'Resurgence in independent bookstores': New book shop opens in Hintonburg
A new bookstore is now open in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood.
The Spaniel’s Tale opened Labour Day weekend on Wellington Street West, marking a new chapter for owners Cole Davidson and his partner Stephen Crocker.
“It’s always been a dream of ours for a long time,” Davidson tells CTV News Ottawa. “This neighbourhood needed one. As soon as we launched on social media, we started getting inquires right away. Everyone was super excited and telling us this is what they needed here.”
Davidson says there is a need for local, neighbourhood books stores like The Spaniel’s Tale.
“Before the pandemic, you started to see a bit of resurgence in independent bookstores and that’s chocked up to the shop local mentality, people want to shop in their communities; they want to support their neighbours,” he says. “We knew we wanted to be over here. Every independent bookstore brings something unique to their community, and they really reflect their communities.”
The shop carries books from various genres and topics—both fiction and non-fiction, according to Davidson. He says there are also sections for section for children, Canadian authors, Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, and a space dedicated to local authors.
“As a local author, I know that bookstores are very important for ‘hand selling,’” says Ottawa author Amy Tector. “A human being enthusiastic about a book they love is much more compelling than an algorithm serving up what it thinks you might like.”
If you’re wondering where the store’s name comes from, Davidson and Crocker have an English Springer Spaniel at home named Skype.
“He has, in our minds, a lot of careers that he’s had over his life and he always has a story to tell and so that’s why we are the Spaniel’s Tale.”
Skype, the English Springer Spaniel after whom the new Hintonburg bookstore The Spaniel's Tale is named. (Photo supplied by Cole Davidson)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
What is a 'halal mortgage'? Does it make housing more accessible?
The 2024 federal budget announced on April 16 included plans to introduce “halal mortgages” as a way to increase access to home ownership.
'We are declaring our readiness': No decision made yet as Poland declares it's ready to host nuclear weapons
Polish President Andrzej Duda says while no decision has been made around whether Poland will host nuclear weapons as part of an expansion of the NATO alliance’s nuclear sharing program, his country is willing and prepared to do so.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after return to New York from upstate prison
Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer said Saturday that the onetime movie mogul has been hospitalized for a battery of tests after his return to New York City following an appeals court ruling nullifying his 2020 rape conviction.
Opinion I just don't get Taylor Swift
It's one thing to say you like Taylor Swift and her music, but don't blame CNN's AJ Willingham's when she says she just 'doesn't get' the global phenomenon.
Central Alberta queer groups react to request from Red Deer-South to reinstate Jennifer Johnson to UCP caucus
A number of LGBQT+2s groups in Central Alberta are pushing back against a request from the Red Deer South UCP constituency to reinstate MLA Jennifer Johnson into the UCP caucus.
Mookie Betts leads Dodgers past Blue Jays 4-2; Toronto drops fifth consecutive game
Mookie Betts went 3 for 5, including a triple and an RBI single, as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 on Saturday.