A super cute rare book store. The selection was limited but well curated and nothing was overpriced. The clerk was friendly but in no way intrusive. Try your luck with the random book vending machine! read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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We found her way to The Monkey's Paw from a list of unique and unusual Toronto sites. That list specifically mentioned the book vending machine which I had to try, but as an avid reader and book-collector ("antiquarian" if you're fancy) I was equally interested in simply perusing the store as a whole. The book vending machine-- as of March 2025, for a $5 CAD bill (or credit card), you get a token for the machine which randomly drops a vintage book. I received a hard-cover vintage mystery novel nicely wrapped in a mylar book protective jacket (and a price tag indicating this one was $19.99 at one point). Pretty cool book, pretty recommended experience overall. As to the store itself--friendly proprietor and generally nice layout. But try as I might, I could not find a book to spend my money on. I was intent on purchasing something, and open to splurging a bit. But the closest I came was a 3rd or 4th edition hardcover of Daphne De Maurier's "Don't Look Now" novel printed in the 1970s. I love her work and have many of her books, but not this one which may be her most famous due to the Donald Sutherland film adaptation. However, for $35...I just couldn't quite do it. If it were a first edition, most certainly. If it were $20 for a 4th edition, quite possibly. There were some cool vintage sci-fi paperbacks (Heinlein, Herbert, Aasimov, etc.) that were probably priced in line with the market. But much of the stock reminded me of how "curating" a collection can present items as more valuable than they are. Is a gardening book from the 1950s in VF condition worth $40? Or a map cut out of an old National Geographic matted on cardstock worth $20? I really like the idea of this store and wish them the best because book stores are the coolest places on earth. I just felt everything was about 25% higher than it was likely worth. I would have splurged had I come across a great old edition of a favorite novel, though. Sounds like stock changes regularly and they are set up to encourage perusing, finding something you didn't know you were looking for. Wish them continued success and giving them a solid "3" (which in my book is "good"). Definitely recommend the vending machine! read more

The collection of the books is so very unusual, nostalgic and brings out the sentimental human feelings. There cannot be a value put on the individual books because to some it would mean so much to own. Anyone would enjoy visiting your shop and hours could be spent just trying to make a selection. read more

I had a wonderful experience here. The staff were polite and clearly enjoyed helping customers. Everything was organized and sparkling clean. It's the kind of place you want to return to again and again read more

Really awesome bookshop. So glad I went out of my way to stop here because they have such interesting finds. The prices are a bit steep but I think that's to be expected in a store with such unique books. The book machine was a really spectacular feature for $5. read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Found the monkeys paw on yelp and had to try it for the book vending machine. It was $3 and dispensed a vintage book, and I'm so glad I did it! I got a book called "My Canada" by Elinor Marsden Elliot. The bookstore is small and has old books from the early 1900s. Books range from $30 and up. The books are lovely and I found a couple I would want, but found the pricing a bit too much for me. Still very cool to walk in and take a look at, I'm happy with my $3 souvenir! read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

