read more

Seekers Books is another used bookstore that I have visited many times over the past 20yrs, from my university days until now for pleasure reading. Although it has a decent section of older literature, there doesn't seem to be a lot of turnover these days. I have purchased many older paperbacks through the years, but I am not seeing a lot of new stock recently in the authors that I am looking for. Similarly, I have purchased a few volumes from history and science in the past, but am not seeing much turnover in these areas either now. This is also reflected in the fact that I have not been able to sell any of my old books here in many years. There does seem to be a good quantity/selection of books in other areas that I don't normally browse, such the new age / spiritualism section near the front and old sci-fi and mystery paperbacks; there's also a children's section in a separate back room. Unfortunately due to some water damage from years ago, some of the books near the back of the main room still seem a bit musty, and there are still some water damaged volumes around. Generally I find the service to be a little indifferent; quite often the person working is having a conversation with someone they seem to know, and it is an interruption to have to stop to take payment. Prices are good, sometimes as low as $2-3 for small paperbacks, and seldom more than $10 in my sections. Overall, not a bad place to do a little browsing, but often I will leave empty-handed. read more

I hope Seekers Books will be around forever. But not really for the book selection or prices, which I don't find that amazing. 1) The Smell. (Yes!) It's a combination of incense and musty old books. I love it. 2) The conversations overheard. It reminds me of late-night call-in radio shows. I've heard discussions about Noam Chomsky, Why toothpaste is unnecessary, How the world will end in 2012, How cancer is caused by negative thoughts... 3) Nostalgia. It reminds me of a lost bohemian annex which I find comforting. Now if we could only bring back the Blue Cellar Room 4) It's open until midnight, Sometimes you just want to look at books late at night. read more

I brought a selected number of books downtown, hoping to be able to sell them to BMV. I made sure to bring all my classics and the newer fiction in excellent condition. Unfortunately, I was unable to sell any of them. The classics were not brand new, but were in great condition having been read once and only yellowed due to time. I left, slightly annoyed that I had to probably carry this heavy bag around. As I was walking, I came across Seekers Books just a few stores down from BMV. I thought, what the heck. I'll drop by and see if maybe they would buy a book or two. I waited behind a lady, who was unloading many of her books. The owner was very interactive and had a discussion with the customer as he sorted through the books. He bought several of her books. When it came my turn, I was excited when he bought 6/13 books I've brought! He took all my classics and one novel by Zadie Smith. I left with a lighter bag and even got a free book from the lady when she was unable to sell it! This interaction at Seekers Books made me a fan because of the relationship created by the store owner with his customers. I have yet to check out the store properly or buy anything but, I definitely recommend if you are looking to unload some great literature that you no longer have room for! It has that old used bookstore feel to it, so do not expect it to be squeaky clean with like-brand-new books, like BMV or Indigo. It's for people who loves to help their local used bookshops and help the environment by buying preloved novels. read more

This is the greatest bookstore if you're ready for it. Those who are ready will find it. Books will enter your life via this book store to help your consciousness expand. Enjoy! read more

Seekers Books is definitely a gem within the Annex. It's got less presentation than the nearby BMV, of course, but as an 'old school' bookshop, that's part of it's charm. While BMV is a great place for finding deals on oversells and current popular items, Seekers Books offers something different. For one, it often has a number of rare, out-of-print, and hard-to-find items. And while BMV's used book selection are often above a certain cindition grade (ie: VF/NM), it appears that Seekers is one of the last places that will still hold books at, say, a 'fine' condition, as long as the work is worthwhile. Among some of the more interesting carries in Seekers at times are old, local 'zines and foreign books that have never been officially distributed in North America. their tables showcase some interesting finds outside of the mainstream - not everyone's cup of tea, of course, but if you're looking to discover something different, you're more likely to find that 'something' prominently displayed here. I've found things like DE RE METALLICA (the first book on mining) and METALLIC MEMORIES by Moebius (an art book) - both things I thought I'd never see in a store, and for surprisingly affordable prices. Another thing I've found here is a 'Book Club Edition' of Frank Herbert's DUNE - not as sought after as the bookstore first edition, but in the same format, which was amazing! Interesting tidbit: Some of the local bookies say that Seekers has a bit of a legend around it - people walking in for the first time, searching for something specific, usually find it - or find something they never thought they'd see here. Given that I found 2 of my 'top 5' books for my collection at Seekers, in my experience I'd say the 'legend' is on to something. :) It's great to see that an 'old school' bookshop has been a mainstay within the Annex area for some time now. Take a moment to browse through their shelves, & Seekers a try; great place with friendly staff. read more

