My favorite used bookstore in Saskatoon. -Big with lots of selection -Can sometimes find used books for university classes for a great price! -Well organized read more

I was excited to see that Westgate books was not closed forever and had a brand new location. They are, as far as I've seen, one of only a minimal number of used book stores left in the city. However there have been a few changes aside from the new store. The most predominate change is that their large inventory consists only of one title: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. That's right, folks. The most intellectually fossillizing piece of literature from this side of the galaxy. Working the till was a young man with long, blonde hair who probably owns too many Sublime t-shirts. Curious, I asked him where all the other books, to which he replied "Other books?". "Yes" I said with my eye-brows closing in on each other, "Like Othello, The Bible, Pride and Prejudice?"his only reply was a blank stare. Whether the ignorance is willful or the product of a profound miseducation, it appears that the staff of Westgate Books has no other knowledge of any other form of printed literature that has come into existence, ever. Finally he came back to the conversation, overcoming his own mental exhaustion and said 'Don't worry, "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."'reciting the idiotic pablum that is the thesis of spiritual-egotism found in The Alchemist. The only thing left for me to do was to weep for this poor wretch and prayed that God would have mercy on his poor rodent-like soul. Also, it's kind of expensive for a used book store and they argue with their customers. read more

Westgate Books lives on in another slightly smaller location. Still a wide selection of books (if you don't see what you're looking for, ask because they might have it in storage) but smaller than the Cumberland location and definitely half the size of the original Westgate 22nd St location. The previous owners were still working there last time I was in. It is a bit expensive but that's because it's someone trying to make a living, not holding a garage sale. They like you better when you pay money for your books instead of bringing in box after box (after box after box...) of books you no longer want. But I think they still take names and phone numbers for people willing to wait for certain books to appear (I got a call for a rare James Lee Burke novel when it finally arrived a year or so after I gave them my number). Come visit it while you still can. P.s. Never ran into the employee verbosely mentioned in the other review. read more

This is the only surviving store dedicated solely to selling used books left in Saskatoon. The now owner and long term employee is a real expert who knows thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of authors, titles and editions. They do charge a bit more than some of the several failed used bookstores did. (And yes, there was, briefly a pleasant but inexperienced young blond guy working there - he has moved on.) read more

Lovely little bookstore! Great selection, the way they sort by country is actually quite helpful. The pierced gentleman at the counter was very friendly and overall my experience was great. read more