Edmonton’s newest bookstore: Porch Light Books

There’s nothing more satisfying than a brand new book. Better yet, there’s nothing greater than a brand new bookstore. Porch Light Books is Edmonton’s newest book store housing new and used books, games, postcards, and even merchandise. A 10-minute drive from the University of Alberta, it’s situated on 99 Street and 89 Avenue, across from Route 99 Diner. 

The owner of Porch Light Books, Michael Hingston, is also the co-founder of the Edmonton-based publishing company Hingston & Olsen Publishing. Porch Light Books is a must-visit for booklovers, or anyone in the area looking to support local.

When you first enter the store, there is an instant cozy feel. The space is small, yet the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves make the space comforting, rather than claustrophobic. The windows at the front of the store, coupled with the warm-toned lighting fixtures, create a mellow atmosphere. It’s not too harsh that it feels clinical, but is also not too dim. 

What’s unique about Porch Light Books is the way the staff organizes the books. They use the conventional method of lumping the books into genres, but each section is spread out across the store. For example, you would usually find travel books, memoirs, or business books in the same general area.

Yet, in this store each genre is beside another genre that you might not expect — such as the memoir section being a shelf above the poetry selections. I liked this choice, as it allows you to walk around the entire store, and potentially come across books you wouldn’t have otherwise picked up if you were looking for something specific. 

The uniqueness of the store expands beyond its method of categorization. Porch Light Books also has used books amongst new ones. Additionally, they have past versions of the Short Story Advent Calendar for a reduced price.

Off in the corner of the store is a wooden case with a locked glass door. The sign reads “Rare Books (Please Ask for Assistance),” which was a little ominous at first glance. It holds versions of The Lord of the Rings, some Marvel comics, Moby Dick, and more. It was a different experience to be in a bookstore and not be able to physically touch the books on the shelves. Yet, it made me appreciate the rarity of the books, and admire them with only my eyes rather than fingers.

I don’t know if it’s because the space was brand new, or if it was intentional, but the best part of this bookstore was the smell. The scent of wood lingered throughout the space and made it feel like I stepped into a homey log cabin. I instantly wanted to curl up beside a crackling fire with a murder-mystery book.

While I didn’t buy anything, the experience of perusing through the store and admiring the various titles was fulfilling enough. As an avid reader and lover of bookstores, I can definitely say that I’ll be back soon — maybe I’ll even venture into the “rare” section.