Books on Beechwood is an independent, locally owned, bookstore that reflects the interests of the surrounding neighbourhoods. The selections on literary fiction, biography, and history are particularly strong. We also have a good selection of mysteries, of children’s books and of cookbooks. The collection of several thousand books in the store is backed by the ability to order from a suppliers list of millions of volumes. We also sell greeting cards and a few CDs by artists from the neighbourhood. We are very involved in the community. We host special events such as book signings and we have our own two book clubs which you are welcome to join.
We make special arrangements for schools, libraries, book clubs and other institutions. Contact us to discuss your needs.
Our staff is very knowledgeable about books. They will help you search for what you need and will be happy to give you recommendations to suit your tastes or to help find the perfect gift. You are welcome to drop in and browse anytime.
You can also search online for authors or titles by keyword on this website and order books for later pick-up or we can arrange delivery. We offer free delivery for shut-ins in the local neighbourhoods.
Come in and see for yourself!
Biographies
These are the folks you might meet at the store:
Brian is one of the owners and a long-time customer before that. Brian was the instigator in saving the bookstore from closure early in 2013. His literary interests include science books, mysteries and thrillers.
George is a co-owner and usually in the background giving business advice.
Staff Biographies
Bonnie started working at the bookstore in 2011. She is deaf but can read lips and also communicate with sign language. She enjoys reading biographies and real stories about WWII. She’s so happy that she’s had the chance to work at the store for so many years now, and loves learning new things everyday!
Bridget joined our staff in 2011 after a 35 year career in the book business, primarily as an independent publisher’s sales and marketing representative in Ottawa. As a long-time burgh-ite, this is her dream semi-retirement job, walking to work, helping and getting to know her neighbours, and feeding her reading habit for mysteries, fiction, biography and children’s books.
Dickon was Bridget’s canine companion for many years, and our most dedicated staff member – greeting customers as they came in, checking out our daily deliveries, and making sure everyone left with the perfect book! Sadly, Dickon passed away in late 2023 and will be sorely missed by all. We are all so grateful for the time we had with him and so thankful to Bridget for sharing her special boy with us.
Cathy retired from a career in teaching in 2020 and promptly switched from longtime Books on Beechwood customer to employee! She loves chatting about books and helping to find the perfect match for each patron. When not selling books Cathy enjoys reading mystery, historical fiction, literary fiction, history, politics and psychology.
David shows up early in the morning, which is totally unnatural for him, to coerce and cajole our computers into behaving for the rest of the day. When he’s not at the bookstore he enjoys reading science fiction, taking his family out canoe camping, and getting computers to work the way he wants them to. Some of his favorite authors include Terry Pratchett, Sarah Zettel, Allen Steele, Esther Friesner and Vernor Vinge.
Hilary started working at Books on Beechwood in 2008 after graduating from university. Reading is one of her favourite pastimes and there’s never a day that goes by when she doesn’t have at least one book on the go. The genres she likes reading the most are historical fiction, fantasy, and young adult books.
Michelle worked as labour rights policy analyst for a couple of decades, but took a step back from that to focus on reading, writing, family, and community. She enjoys chatting with our wonderful customers and loves helping people find literary gems. She has published one novel and hopes to write many more (once she stops procrastinating). She lives in the neighbourhood with her husband and children, three of whom are furry.
Stephanie has lots of previous bookstore experience including Ivy’s Bookstore in Victoria and at Nicholas Hoare in Ottawa.