Type Books

This bookstore might be one of the reasons I love this area of Queen Street so much! The staff is the best—always so welcoming. They have a wide selection of books, plus so many cute gift ideas! If you’re a book lover, good luck trying to leave without buying something; I know I never can (and I’ll definitely be back for that card game!).

Smashing IT! A perfect bookstore gem to lose yourself in the beauty and magic of a good read. Type Books has been a part of the very fabric of Quuen Street West for many years now. With a great selection of books and a cute kids section in the back to spark the imaginations of our young readers. Very helpful staff as well.

Great store with lots of selection. My son loves the kids book section with low shelves for him to look. On my most recent visit the worker helped me find what I was looking for immediately and kindly held the door open to let me wheel my stroller out easily.

Lovely space but clearly pushing a pro-Palestinian political agenda. When asked for books on the history of the region, the books available were from one single perspective unfortunately.

THIS PLACE IS DEAD GORGEOUS!! Beautifully decorated store with plenty of great books and collections to buy from. I love the environment! Staff were friendly and helpful. I had a great time browsing there and since I am a book addict couldn’t get enough of this stunning store! Great place to shop and take pictures!

This is one of my favorite bookstores in Toronto! Such a cozy and adorable place! I could spend a whole day just walking by their books

A near perfect little bookstore, the type (couldn’t help it!) that really doesn’t exist anymore. Before waxing on about the mountain of pluses this little gem brings to the table, the only shortcomings this place has is price and volume. Don’t get me wrong, their prices are fair, but as a small volume dealer they won’t be able to compete with Indigo for deals like $7 re-prints and $5 bargain books. And you won’t find stacks of the latest best seller. But the service is more personal, and you get unique books such as the amazing New York City Transit Authority ‘Objects’ book, a hardcover assembly of pictures taken from objects found over the years in the MTA’s lost and found. It’s quality and quantity, and an intriguing look. Then there’s the ‘Toilets A Go A Go Go!’ book, another picture assembly, this one comprised entirely on snapshots of Japanese outhouses. Ignore the obvious puns about it being a crappy book. Haha. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere in this cozy little alcove of literature. You won’t be rushed through your purchases, and the staff seem to know their stuff. If you’re more of a fan of the short-read, they also have a magazine section (rare) and an above decent selection of books relating to funghi and also kids books. When strolling along Queen West, take some time to stop in at this diamond. You’ll be glad that you did!

I absolutely love this store. They have a vast selection of books to trigger a reading culture in anybody. I particularly love their children & young adult section at the back of the store. Can’t wait for the thanksgiving & Christmas books they’ll have on display.

This bookstore might be one of the reasons I love this area of Queen Street so much! The staff is the best—always so welcoming. They have a wide selection of books, plus so many cute gift ideas! If you’re a book lover, good luck trying to leave without buying something; I know I never can (and I’ll definitely be back for that card game!).

Smashing IT! A perfect bookstore gem to lose yourself in the beauty and magic of a good read. Type Books has been a part of the very fabric of Quuen Street West for many years now. With a great selection of books and a cute kids section in the back to spark the imaginations of our young readers. Very helpful staff as well.

Great store with lots of selection. My son loves the kids book section with low shelves for him to look. On my most recent visit the worker helped me find what I was looking for immediately and kindly held the door open to let me wheel my stroller out easily.

Lovely space but clearly pushing a pro-Palestinian political agenda. When asked for books on the history of the region, the books available were from one single perspective unfortunately.

THIS PLACE IS DEAD GORGEOUS!! Beautifully decorated store with plenty of great books and collections to buy from. I love the environment! Staff were friendly and helpful. I had a great time browsing there and since I am a book addict couldn’t get enough of this stunning store! Great place to shop and take pictures!

