4 minute read
HAGER BOOKS
A neighbourhood somehow feels more complete when it includes an independent bookstore, and Kerrisdale is extremely fortunate that Hager Books has been a constant and anchoring presence in the community for fifty years.
Andrea Davies purchased the business from her friend, Louise Hager, who opened Hager Books in 1974. Andrea took over the business in 1985 and owned it until 2022, when she retired. Hager Books’ manager, Carrie, is thrilled that established business Black Bond Books stepped in and took Hager Books under its umbrella.
Andrea’s stepdaughters Carrie, Susannah, and her sister Kim continue to work at the shop. Staff members Alanna, Erica, and Jaana round out the team.
Carrie says, “We are still the Hager Books that everyone knows and loves. Our customers are so grateful. We often hear them say they are glad the shop is still here.”
The book-loving staff are happy to share their recommendations.
They are all avid readers and offer opinions about their favourite genre of books; regular customers know who to consult if they are looking for something specific.
Carrie mentions that competition from online shopping has never been an issue; customers often report they would rather buy a book in person and support the well-loved bookstore.
There is something very special about a bound book, from the weight of holding it in your hands and being able to flip to a certain page to reread a section, to the smell, the artwork, the satisfaction of reaching the last page, sometimes the sad goodbye when a book concludes that you love so much and don’t want it to ever end, and finally finding a home for it on a bookshelf, or passing it along to a friend as a must-read.
Explore the staff’s top picks shelf at the front of the store; it is updated frequently and offers a diverse representation of genres.
We select our books carefully with our customers in mind.
“We are good at curating books. We know our customers, and we know what books they enjoy. People are welcome to browse. It’s also a kid-friendly store with a good selection of children’s books.”
The space was formerly a shoe store, and the shelves were cleverly converted to display books.
While the cozy space is at a premium, there is a wide selection to choose from, including art, biographies, business, Canadian content, children, cooking, fantasy, fiction, gardening, history, mystery, psychology, and reference.
Hager Books hosts occasional book signings; local authors such as Iona Whishaw will drop in to promote their books. Black Bond Books holds bigger events off-site (check their website for details), and Book Warehouse, a division of Black Bond Books, is the official bookseller for the Vancouver Writers Festival.
October through December is busy as people start shopping for the holiday season.
If you are looking for gifts, Carrie recommends customer favourites such as The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and The Postcard by Anne Berest. Newly released coffee table books make beautiful and memorable presents, including What the Bees See by Craig P. Burrows and Dare to Bird by Melissa Hafting.
Customers enjoy the cloth tote bags with Beatrix Potter designs. Puzzles remain top sellers after their increase in popularity during the pandemic, and calendars make wonderful gifts for the upcoming year.
What makes Hager Books stand out? Carrie says, “It’s definitely our customer service. We know many people by name and will call them when we’ve got something new that we think they’ll like.”
Happy anniversary, Hager Books. Here’s to the next fifty years!
Hager Books
2176 W 41st Avenue Vancouver, BC V6M 1Z1
Phone 604-263-9412
Story by Sarah Gordon (Nov 2024) @PALLAMEDIA
