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Munro's Books

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Munro's Books is a large independent bookstore in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, located in a landmark heritage building on Government Street. It was founded in 1963 by Jim Munro and his then-wife Alice. Since Jim's retirement in 2014, the store has had no connection to the Munro family. The store celebrated its 50th anniversary in September 2013.^[1]

Key Information

Munro's Books entrance, 2012
Company type	Private
Industry	Books
Founded	Victoria, British Columbia (1963)
Founder	James Munro Alice Munro
Headquarters	1108 Government Street Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1Y2 48°25′31″N 123°22′05″W / 48.425278°N 123.368056°W / 48.425278; -123.368056
Key people	Jim Munro and Alice Munro (co-founders)
Number of employees	30
Website	www.munrobooks.com

Since 1984, the store has been located in downtown Victoria in the neo-classical Royal Bank Building with a 7.3-metre (24 ft) coffered ceiling, designed in 1909 for the Royal Bank of Canada by architect Thomas Hooper.^[2] Munro's Books has been described by journalist Allan Fotheringham as "the most magnificent bookstore in Canada, possibly in North America."^[3]

The store was founded in 1963 by Jim Munro and his first wife, Alice Munro, the 2013 Nobel Prize-winning short-story writer. At the start, its stock was mostly paperbacks.^[2] According to Jim Munro, Alice Munro began to write after reading some of the bookstore's stock and deciding angrily that "I can write better books than this,"^[1] however, Alice had her first story published 13 years before the bookstore opened, in 1950.^[4] Although Alice Munro did not have any relation to the bookstore for decades, the store still received fan and press calls asking for her.^[5]

Textile artist Carole Sabiston, Jim Munro's second wife, created the tapestries that decorate the bookstore.^[1]

The store management issued a statement in support of Alice and Jim Munro's daughter Andrea Skinner shortly after the publication of the story in major North American newspapers that Alice Munro's second husband had abused Munro's daughter.^[6]

References

[edit]

^ ^a ^b ^c Lederman, Marsha (August 30, 2013). "Munro's Books boasts a shelf life of 50 years – and counting". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
^ ^a ^b "About Munro's". Archived from the original on October 25, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
^ "Canadian Author Alice Munro Wins Nobel Prize In Literature". Agence France-Presse. October 10, 2013. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
^ Jason Winders (10 October 2013). "Alice Munro, LLD'76, wins 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature". Western News. The University of Western Ontario. Archived from the original on 2 March 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
^ Campbell, Al; Huang, Xiaonan; Xiaocheng, Ma (October 12, 2013). "Interview: Munro Nobel Prize win boosts Canadian bookstore". Sina English. Xinhua English. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
^ / Statement by Munro's books re Andrea Skinner accessed 8 July 2024

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Munro's Books is an independent bookstore located in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, renowned for its historic neo-classical building and extensive selection of literature.^[1] Founded in 1963 by Jim Munro (1928–2016) and his then-wife, Canadian author Alice Munro (1931–2024), the 2013 Nobel Prize winner in Literature, it began as a small shop on Yates Street near local movie theaters before relocating to Fort Street in 1979 and its current site in Old Town Victoria in 1984.^[1]^[2] The bookstore occupies a landmark 1909 building originally designed by architect Thomas Hooper as a branch of the Royal Bank of Canada, featuring a 24-foot coffered ceiling and eight fabric banners depicting the four seasons by artist Carole Sabiston.^[1] After a 1950s modernization, the structure was meticulously restored in eight weeks upon the bookstore's acquisition, earning two heritage awards for its preservation.^[1] Under Jim Munro's leadership until his retirement in 2014, when ownership transferred to four long-term staff members, the store became a champion of literary culture, being the first in Canada to stock titles from San Francisco's City Lights Publishers and hosting numerous author events.^[1]^[3] Today, Munro's Books continues as a global destination for book lovers, offering new fiction, non-fiction, children's books, local history, and poetry, while maintaining its status as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores.^[1]^[4] In 2024, following revelations by Alice Munro's daughter Andrea Robin Skinner of childhood sexual abuse by her stepfather, the bookstore issued a statement supporting survivors, committing to donate all future proceeds from sales of Alice Munro's books to organizations aiding sexual abuse survivors, amid public scrutiny and the resignation of an employee. With staff including booksellers of over 25 years' experience—one serving nearly 50 years—it serves both local communities and international visitors on the traditional territories of the Lkwungen-speaking peoples, including the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.^[1]^[5]^[6]