This is one of my favorite bookstores in Toronto! Such a cozy and adorable place! I could spend a whole day just walking by their books

A near perfect little bookstore, the type (couldn’t help it!) that really doesn’t exist anymore. Before waxing on about the mountain of pluses this little gem brings to the table, the only shortcomings this place has is price and volume. Don’t get me wrong, their prices are fair, but as a small volume dealer they won’t be able to compete with Indigo for deals like $7 re-prints and $5 bargain books. And you won’t find stacks of the latest best seller. But the service is more personal, and you get unique books such as the amazing New York City Transit Authority ‘Objects’ book, a hardcover assembly of pictures taken from objects found over the years in the MTA’s lost and found. It’s quality and quantity, and an intriguing look. Then there’s the ‘Toilets A Go A Go Go!’ book, another picture assembly, this one comprised entirely on snapshots of Japanese outhouses. Ignore the obvious puns about it being a crappy book. Haha. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere in this cozy little alcove of literature. You won’t be rushed through your purchases, and the staff seem to know their stuff. If you’re more of a fan of the short-read, they also have a magazine section (rare) and an above decent selection of books relating to funghi and also kids books. When strolling along Queen West, take some time to stop in at this diamond. You’ll be glad that you did!

I absolutely love this store. They have a vast selection of books to trigger a reading culture in anybody. I particularly love their children & young adult section at the back of the store. Can’t wait for the thanksgiving & Christmas books they’ll have on display.

Review is for the online store not the physical location. Olivia, who runs the online store was kind, quick, and responded to all of my inquires in a timely manner! She was able to help me with an inquiry and went above and beyond! Thank you Olivia!!!! Even the staff at the store when I called were friendly and warm! Hope to actually visit in person next time I'm in Canada!

Awesome little bookstore on Queen St., West near Bellwoods Park, Lots of great titles, friendly staff... Nice selection of staff recommendations.

i love this bookstore!! perfect for the lit fic girlies and they have a great selection including new releases. it does feel a tadddd pretentious in there, but honestly you can get over it and buy the dang book.

I recently visited this location for the second time, and unfortunately, my experience was far from satisfactory. As other reviews have mentioned, the lack of basic courtesy and a discernible sense of discrimination left me disheartened. I was surprised to find that I wasn't greeted with even a simple hello. Despite making eye contact with the staff, there was no acknowledgment, which immediately set the tone for my visit. What made this lack of greeting more distressing was the apparent discrepancy in treatment. I couldn't help but notice that other customers, particularly those of Caucasian descent, were receiving warm greetings and engaging in small conversations. While the establishment may have positive aspects, it is essential for businesses to ensure that every customer feels welcome and valued. I sincerely hope that steps are taken to address these issues and create a more inclusive and respectful environment for all patrons.

Long story short - biased employees who will pick and choose who they cater to. Made a trip to Type Books after looking for more local bookshops in Toronto. The store itself is very cute and has a nice selection of books - including titles I haven't seen advertised at your typical Indigo. I didn't notice it at first but I was ignored by the staff entirely from the start to the end. Which would have been fine if it was like this for everyone. I could hear every customer who was purchasing a book have a conversation about the book they were purchasing - the conversation prompted by the worker, not the customer. Also a greeting when you enter. Keeping in mind that I had to maneuver my way in-between two of the workers to go into the store without so much of an acknowledgement was the first warning I should've caught onto. As I was paying for my book, there were no words spoken, she was too busy looking over and chatting with another client who was perusing the shelves. She asked me if I needed a bag and I said yes. Honest mistake could be she misheard me but I stood there waiting for her to give me my bag, she looks at me and asked me again. I nod yes and she says "Oh so you DO need a bag". It was quite condescending and I felt as though she was speaking slower to me to understand... Would not go again. If she wanted to see if I spoke English, she should've just asked me in the beginning. Very ignorant and snobby... The high reviews here are understandable. From the conversations I was hearing, they sounded very engaging. But from my point of view, it leaves a bad taste to support a store that doesn't acknowledge your presence. A busy rush is understandable... Being racist and ignorant is not.