It is time for another book store review because I can't help myself. I have a gravitational pull to book stores that kicks in almost as quickly as I get off the plane. When heading over to The Monkey's Paw, I was in full tourist mode, which included having my camera at-the-ready. Stephen Fowler, the owner of The Monkey's Paw, looked at me a little disapprovingly when I took the above picture outside of the shop. So, I was slightly embarrassed when I cautiously walked in, but then he asked me to keep the coffee I as clutching at the front of the store. TWO book store violations in just a few minutes. I was not in top form. In my nicest and meekest voice possible, I said "sure" and tried not to break any more rules. I truly am in the elite class of book-store-frequenters; these were rookie moves. Just to be clear, he wasn't mean or aggressive. His look to me outside and his desire to keep beverages at the front was to protect the goodies inside his shop that were well selected and curated. He seemed like a thoughtful person. In his conversations with customers, I heard him offer to email recommended books to customers while giving a thorough origin story to The Biblio-Mat. From the website: The Biblio-Mat is a coin-operated vending machine that dispenses randomly-selected old books. It is the first device of its kind, allowing curious bibliophiles to sample the excitement and mystery of antiquarian-book hunting for the coast of a single $2 coin. The Biblio-Mat was designed and constructed for the Monkey's Paw by animator Craig Small. The Biblio-Mat is ridiculously awesome. Customers were fascinated by it AND were actively using it. Seeing what each customer was getting (the topics were pretty wide-ranging) was really fun. For a place that looks a little haunted, it has some levity as well. Speaking of haunted, The Monkey's Paw's interior was designed to reference the W.W. Jacobs (horror) short story with the same name. Do you remember that story from your (insert the name of a Liberal Arts College) Short Story Class? Just me? Ugh, it was so awful. Here is my amazing summary: There was this guy who came back from a trip to India with a monkey's paw (because he was in the service, possibly- bear with me, I am just getting warmed up here). He tells this small family (a husband, wife and their grown son) the story of the monkey's paw, which was that the paw has the ability to grant three wishes, but the last person who made three wishes used their third wish to ask for death. Big stuff. The guy who came from India tried to destroy the monkey's paw dramatically while telling the story, but the husband he was telling the story to saved it and used it to wish for money. Not a ton of money, just enough to pay off his house. Then, (this is the first gross part) the son is killed by machinery in his company. Coincidentally (actually the opposite of coincidentally- this is all because of THE PAW), his family is compensated the exact amount of money his father asked the monkey's paw for to pay off their house. Ewwwww. THEN, the wife uses the monkey's paw to revive her son (although he has been dead AWHILE now) and there is a knock on the door. The husband (who made the first terrible wish and the second to bring back his dead son because his wife asked him to) makes a third wish for his son to go away before the wife can answer the door. So messed up. Seriously, stop messing with fate. Man, I should write book reports professionally and only about stories I haven't read in 15 years. Solid career choice. ANYWAY, is it a place where you could spend hours walking around? Probably not. It is a relatively small store and, where the texts are interesting, the store is a little more resistant to that type of lolly-gagging than most other books stores I have been in. But here (following The Monkey's Paw theme), your wishes are books that you can straight pay for (using "loonies" and "toonies"- Canadian money is hilarious) instead of having to lose a loved one. Just saying. In closing, a series of questions and answers that really could be written as statements, but aren't because it is more fun and theatrical to write this way: Are there medical drawings on the wall? Yes. Is everything arranged by subject? Yes. (And some of them are... interesting.) Is there a stuffed crow on a typewriter? Yes. Did I buy a copy of a Calvino and a Neruda? Duh, of course. Swing on by, just be cool about your camera and keep your coffee at the door. read more

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If you're the kind of person who appreciates the smell of an old book more than a new one, who loves looking at old pamphlets, and who craves owning the first edition of their favourite novel, this is the place for you. The display at Monkey's Paw will be enough to draw you in -- medical drawings on the wall, the window bragging about all things "old and unusual", the crow on the typewriter... But once you're inside, you won't be able to stop looking around. The store may have strange hours (closed Monday and Tuesday, open randomly throughout the week) but it still manages to attract people from all over searching for the perfect book or the perfect gift. The interior resembles the short story after which it is named (by W.W. Jacobs), with a haunted feeling inside, and the hope that your three wishes will be granted -- except here your wishes will be books, and you won't have to lose a family member to get them. Everything is arranged by subject, except for the short shelf at the front that is exclusively for new arrivals -- check it out to grab the second edition Kafka that I left behind (SIGH). They've got shelves upon shelves of stuff -- old cookbooks, books on Satanism from the 50s, pamphlets trying to understand why women are promiscuous (how out of character for us!), and dozens of other books that you might just find amusing or could complete your lifelong collection. This store is a gem on a relatively boring stretch of Dundas, and is a must-see for any lover of books or history! read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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had a wonderful selection of vintage books, of all genres. staff were amazing and helpful. definitely worth the visit, give yourself at least an hour to look through the books. read more

I haven't visited the store in ages, but wanted a final visit before they move. Still the same wonderful store, with rare treasures and the strange and unique vending machine. This place will forever be a favourite of mine, and despite the prices being slightly high, I have always found the value in this Toronto institute. read more

A friend brought me here after Sunday brunch. This used bookshop is totally quirky and random. Some things to be found: - Fascinating collection of old medical books including "Diseases of Women" or the simply titled "The Prostate". - An old National Geographic globe that still has the USSR - Vintage postcards and tourist board pamphlets from around the world (in plastic baggies to keep them in good condition) - 1950's cookbooks with strange ingredients Definitely worth a look! Coming here is like going back in time -- sometimes scary, always intriguing. read more

