When we came up for our topic for the month, Local Bookstores, I wasn't sure at all what I wanted to do. The only local bookstores we have that are't a chain are second-hand ones. That is a topic for another time, so I decided I was going to have to stretch the bounds of 'local'. I choose today to talk about Strange Adventures in Halifax, Nova Scotia. That is about an hour away from me. According to their website, 2012 actually marks their 20th anniversary of being in business.
First of all,
their website is awesome. It tells you what new stock is expected in the stores each week. AND, it is not just new releases. It also tells you what they are restocking and special ordering. So, if you are into supporting a local business and have been waiting for something to come back in, you can check the website and might find your treasure. They will be adding an ability to 'shop online' soon. They also have a blog, Twitter, photo gallery, and other fun things - so be sure to check their
website out.
Now, to get to the Halifax store. I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to the store before this post had to be done; so I took advantage of a connection and got some awesome pictures. Frankly, they are better than what I would have done, so be sure and enjoy! And thanks Jay for helping me out! (See, the people that work at Strange are nice people.) If you click the pictures you can see them bigger... And, if you are like me, browse the shelves!
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| View from Outside |
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| Single Editions |
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| More stock! Off in the back there you can see their Ugly Doll. It's name is Peppermint and graces the couch. |
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| Comics! |
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| And, a comic store post from me wouldn't be complete without Fables. The one you see on the top is the 10th anniversary release of the first trade edition. I would pass and get the old one. It has a prettier cover. (If you are interested in starting the Fables series I did a post the other day on my suggested reading order.) |
I wanna go! When I come visit perhaps? :P
ReplyDeleteOf course!!
DeleteAwesome post Kelly!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jay! Thanks again for the pictures.
DeleteSO COOL!!! I admit that I'm probably too intimidated to walk into a comic book shop but when we had a Borders they had a wonderful Comic/Graphic Novel section and I really miss that. See V for Vendetta in one of the pictures--that's one that I've had my eye on.
ReplyDeleteThere are three or so in the city. I have only been in the one. It wasn't intimidating. We don't have anywhere else to get comics unless we order online. The bookstores here either have none or an itty bitty selection.
DeleteTrish--I have V for Vendetta out from my library right now!! I'd been looking for it for a while and now that I finally have it... I think I'm returning it unread before I go on vacation. GAH! I'll re-loot it when I get back.
DeleteI've been there! It's an awesome shop. My sister and I took our daughters and they like the comics. Since I'm not a huge comic/graphic novel reader, I bought a Little Lulu compilation for myself. Oh, the memories!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great shop! Are those sidewalk paintings? When I was in college a billion years ago my then-husband was really into comics and we had a tiny comic store just down the street. I haven't been in one since then.
ReplyDeleteYep! Nice, huh? Adds to the character of the place. Reading comics is a newer thing for me. I had read a few sporadic ones, but mostly only since 2009 with any regularity.
DeleteWow, that looks like a seriously great store!
ReplyDeleteIt is. :) When you visit I will take you.
DeleteI love, love, love Strange Adventures. The guys and gals that work there are super nice, and they're great at ordering in items they don't carry or have right on hand. Definitely recommend a visit if you're in Halifax =)
ReplyDeleteI am glad you also like that store!
DeleteSounds like a fantastic store, and well worth the trip over.
ReplyDeleteI really must get my post together for this one. My local store is a chain, but the building it is in, more than makes up for that! And I just need to get some photos taken of my own :)
Yes, it is!! People can always come visit. :)
DeleteI look forward to your post!
I haven't been anywhere near my local bookstore yet! Might have to force myself to go at some point over the weekend! If I get a chance!
ReplyDeleteThat would be great, Marg!
DeleteOur local bookstores are chains. The last one of the individual owner shops closed last year, which was a blow to many who frequented Tower Books.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is a shame to lose so many privately owned bookstores, I do appreciate the ease of reading a blog review and going directly to an online seller like Amazon to order the book.
On the other hand, missing out on the personal experience of a bookstore is a shame; I really enjoyed the vicarious visit to Strange Adventures!
Yes, actually going to visit all the books is fun. I use online sources a lot, too, though...
DeleteSidewalk art! I love it!
ReplyDeleteLove this post, Kelly! An independent store in Halifax! Yaaay! If I ever get there to visit (and it's on my list as I've never been), I'll go. I'll also let you know so we can meet up!
ReplyDeleteIt's depressing that so many independents are closing, isn't it? It makes me support the two main bookstores we still have left in Ottawa, I'm so grateful they are there, and they do have books that Chapters doesn't have.
That would great if you came over this way, Susan!
DeleteYes, it is sad that the independents are closing. The chains are taking over the world!
Great post, Kelly. I think we should all come visit you and go to this bookstore. Field trip!!! haha. :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like an amazing place! Thanks for your post! :)
ReplyDeleteHere you can find my post :)
http://www.peekabook.it/2012/07/where-in-world-local-bookstore.html
Bye!
Valentina
www.peekabook.it
Monster Comic Lounge in Halifax is also really great Kelly. It's on Gottingen street. They don't have a traditional sign but you can't miss the lit up Green Lantern in the window! Also there is Quantum Frontier on Robie st and Giant Robot Comics in Dartmouth, they're great too. I've been dying to visit Strange Adventures' Dartmouth location as it's where they house their back issues but it has really odd hours.
ReplyDeleteWe are so lucky to have so many awesome independent comic/hobby shops in the area!
How cool... and definitely worth driving an hour to visit! Don't think there's anything like that around here.
ReplyDelete