My family's favourite bookstore remains a five star establishment, but during these difficult times for local businesses, they deserve a review update! For the forseeable, social-distancing future, Type is doing contactless pick up and local delivery. They not only have a robust and beautifully curated book section, but their children's book and toy collection is remarkable. Check it out: https://typebooks.ca/a-message-from-type/

My husband and I wandered into this little bookstore while walking along Queen Street on a recent visit to Toronto. It popped up across the street from us, looking attractive and welcoming, and we jay walked to get to it. We were rewarded for the effort, first by a pair of basset hounds strolling right outside the storefront, then by the lovely bookstore itself. I love browsing bookstores in new cities, and certainly in new countries, though of course Canada gets the same editions as the US (a fact I must've known all along, given the Canadian prices listed on the cover of almost every book I've ever read). Type was a cute, charming shop, a small space dense with books. The tone seemed pretty high brow literary, with many of the usual lit fic titles highlighted as staff picks. It reminded me of my slightly snobby neighborhood bookstore at home, a place I adore despite its disdain for my beloved genre fiction. There was also a cozy little kids' section in the back. We were short on time and luggage space, so we didn't buy anything on this visit. I enjoyed my browse, though, and would shop at Type if i lived in the area. It'd be a bright spot in any neighborhood.

I LOVE the big wooden floor boards of Type on Queen West. The wallpaper, too adds a modern flare and I wish I could live in a place like this- surrounded by books, too. Since I first walked in during the mad pre-Christmas rush season, I have been been half a dozen times and made purchases each time. I spotted some author names I know and books I didn't know they had written at Type. They also have a lot of really pretty display books that I bought as gifts. Good selection of garden, cooking and enviromental books, and magazines both local and international.

First, the good: There's a great collection at TYPE; the children's section was well-stocked, organized, with a mix of classics and newer picture books. Adult titles also covered a range of interests, and the music was nice. You've got your typical ironic stationary items that will make you probably crack a smile (sardonic or otherwise), and it's all very Queen West-esque. Whoever picks the items here seems to do so with care, so I'm assuming the owner of TYPE wants the store to do well and be a spot that customers return to, even with Amazon, Indigo and so on. Unfortunately, the thing that totally killed me about this place was not the store itself, or its contents, but its terrible desk staff. Another Yelper mentioned this back in a 2008 review, and it deserves to be said again, 5 years later: if you have a tiny bookstore, greet your customers. It's not only common sense, but it's professional, and it helps create an environment that, oh, I dunno, makes me want to spend my money in your store as opposed to some other hipster bookstore. Ok, but forget general friendliness -- maybe I'm expecting too much. Were the staff at least knowledgeable? I'll never know. Even as we browsed, we were never asked if we found what we were looking for, or if we needed any recommendations, etc. The two at the front were too busy munching on a croissant and literally twirling strands of hair to display any actual know-how of titles, authors, genres, ANYTHING. Don't think I'll be making a trip back just for TYPE, which is sad because I have such a soft spot for cute bookstores. I'm not opposed to giving a place another chance, but today's experience has definitely lowered my expectations of what could be a great, welcoming little spot in Toronto for book lovers.

Type is a cute little bookstore right across the street from Trinity Bellwoods that I am consistently ambivalent about. The store itself is really nicely designed and organized -- they have some books you can easily find at chain stores, and a bunch that you can't. If you're looking for something quirky or rare in the world of design or otherwise, it is more likely that Type will carry it than Indigo. Personally, I love the store setup. The front section was a winner for me -- the last time I went in, there was a bunch of girly books and cute accessories. At the time, I was thinking I must go back to buy gifts for at least 4 of my friends. Farther back there are books divided by categories, and my other favourite part was at the back, which was full of kids books. They had a lot of books that I remember reading when I was little, but they also had a lot of modern books and toys for that trend-tot you know whose parents dress him up in Chucks and Ramones onesies. Once again, the store is cute. I like the store. But I'm going to have to agree that the staff seem to be uninformed on how to work in a store. Coming from someone who has worked many, many years in retail, I can tell you that generally when someone enters your store, ESPECIALLY if it's the size of a bedroom, you should acknowledge them. You know. Hi, how's it going. Or just Hi. You don't even have to talk about the weather, just let me know I'm not invisible. And when people are wandering aimlessly, OBVIOUSLY trying to find something, perhaps you should ask them if you can help them. Instead of carrying on your conversation of badmouthing one of your absent co-workers. And when I look at you and smile, maybe you should smile back. Just maybe. Because I think the store owner would like my money a lot more than you apparently do. In conclusion...store is great, staff are jerks. Hopefully they'll read this and fire all the jerks, then they'll get four stars. Until then, they'll have to deal with the mustard brown colour of two stars.