You can't criticize the hours or the selection. Seems like it's always open and they have a lot of books on just about any topic you could want to read about. It's a little 'new-agey' in there sometimes. I'm always worried I'm going to get tractor beamed up into a UFO, like some cow in a field, and then...well you know... Nah, just kiddin'. It's a great store. read more

A wonderful little gem of a bookstore! The selection is consistent with its name "Seekers," and the staff know their stuff. Seekers exemplifies the need to support and protect our small business entrepreneurs! read more

Open from noon-midnight every day, Seekers is a basement level used bookstore that is hemorrhaging books from every possible seam. You walk inside and not only is every shelf bursting with paperbacks and hardcovers, floors also have stacks of books in all directions. Seeker's specializes in occult books, not in the sense that they exclusively sell them, but more in that they have the largest collection of occult books I've ever seen for sale. If you're interested in, or curious about, that kind of thing, this store is definitely one to check out. As far as the rest of the store goes, I would have to say it is on par with your average used book store. Because there are only so many books that can be put into any one store at any one time (and this is despite the fact that this store is packed packed packed books) there's a good chance that if you're looking for something very specific, you won't find it. That said, never count a used book store, including this one, out of a book hunt. read more

I must've passed by this hidden gem beneath the stairs along Bloor near Bathurst. On my way to BMV, I decided to try this place for a change. I was amazed to see all the books from back to front filling the shelves. This place has every author in literature that you could dream of! (no chick-lit to be found though...) Everything from Irvine Welsh to Charles Bukowski. I ended up buying a few and then went to check out various other store in the area to end up coming back for more in the same day! This is a dangerous place when I have money to spend. If I had known that this place was jam packed with so much good stuff... Then I would've came prepared with limited funds. Can't wait to go back!! read more

Seekers Books - Great reads! - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

i dont know which part of the first exposure made this feel most sneaky to me. was it that i was walking down into some shady looking store? was it the purple neon glow that emanated from the ghostly light silhouetting the fenced door? or perhaps the stark operating hours of 12 to 12 that intrigued me the most. yet inside this book lovers den is a clean, cozy, shop filled with fresh new and mildly used books that seem to disappear in a gridlock of aisleways, shelves and back rooms filled to the brim and beaming with colour. after combing the shelves of another used book shop, on a whim i slithered down here and straight away was lead to a tome of five in one dashiell hammett books. more over, i spotted the watchmen in full display for half price. and after a few giggles with the guy at the front (perhaps the owner) i was given a book for free!! (lucky day.) id come back here again in a second for the owners knowledge, for the seeming secrecy of it, for its variety of old and new and because its not bustling. read more

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Interesting selection of books. Once again, needs a point of sale system to track inventory and figure out cost/price point/age on shelf/what sells. Cheers Andrew (c) Copyright 2017. Andrew M. Walduck. Associated Press. All rights reserved. read more

I love this store. I love that it's dishevelled yet organized. It's unpretentious. It's musty. The sci fi and comics are placed in the centre of the store like a shrine to all things geek. The obscure reference material available is endless. The thing I love the most is that the staff doesn't sneer at me when I ask a question or if they know where to locate a specific book. I went in, knowing the name of the book I was looking for, but I had forgotten the author...a situation met with hostility a few months ago at another bookstore down the street... The gentleman behind the counter didn't just tell me the name and point me in the right direction. He dropped what he was doing and helped me search through the stacks. read more

A place full of sorted books in which it is possible to find traces of the esoteric amidst the exoteric. More than often, if you listen in, the shoppers discuss mysterious topics in this hidden gem underground. A gem that is, if the book finds you ! read more

