Massy Books

Great Indigenous-owned bookstore in Vancouver. It has one of the best selections of Indigenous works, and I always recommend people to shop here for Indigenous works in order to support Indigenous creators and businesses. They have been here for over 10 years, and their location has two floors. It also has information about local Indigenous events, making it an important gathering space. The staff were very helpful, respectful, and understanding of culture and community.

Very good selection of progressive books, a bit overpriced. Staffs are a little on the unfriendly side, and owner should consider a low noise policy. I walked in while two British guests were trying to film some social media content, they were very loud and would occupy the already very narrow aisles for their videos. It’s a small space, two loud people are enough to make it become totally unbearable.

This is my favourite bookstore for sure! Their collection is incredibly unique, so everyone can definitely find an amazing book to add to their collection. For instance, one of my copies of alchemist are from here and I’ve never seen this gorgeous rustic exterior before. The best way I can describe this book store is it’s a cozy and safe space for all book lovers. I’ve been twice and if I could I would genuinely go everyday!

I have liked Massys for years when I get the chance to stop in; my thoughts on the store have now changed after a very poor experience with the workers there. There are plenty other fantastic bookstores in Vancouver, some of which are also indigenous/women owned small businesses that I will happily support instead. I am not willing to spend my money in any establishment that will treat people poorly the moment they step in the door.

After having Massy Books on my wishlist for ages I finally made it there - and wow - was it worth it!! The collection of books and authors that they have are beautiful and the store is so welcoming. The staff were kind and helpful. It was great so see such an amazing curation and books. It really helped me find new things to read and connect me with authors that otherwise may not have made it on my radar. Such an amazing bookstore!

Great curation and knowledgeable/ engaging staff. I happened to be there while they had to handle a tense situation with another customer, and was really impressed with how they handled it. I'm visiting from out of town and didn't have room in my bag to buy anything, but I'll be back ! Very cool store

What a beautiful bookstore and totally hidden gem. The book selection is huge and so many topics and sub topics are covered. It was hard to choose what to buy! Highly recommend

Massy Books is a wonderful, independent bookstore. It is genuinely part of the communities it serves, unlike large chain booksellers. I have been particularly impressed by its collection of books on Palestine.

Came back with 2 friends for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day! The staff are nice and kind as always. I was trying to find a used book and we couldn't find it in the sale section. They must have spent 10 minutes looking after moving boxes and searching around, which I really appreciate! Ultimately, I got one book but look at how much swag I got with the purchase! What independent bookstores do always amaze me and I love Massy Books for what they stand for. It's a hard time for any individual and business in this economy but I recommend browsing the sale section online because there are some great finds and are mostly under $15. Can't wait to come back in the future!

You know the old idiom - don't judge a book by its cover. Well it pretty much sums up Massy Books. On the outside, this nondescript bookstore blends into the streetscape alongside adjacent shops. I stood outside on the sidewalk, watching a regular bibliophile customer fervently sorting through a stack of books on sale and that's what drew me into the store, her zeal. Inside the impressive shop you will find hundreds of books, zines, tchotchkes and novels of all genres. It felt like walking into the book collection of your favourite literate friend. To be able to read and turn the pages of a physical book, rather than an e-reader, felt special. Supporting your local book shop just got better knowing that Massy Books is 100% Indigenous owned and operated and a member of the Stó:lō Business Association. They acknowledge they operate on the traditional, ancestral, unceded, and occupied territory of the xmkym (Musqueam), Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and selílwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Amazing independent bookstore with amazing staff, they were very helpful and kind even when we were late to arrive and were coming in towards closing they made sure to see if we needed help with anything. Much love to the Massy union.

This bookstore is a gem! Well curated selection of beautiful new and gently used books. If you're a book-lover this is a stop for you!

I absolutely adore Massy Books. Located on east Georgia in Chinatown, the store is small and you could easily pass by it if you don't keep an eye out. The interior of the store is everything you could want in a small indie book store. Tall shelves allowing narrow passages to scan for your favourite titles. Busy staff reorganizing books and quick to help customers. Tall ceilings and a little loft book area. It just has a cozy feeling to it. Also, I love how the books are categorized and there's a terrific selection for Indigenous content. I'm talking comics, poetry, fiction as well as political theory books, memoirs. You name it. If you're not able to physically visit the store, you're in luck. Their online ordering system is really easy to use. I've ordered obscure literature and reserved pre-ordered books and it's nice to be able to use my local book store to do this. Massy Books also has an arts non-profit space that hosts art shows and lectures. I've been to the lecture space once for a presentation on horror and sci-fi, it was really cool. What I like about this business is that they aren't just trying to make a profit, it feels like they are really trying to build a community which is rare and it's something that I think is very special.

An excellent bookstore. New and used stock. Well organized, clean and orderly. Friendly, knowledgeable staff, happy to talk about books and make recommendations. It's a bit of a hike from downtown but actually pretty quick if you hop the bus at Main St Station. The neighbourhood is more orderly than you might expect given that it's not far south of Hastings. Lots of hipsters moving in around here.

stopped by here while walking down the street and I'm so glad I did! this is for sure the nicest bookstore I've been to. there's such a great selection of books - a lot of obscure books, Indigenous history and fiction, books by local authors, theory, gender and sexuality studies, staff recommendations - and a cute young adult and children's room and an art gallery! It's also indigenous owned with values and practices that truly make this a business worth supporting. there really isn't anything not to love about this bookstore.

Lovely little book store. Helpful staff, great selection. It's my go to place to buy books in Vancouver! Buy books in person, not online. Support local book shops.

Yup, definitely like it. Granted, I am more an ebook person nowadays but it's nice to occasionally buy a physical book. Trouble is, most used bookstores are nowhere as organized as regular bookstores used to be. Massy Books does a really good job of doing just that, with attractive shelves, a good selection - high brow and low brow - and knowledgeable staff who don't mind taking time to advise you if you request it. It's an invitation to casual browsing, something that is missing from online bookstores. The hidden shelf thingy is actually more of a full-on secret door in bookcase thingy, leading to a separate room. Fun idea - maybe you can bug them to shut/open it for you, very Agatha Christie.

Replacing HOT ART WET CITY is Massy Books, that boasts a curated selection of used and rare books. Used books in the literature section cost around 10-15 CAD. An employee from Pulp Fiction Books was there when I visited and raved about the organization and lovely set-up of the store. One of the coolest things is the rare book section, hidden behind a shelf. There are also a couple of nice reading nooks available if you want to rest and check out their range of history books. (It is unclear if secretly napping there is advisable.) It's a small space, but definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a good read to have at a nearby cafe. They do buy used books, but only when the manager is in. To be safe, e-mail in advance.

Perfect. Diverse collection of popular books and hidden gems. Not too big, but more than enough selection if you're in need of some vacation reads, which I was. Prices for new paperbacks were a bit steeper than I was expecting, but in the end I'm happy to support a local bookseller and there was a good mix of used books and sale books amongst the stacks as well.