Loved how the book displays were curated. Great selection of books, magazines, and gifts. I discovered a bunch of things I hadn't come across before.

I feel so lucky to have such great unique shops right outside my front door. Type books is one of them. With all of the big box book stores, its easy to get wrapped up in the appeal but then store like Type come along and remind you of how wonderfully simple book shopping can be. Upon walking in, you will get a sense of the history within the walls. The floors are hardwood, the ceilings are high and the books on the shelf are placed with care. Each section labeled well but not overbearing. They also have staff picks (and you can actually talk to that staff member.. not some random "frank says" like at Chapters) At the very back of the store you will find the kids section. So many books to choose from, and as you make your way up you will land in my favourite section, Cooking. They don't have the biggest selection but what they do have is perfect for me. If you need a great holiday gift, I suggest going and getting a Mediterranean cook book from Type and then head next door to Spice trader and get some nice spices / olive oil.. perfect gift! The other thing I really love about Type is that if they don't have what you need (like in my case I was desperate for a certain travel book) they will order it for you and call you as soon as it's in, holding it for as long as you need to swing by and pick it up. You will find the staff to be exceptional. You cannot go wrong with heading to Type books for a holiday gift or a personal pleasure.

What?! Mike! What happened?! I LOVED Type Books! Yes, it was small, yes they probably didn't have the room for all the books a big store might have, but I found real gems in there that I haven't seen here in Boston, like the beautiful cloth covered "Demons in the Spring" by Joe Meno (read it if you like whimsical shorts with smart illustration). Located in the design district of Toronto, I found the selection of books to be focused on well-designed books, books about design, etc. I found the merchandise to be unusually well-presented and the staff to be incredibly helpful and friendly--but not overbearing. I'll remember this place for a long time and recommend it for design-lovers visiting Toronto.

Now that Pages has bit the dust (unfortunately!), the torch falls to Type to provide intellectual and literary fodder for the Queen West types amidst the slew of restaurants and retail shops. It's a great little bookstore with a thoughtful selection of children's books, fiction (even spotted some McSweney's in here-how nice!), magazines and some beautiful coffee table books on architecture, design etc. There's a even a shelf near the cash counter full of experimental plotless fiction for those inclined to that type of writing. And there's a good selection of cards, moleskine agenda books and other knick knacks if you're looking for a gift. Staff though reserved are pleasant enough and if you pick their brains for an author's oeuvre they can usually assist or provide feedback of some sort. I think Connie was bang on with her remark that the store aims for the NPR/CBC types with its literary focus. You're definitely not likely to catch Danielle Steele or other airport author favourites in here, that's fer sure. Nor is there much space to sit and browse books but once you've settled on a purchase, Trinity Bellwoods park is across the street! A perfect place to delve into a book!

This is undoubtedly a book-lover's heaven. It is a quaint independent store on Queen St, where I see myself spending hours easily. They have a lovely curated collection of books, a very interesting childrens book section,a section for staff picks and some books that you don't easily find elsewhere. If you're into books you should definitely go check out this store.

Kick butt book store. Type is a little shop directly across from Trinity Bellwoods. Grab a croissant from Clafouti next door, pick up acup of tea from joint next door and chill. Brouse and spend a nice afternoon. The place is just musty from history...the walls, the floor,...you think Sherlock would pop up around the corner any minute.

