I have just heard about the serious financial difficulties of this much loved indie bookstore in Toronto’s Kensington Market. I know that bookstores everywhere are are vanishing, but this one is a serious supporter of local writers.

When I started writing and then found a writers’ group, we used to meet in a restaurtant on Church Street, almost across from This Aint’s the Rsoedale Library. This was no accident, as I had found the bookstore years before. I have spent many hours there, browsing and chatting and buying books and magazines. They quickly got to know me and would suggest books I might like as soon as I came in. They were nearly always right on. It was Dan I got to know teh best, since he was there on Sundays when the goup met, but I knew Charlie too.
At last, my first book was published. This Aint stocked it at once and from then on kept track of my publications. They hosted the launch party for The Abulon Dance and hand sold some of other books. They handed out my bookmarks. They were there for me, supportive of local writers. And I wasn’t the only one by any means.

When forced to move by the rising rent prices on Church Strreet, I lost track of them. I was no longer aorund that area much and I confess I have not been to the new location, mostly because I don’t come downtown often any more. If they come back form this, I promise will go down and buy some books, reacquaint myself with the staff and thank them in person for all the support they have given me and my writer friends.

If you feel as I do about the  disappearing of indie bookstores, pitch in and help! There is a Facebook page for the friends of This Ain’t the Rosedale Library. Here’s the link:

Drop by and lend what support you can!