Five stars for the one of a kind book dispensing machine in the back! For $2 coin, you take your chances on an old and unusual book. Like a vending machine for the eclectic reader! Love it! read more

The Monkey's Paw - I got Art Nouveau! I'll take that as a prediction of my summer! - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

Fun little adventure to go see the Biblio-mat. We read about it online, hopped in the car, and drove over to see it in person. It's $2 per go - I got The Battle of Kohima and my girlfriend got History of England. Take the time to browse this quaint little shop afterwards because they have some very cool stuff in here (cool books, short stories, stamps, and bugs). read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I suppose it says something when a guy who owns a good 300-400 books walks in here and feels out of his element - despite being the target market for this kind of stuff. I had no plans to check out the Monkey's Paw, a niche bookstore that specializes in all sorts of odd and curious collections. It was literally something I walked past, having just left a thrift store, and sort of stumbled into. I imagine that's how a lot of people come upon this place. At first glance, this is unlike any other bookstore I've visited. It's an almost-solitary, quiet oasis in the middle of the Bloor West area, and you'll find everything from weird ephemera like old cookbooks and guides to collections of paperbacks, travel guides and everything in between. I felt like I was intruding on someone's personal library. Normally, I'd be running around like a kid in a candystore buying everything I could in this place. However, I felt like I had to treat everything with kid gloves. I didn't even want to touch any of the Penguin books on poets situated near the front counter, and when I opened one of the paperbacks and saw a $14 price tag on it, I nearly keeled over. I have one of those books on my shelf at home, and it cost me $2 from a library sale. Look, i get it. Rent's high and you have margins to maintain. God knows there are enough people who are keeping the place afloat - I saw a couple who looked like they'd just stepped out from a Toronto Symphony performance walking around piling books into their arms and telling anyone who'd listen that they didn't have that specific edition yet. I may be a book snob, but I can't - and won't - pay prices like that. Maybe if there was a certain title that was of extreme interest to me, but when I've spent the last four years buying books at much cheaper prices and getting a collection that's comparable to anyone else out there, I feel spoiled. The best feature of the Paw is the "Bibliomat", a vending machine at the back of the store. It dispenses random "old" books for $2 a pop, and though I didn't have the space to carry another book with me, I watched some of the patrons using it. A fascinating little thing, I get the sense that this is a huge draw for the store, and I wouldn't mind checking it out further in the future if I had more cash to burn (because I'd probably buy out the whole stock). In the end, there's a lot to love about the Monkey's Paw if you're a bibliophile. For me, I didn't see as much of the appeal, but I can understand why people visit this place. Perhaps I'll come back again in the future and take a more thorough look when I have more time. read more

If you're a lover of all things literary, then this is the spot of you. With an eclectic mix of titles, ranging from paperback to hardcover, rare to old-time classics - it's hard to know what you'll find on the shelves here and when. One of my favorite things to do is just stop off here to browse. I'm not quite sure I need any of these books, it's whimsy and wonderful none the less. Perfect for a first date. The best part about the shop is their book vending machine called the Bibliomat. Yes, you absolutely read that correctly, vending machine! For $3, you can take your chances and get a charming old and unusual book - so I say, why not! read more

The bibliomat is awesome! They must have modified it recently because the machine now takes tokens, not $2 coins. The tokens are bought at the front desk for $3 each. This place also has a lot of really cool books. They were expensive, but so much fun to look through. Will definitely visit again next time I'm in Toronto. read more

Stephen Fowler has amazing taste and a great shop. He takes the time to write his own little blurbs in many of the books. Ask about the mailing list - if you tell him what subjects you're interested in, he'll e-mail you when he gets in something he thinks you'd like. After my first visit, it already became my favorite bookstore. There is no book (or "curiosity") in the store that I wouldn't want for myself. Amazingly eccentric collection. Excellent browsing venue (would make for a perfectly quirky date followed with cocktails at Communist's Daughter). read more

