Having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card!

Having a library card doesn’t mean you have to give up visiting major bookstores like Chapters or Indigo. I get it - I too love spending time in these stores, browsing books and gift-wares, enjoying a latte, and gabbing with a friend over our purchases. But enjoying these things doesn’t mean that you can’t be more intentional about your purchases.

Recreate the Experience

If you’re willing to try, there are more sustainable ways to get the same experiences. Instead of shopping, try enjoying the book store atmosphere while making a list of books to borrow from the library. Go with a friend and sit down to a ceramic mug - ask for a “to-stay” mug because they often assume you want disposable. If you're feeling like completing the social good experience, ask your barista if they have fair trade options. Or even better, grab your drink before you go in a reusable to go mug from a local coffee shop (or brewed at home).

Head Over to the Library

The library is far more accessible now than when we were kids. They have audio books you can download onto your device through an app (instead of needing a cassette or CD player). You can even make holds online so you know before you go that what you’re looking for is there. Even during COVID-19 closures most libraries offered a way for you to get a card online, had book pickup locations, and still offer online resources. Another beautiful thing about your local library is they likely host annual book sales to help you buff up your personal collection.

Make Conscious Purchases

If you like having a personal copy or if you’re a person who likes to write in their books, I completely understand. But rather than buying new, consider a second-hand or if you are buying new try a local bookstore. In St. Albert, we have the Bookstore on Perron and Bailey the Bookman. There’s also Alhambra Books and the Wee Book Inn in Edmonton. 

There’s something absolutely magical about a quaint, local bookshop experience. Where an employee might actually offer you assistance; recommend a similar read or a personal favourite; and you can just browse through shelves upon shelves of pre-loved books. Books you can throw in your bag and not feel bad when you bend the pages a bit. Books that stay open to whatever page you’re on because the spines a little cracked. Books with character! Did I lose some of you there?

Explore Sustainable Options

E-books are an excellent alternative and are great for travel since you’re not lugging around a bunch of heavy books. With an e-book you can have tons of books all in one convenient and lightweight location. 

My personal favourite though are audiobooks. They’re great for long distance travelling or even learning new things on your commute to work. Audiobooks are especially handy for those, like me, who get nauseous trying to read on a bus. For me, audio books give a sense of nostalgia, having a story read to me reminds me of when my dad would read to us before bed as kids. 

As an extrovert, I love book swaps or borrowing from friends because then you know there’s someone to discuss the story with afterwards. A well-kept book also makes an excellent gift. Any way you can extend the lifecycle of a book and avoid the need to print more copies is a win for mother nature. So there you have it my conscious consumers: sustainable options for your book loving fix.