Very poor customer service. I was treated like absolute trash just for looking at and opening their books! I walked in there while on the phone with my mother so she could help me establish which James Patterson novels I needed to read still that follow Detective Alex Cross, in the order that they are published because I couldn't remember, and my mother is also an avid James Patterson reader, so who better to help me than her right? Well as I was going through the books I opened one to the first page where all the other novels are listed and left it open and just slid it in top of other books as to keep it open, and out of nowhere I am rudely told to stop mistreating the books! Excuse me? Books are meant to be opened for one, and two, I was planning to buy it! I told the gentlemen this and he said something which I didn't even hear because at this point I chose to ignore his rudeness and go on about my phone call with my mother to help me. Fast forward to coming up to the cash to pay, it was a lady who checked me out. I paid for the books, didn't ask for a bag, and didn't bother with a receipt because I just wanted to get out of there. No point of exchanging pleasantries to people who clearly didn't seem to want my business and thought I was 'mistreating' their books. So whatever, I left and then proceeded to tell my mother what happened and next thing I know, the lady comes outside and tells me not to ever come to their store again! Ok fine I won't! The only thing mistreated in this whole situation was myself. I truly don't understand why either. People, you're better off going somewhere else and just paying the extra, or better yet going to the damn library. You folks at truly lack basic customer service skills. You're ignorant and clearly don't appreciate your customers! Thanks for the books though! I'll make sure I go to the bigger bookstore down the street next time I want something! At least they are friendly! read more

I'm so happy to discover this store is still open -- it was a staple for me when I lived in the area in the 90s, and I was hoping to pop in on a future visit to Toronto. This place always had amazing books, great second hand CDs, and it was *the place* to pick up fliers for trance parties ;) I'm pretty sure the last bit is no longer relevant, but this place is still awesome :) read more

I love this place because they have additions to spiritual books have not found anywhere else, and rare books. Very important, when a person is seeking to discover subtle nuances of something subtle. This place deserves 5 stars. Always friendly and easy going, you just go in, read, don't buy, and when you do buy, they treat you just the same. read more

Great little gem in the annex. I most recently brought two books here that I have been searching for a long time, both at a great price. The cashier (turned out to be the owner) was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Don't think I will go to BMV ever again! read more

Great bookstore! The owner has been in business in various locations for the past 20 years. Where to start? The ambiance is old school bookstore. It's well organized despite the shelves bursting with books (which is a good thing). The selection and pricing is fantastic. This is a nice change from all the anti-septic bookstores out there. The conversations at the front counter are always a hoot. Upon overhearing them, you want to participate...and you're welcome to! The service is very friendly and helpful. The owner will either know exactly what direction to point you to or take you there himself. The 12PM- 12AM hours are great too. Highly recommended. read more

One of (if not the) Best bookstore in Toronto~ Soooo many titles at great prices, packed but organized. Friendly staff who look like they love their job adds to the experience. Open pretty late for night owls.:) read more

Best bookstore in the city! I always buy books here. Cheap prices for used books, great selection, friendly staff! read more

Longtime bastion of books gets a makeover with new owners. The place has been tidied up and the stock re-ordered into beautiful, easy-to-use redesign. Kudos to the new owners for keeping this fave bookshop open. read more

Literally just got off the phone with someone at this store to ask about whether they do or do not buy used books and got the RUDEST person on the phone! The man who answered was incredibly rude and seemed annoyed that I had dained to call the store at all THEN HUNG UP ON ME! Not only was I calling about selling used books, I am a customer and after that phone call, I will be taking my business elsewhere! read more

Yeah. I'm a fan. It has a good selection of science books. It's one of the best used book stores I've across so far. Good opening hours and location too. read more

one of the best bookstores in Toronto! open late (till midnight) in the annex and just has a really great selection of books!

There is something special about this place. I go in with no plans and I always find something interesting. They play relaxing music, burn incense, and the employees are not pretentious. They are real people and don't talk to you in that robotic, patronizing customer service tone. This place is analogue and I love that about it. I let the books find me. Seekers just makes me feel like relaxing, reading, and engaging my brain. I hope it never changes. The prices are reasonable. Average is maybe $8.00/book. I certainly don't mind spending $8.00 at a great, independent, down-to-earth bookstore. read more

Our family of 4 were there this evening trying to buy some books for our kids aged 2 and 6. We went directly to the back and started browsing when all of a sudden the staff (girl wearing red stockings) came up to my wife and accused her and our kids of "destroying the books". Our kids were just pulling them out to look at them which is normal when browsing to buy a book. We left right away and don't ever plan to come back. We encourage our kids to go to bookstores but such experiences really make it hard for parents. If you don't want to deal with kids in your bookstore I'd suggest you get rid of the kid's section altogether. If our kids had somehow ripped a book by accident (they never have as they understand books are fun to read) then we would more than gladly have paid for the book. The staff just made accusations without showing us any evidence of this supposed "destruction." There are plenty of other used bookstores where we'd rather go! read more