Searched this place out when I was visiting Toronto this weekend, based on that amazing animated video that the owners posted on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKVcQnyEIT8). I generally find that when visiting a new city for the first time, finding an indie bookstore is a great place to start. So I went in predisposed to liking it, and then...well, let's just say that I'm glad some other reviewers have mentioned the less than enthusiastic attitude of the staff, because I was wondering if it was just me. I started to bring up the subject of the video, got a feeling that it wouldn't have been well received, and decided against it. I will never kill places like this though, because I am so thankful they exist. The space is a nice large and warm interior, with a good enough fiction selection. Just wished the vibe would have been a little better.

The store is cute and carries a great selection (considering its size). The kid's section has a lot of books and toys that will make one feel nostalgic alongside a collection of newer toys. However, when I walked into the store, the two men behind the front desk made me feel like I had interrupted their private conversation. They stared at me, and I had to say, "hello!" cheerily to them because they just looked me up and down. To their credit, they responded; but it shouldn't be the *customer* that has to greet the *staff*. I proceeded to browse in the back, and they resumed their conversation and not once did they engage me. Terrible customer service! I should add that my friend and I were the only people in the store for about five minutes. I agree with supporting smaller businesses, but the truth is there are a lot of options for people who would like to acquire books. The prices at Type are not competitive with Indigo (and certainly not bookdepository[.]com or amazon)- so you need a reason for someone to return OTHER than just being a cute-looking independent bookstore. I would definitely come back if I felt like this was an awesome atmosphere, but the staff made me feel oddly unwelcome.

Love the variety of the books here and the employees know everything they have stocked, very helpful. Plus trinity bell woods park is across the street, perfect place to read the book you just got!

It's a good independent book store (their selection is a bit on a snob side). They use their space fairly well and create the ideal atmosphere. I kind of sense that they try to be like a Brooklyn book store, perhaps? Only thing I didn't like was a counter staff who was awkward. Who stared at me with a strange gaze when I entered the store. Who was so stiff when I paid for my purchase that made me hesitate to say anything at all. It doesn't hurt to have a charming staff considering the nature of their business. After all, people come to an independent store for a charm they cannot get from a chain store or online.

Best bookstore in Toronto. It's small, but they cram the shelves with only the best reads, and it feels warm and comfortable inside.

Support independent bookstores if you can! I love Type Books as it feels and looks very quaint and as though there is a ton of history. Their window displays are always so pretty. The exterior is charming and the interior feels very intimate, with the hardwood floors and floral wallpaper. Their selection is pretty good. The staff are okay and aren't that helpful, but I don't mind as I prefer to browse through books alone. I've started to follow Type Books on Instagram as well.

Type is a really nice bookstore. The best part of the independent book world is the curation of product. Type supports that idea, and it allows a more focused browse with a number of tables ready for perusing. The selection is great, the categories broad, the staff kind. Type has a nice feel to it and would be my go to in Toronto...if I lived in Toronto.

This is my local bookstore and I love it. The staff is cool and extremely friendly and helpful. It has a terrific selection of books (especially fiction) and a wonderful children's book selection in the back. Like a real bookstore with creaky wooden floors and the aroma of fresh print.

The best new-books store in Toronto, mostly because of the great and discriminating selection (that at times makes the place feel *curated*) but also for the awesome and helpful staff. I fully recommend checking out any book that shows up in either Amanda or Kyle's 'employee recomendation' section. I have for a few years now simply bought anything they say is good and they have a perfect record of recommending wonderful novels (including Kyle's own first novel 'The Laundromat Essay, which is beautiful and is available there). The mini stores they set up in the middle of the store are often excellent (I'm not so much a fan of McSweey's, but have loved other setups) if only for giving a sense of the output of a particular publishing company or imprint. Last thoughts: they have a section called 'plotless fiction' next to the cash register that is basically a compendium of all the best experimental fiction out there, further supporting the 'book store owners/employees as curators model' Check it out for sure and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, the staff knows what they are talking about and are lovely, smart and will guide you well.