One of the coolest and oddest shops in the T Dot. Run don't walk kids! VIBE That musty book smell that wafts through the air? Oh, it's real. Stephen Fowler looks like he might have been evicted from the local CAMH Mental Asylum but he's SO nice. He's got the Dundas West twitch before it became mainstream. The front window of oddities really has lured us in. THE GOODS Want the prefect gift? It's here! I got my dad a replica of the original Canadian Scout handbook penned by Baden Powell (the founder of Scouting). Side note: my dad has been a Scout leader for over 40 years so he'll appreciate this. In the front window, was a copy of the American guide to Scouting which is more of a collector's item from 1959. Ah-may-zing. I also saw: one of the original Julia Child cookbook guides, A Man's guide to Sex, a book on grasshoppers and cubed up bugs. There are a bunch of beautiful old typewriters laying about and they are on sale. My friend is getting an Olympia for $75 and will repair it. OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK Get your paws on this monkey. read more

I can't believe the magic of this little place. You can almost walk right by it on Bloor Street; no large sign lighting the way. That speaks volumes to the class and mystery of what awaits. We spent an hour browsing the shelves, amazed at the collection, the age of the books, the remarkable condition of the books and the assortment. The gentleman working there, so sorry I never asked his name, was very helpful and friendly. Told us about the store itself, how they attain the books and provided city info for sight seeing. And of course you must try the book vending machine. It's one of a kind and a real treat. read more

The Monkey's Paw - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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I love coming to this magical and eccentric book shop every time I'm in Toronto. The first thing you notice when walking in is the smell--a mix of old wood, leather, and books. The shop is relatively small but well curated and full of character. The quality of the books is generally high, but be aware that they specialize in unusual and antiquarian items, curiosities, and kitsch items. You won't find used paperback copies of "Eat, Pray, Love" here; instead, you'll find wonderful old books about gardening, sex, cats, art, film, witchcraft, etc. A great place to shop for interesting coffee table books or unique gifts. They do have a small section of literature and classics, but again, this isn't Barnes and Noble: if you come in looking for something specific, you may not find it here. Rather, come prepared to stumble upon something strange and unexpected. read more

Cool bookstore. Old books, mostly from the seventies and before. It's not your usual old book store with innumerable books on overcrowded shelves and in precarious, teetering stacks. They take an organized, 'curated' approach, so while the store initially appears a bit bare, you'll find you want to look at most everything in the store. They seemed light on fiction - mostly it seemed to be primarily science / geography / history / general interest. Prices are a bit higher than your average used book store, but that book in your hand is just so cool you're going to buy it anyway! The book vending machine is a must! read more

The machine wasn't working when we got there which was disappointing :( The guy with glasses behind the counter was very helpful. Shame all the books were so overpriced! Would have bought a few things if it hadn't been so expensive. read more

We made a point to stop at The Monkey's Paw when we visited Toronto last week. My wife and I are oddity book collectors and I also am a huge fan of early natural history literature. The store is small, but immediately upon entering I knew I was in print heaven. Old books on the most bizarre topics filled the shelves - standouts included a 1909 book on Sexology and niche art and medical books. I bought the 1940 edition of Raymond Ditmars' Reptiles of the World since I genuinely want to read it and haven't yet. The price was comparable to what I might find online at the "Buy Now" price - you will NOT get a deal, price wise, but you are sure to find a book that speaks to you and that will need to go home with you that day. The owner of this store researches the books he sells, because, well, he doesn't want to give anything away. No problem with that. If you go here you absolutely MUST try the Bibliomat. For two loonies or a toonie, you will receive from this awesome machine an old book. The book isn't guaranteed to elicit your interest, but it is old, has character, and who knows, just might surprise you with how good it is. When we return to Toronto, we will be absolutely sure to come again. read more

You could get sucked in and spend hours looking through the shelves here. Books on topics you never knew had books written about them. Great place to find a unique, very personalized gift. Neat old postcards too, and vintage typewriters. Worth a browse just to look at some of the cover designs on the books, lots of neat retro typefaces and graphics. Like walking into an attic that actually has good stuff in it. Sort of wish they had a fireplace and a nice scratchy blanket to wrap myself in to settle right in. read more

Great bookstore with lots of character. I always come out with something interesting. Also, the people who work there are very nice and approachable. I'm so glad they moved to Bloordale! read more

Amazing bookstore. It's a must stop for me at least a couple of times a month, sometimes to pickup an interesting book and sometimes to mill around to find something interesting. read more