location: 483 Church Street Toronto ON M4Y 2C6
phone number: 416.929.9912
hours: Monday to Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 1pm–9pm
payment methods: Visa, Debit and Cash
directions: Exit the Subway at the Wellesley St. stop (on the Young line). Walk East to Church St. Walk south on Church St. (if you hit Maitland St. you have gone too far south).

There are a handful of independent bookstores in the downtown core. This Ain’t the Rosedale Library is arguably the granddaddy of them all. As an elder, respect is due, especially after having thrived for 21 years at this Church St. location, and having been in operation for over 28 years in all. The fact that Chapters/Indigo, Amazon, even Costco and Loblaws are selling books at astonishing low prices (at times less then half the cover price) has not stopped this literary haven.

Snugly located in the heart of the queer/trans village of Toronto, TATRL is supported by a diverse but cohesive community. The shop is about one thousand square feet in a 120-year-old building. The stacks are easy and pleasant to peruse, and the antique light fixtures and creaky floors make for a warm atmostphere. The shop has both a vibrant kids section and an equally vibrant queer section. There are even a few music CD’s and DVD documentaries. The shop supports local writers, small presses, and zines (such as Worn!) The owners started out with a lust for graphic design, a fact that apparent in the charming ambiance. TATRL is generalist and boasts great diversity in its stock. The magazine selection is impressive (but not as vast as a specialty shop).

Owned by Charles Huisken (since 1979) and Daniel Bazuin (since 1981) TATRL maintains its world wide following by upholding thoughtful buying/stocking practices. A degree of passion is found in each section of the shop satisfying true fanatics and giving the store a genuine connection to each community.

The store aims to bring the “off the beaten path texts” to a wider audience. TATRL doesn’t depend on the sales of conventional “best sellers” but instead on the success of staff picks. This gives the shopper looking for some direction ten literary points of view to choose from. Thanks to Huisken’s knack for buying, the shop is able to offer lower prices on some titles and sets itself apart from other independent bookshops in the city with an annual overstock sale where they are able to offer 30% to 80% off.

This Ain’t the Rosedale Library has also gained international acclaim. In 2005, it was named “the best independent bookstore in Canada” and #8 in the world by the Guardian UK. It was listed in Wallpaper magazine’s guide to Toronto’s hotspots and has been promoted by author Dave Egger. TATRL has consistently drawn literary supper stars such as Allen Ginsberg, William Burroughs, Hunter S. Thompson among others. The upstairs is home to a large Gallery space that is used for hosting readings, art shows, workshops, performances, lectures, and launches (much like the Basement Level at TYPE bookshop on Queen West).

Oh, and if you’re wondering what I bought… I picked up a copy of Johnny Come Home by Jake Arnott. Could you blame me? It was a David Bowie pick.

profile by Vanessa Vanzieleghem
photography by Ashley Satchell