Shelf Life Books

Kaitlyn McCleese

3 months ago

Shelf life is probably one of Richmond's most well known bookstores. The selection is phenomenal and the staff is very kind and helpful! If you're lucky you might also spot the cats!

Sarah Rose

4 months ago

Such a great bookshop! I shopped here when it was Chop Suey and the store is so much more navigable now, especially the used books. There’s a really great selection of new books, including a huge local author section, and the prices on used books are very reasonable. Definitely a must-see for readers!

Emma van Horn

2 months ago

Always a warm welcoming space, great selection of both new and used books. The staff has been super helpful every time I’ve needed assistance, and they put on lovely events. It’s especially fun to spot the kitties.

Michael Stephens

7 months ago

Friendly, knowledgeable and all around awesome staff plus a great selection of books in a warm, inviting space - what's not to love! Oh, also - they have cats!

Trey Hall

3 months ago

Richmond is so lucky to have Shelf Life in our literary community. The owners have meaningful values and really try to be a steward of literature and the arts. I love the functionality of the first and second floor, the first being curated with a more selective approach, while the second floor brings the spirit of thrift diving with used and affordable contemporaries and classics. As someone who is easily overwhelmed and often a prisoner to choice, it's lovely to have both options in a single store location. The book selection offers familiar and new-to-the scene names and the staff recommendation wall is always a treat. ALSO, don't sleep on their buyback program. They often purchase books that I'm worried are too niche, and it creates a symbiotic relationship for my book buying addition. All of that to say ... I'm a big fan.

Summer

year ago

I love this book store! It’s amazing! The staff is wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! They have two cats that my kids loved! And my teens were finding treasures as well! Absolutely highly recommend it!!!!!!!

Danielle Angell

2 months ago

I love Shelf Life Books!! I went for my birthday while exploring Carytown and could've spent so much time in there browsing the new and used books! I left with a few books, including an out of print cover that was priced really well! Also we can't forget to mention the cats!

Marilyn

year ago

I love bookstores. Store is a lot bigger than it looks. Upstairs was filled with used books that were nicely sectioned and organized. They have a small kids section too. 2 cats roaming around as you’re browsing. Worth stopping in if you like reading/books. Some interesting and unique finds.

McKenzie

9 months ago

Amazing bookstore! I love the selection and that the staff provides recommendations. Ordering online and picking up in store is such a smooth process. I also love saying hi to Mylar and Page. The pics I’ve uploaded show them hanging out after hours. :)

zadoke

month ago

Lovely bookshop with a really welcoming atmosphere. They sell both new and used books, with the secondhand titles up on the first floor, and the selection is genuinely good across both. The shop itself is gorgeous, well organised and a pleasure to wander through. There are also two cats living there, which honestly makes the whole experience even better.