The Monkey's Paw

I'm not really into books but I do love quirky bookshops so I just had to visit this one after finding out about the biblio-mat. Since I'm on vacation and don't want to try to transport lots of heavy books in my suitcase I limited myself to one book from the machine which, at 5 dollars, is an affordable bit of excitement. I do wonder what the gods are trying to say to me after picking me a novel around Religion and royalty but since it's by a British author I'd never heard of (and I'm a Brit) I'm looking forward to finding out! A great little shop - be sure to stop by and find yourself a gem of a book.

the collection is pretty old and there’s a lot! good prices, can spend hours in here. the biblio-mat machine adds a fun experience just for $5 (if you pay cash). it was a great experience 🥰

I've had a few unforgettable moments like this when exploring a new store! The selection of books is nothing short of amazing—it's like stumbling upon hidden treasures at incredibly fair prices! And let me tell you, the book machine adds an extra layer of excitement to the whole experience—no spoilers here, but trust me, it's a delightful surprise! Plus, chatting with the owner was such a pleasure; it made the visit even more enjoyable. I can't recommend this place enough—I’m already counting down the days until I can go back!

Came here for the biblomat ( got a book on architecture of ancient Spain ) and ended up purchasing a few vintage books as well! Definitely my favorite book store I've visited in Toronto.

Staff: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5!!! If you are looking for a bookstore that sells old and antique books, look no further! This bookstore has all sorts of books in old editions, from cookbooks to math textbooks. I was thrilled to see Katherine Mansfield’s Garden Party in it and immediately grabbed it. The staff is very willing to answer your questions. There’s also a machine where you can spend 5 CAD to get a random old book, which is cool. The bookstore is small, but I could easily spend an hour in it. The ambience and atmosphere are also great. Next time I visit Toronto I will try to go here again!

It was my lucky day that I left work early and finally got to visit this gem of a bookstore before it closed for the day. I could've spent hours in here browsing their amazing and eclectic collection of books. It's such a quirky, unique, and one-of-a-kind place and is oh-so-rare in boring Big City Toronto. This store takes you back to more peaceful and simpler times, before the days of technological distraction. The owner was so aptly dressed for the store and exuded such warmth. His dandy dress, his look, and kind personality is so reminiscent of stepping into a 1960s bookstore. You HAVE to visit this place to feel this ambience... and try the book machine :). I'm told their collection changes every month so I will be back :).

Though I don't have the budget for old or rare books, the Bibliomat was fun to try! For CA$5 I received a token that I used to receive a random and lightly-wrapped book! A book vending machine, yes please!

Really interesting store with so many old well preserved books. Lots of people seem to come in for the vending machine in the back. I watched as some got some really interesting books. I myself did two tokens for the machine and unfortunately got some duds. But I guess that's part of the fun. You could easily spend hours in this store. If you visit definitely earmark some extra time for yourself here.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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).

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.