History

Founding and early years

Munro's Books was founded in September 1963 by Jim Munro and his then-wife, Alice Munro, in a long, narrow space on Yates Street in downtown Victoria, British Columbia, near the city's movie theatres.^[7]^[1] The bookstore's name was derived directly from the founders' shared surname.^[1] At the time, Jim had prior experience in bookselling from his 12 years at Eaton's department store, while Alice brought her deep literary passions to the venture.^[8] From its inception, the store emphasized general literature with a particular focus on contemporary writing and emerging trends in art and literature, reflecting Alice Munro's interests in Canadian authors and innovative voices.^[9]^[1] Alice played a key role in book selection during these early years, championing Canadian writers and helping to stock titles like Leonard Cohen's poetry and City Lights Books, making Munro's one of the first Canadian stores to carry such works.^[8]^[9] In Victoria's limited bookselling landscape, where few independent bookstores existed and options were mostly confined to department store sections, the store quickly became a vital cultural hub for readers, especially younger patrons drawn from nearby theatres.^[1] This scarcity of competition allowed Munro's to build a loyal clientele despite the modest space and early operational challenges.^[1]^[9] The partnership between Jim and Alice ended with their divorce in 1972, after which Alice returned to Ontario to pursue her writing career full-time, leaving Jim to continue managing and expanding the bookstore's operations in Victoria.^[10]^[3] Despite the personal change, the store persisted as a cornerstone of local literary culture under Jim's leadership.^[8]

Relocation and growth

The bookstore first relocated to larger premises on Fort Street in 1979 before moving again in 1984 from its Fort Street location to 1108 Government Street in downtown Victoria, taking over a former Royal Bank of Canada building that had been vacant and for sale for years.^[1] This 1984 move significantly expanded the store's footprint to 6,000 square feet, more than tripling its previous size and providing space for enhanced displays and customer flow in a landmark neo-classical structure.^[11]^[12]^[1] During the 1980s and 1990s, the bookstore experienced substantial growth in inventory and staff, with employee numbers peaking above 30 as it curated a broader selection of titles amid intensifying competition from emerging chain retailers like Chapters, founded in 1995. This period solidified Munro's Books as a prominent independent bookseller, emphasizing curated literary offerings over mass-market volumes.^[11]^[12]^[13] A key development was the expansion of dedicated sections for Canadian and local authors, aligning with the burgeoning national literary scene exemplified by rising figures like Alice Munro and others gaining international acclaim in the 1980s and 1990s. This focus helped the store foster community engagement and distinguish itself by prioritizing homegrown voices.^[12]^[14] In the late 1990s, Munro's Books introduced mail-order services and early online sales capabilities, enabling it to extend its reach beyond Victoria and serve customers across Canada through catalog-based and nascent web platforms.^[15]

Ownership transitions

Following the 1972 divorce from Alice Munro, who returned to Ontario, Jim Munro maintained sole ownership of the bookstore and continued to operate it independently for the next four decades.^[16]^[3] In September 2014, at age 84, Jim Munro announced his retirement and gifted ownership of Munro's Books to four long-time employees to ensure its ongoing independence and prevent a corporate takeover: Jessica Walker, who became the majority shareholder and managing partner; Sarah Frye, the comptroller; Ian Cochran, the operations manager; and Carol Mentha, the senior buyer.^[1]^[17] This transition established an employee-owned model, with the employees paying rent to Munro's holding company, which retained ownership of the Government Street building.^[17]^[18] Jim Munro passed away suddenly on November 21, 2016, at age 87, after which the employee team committed to honoring his legacy through sustained, independent operations.^[8]^[19]^[20] As of 2025, Munro's Books remains employee-owned and independently operated under Jessica Walker's leadership, with sales increasing in double digits due to heightened local tourism from Canadians opting for domestic travel amid U.S. border tensions.^[21] In August 2024, amid revelations that Alice Munro remained with her second husband after learning of his sexual abuse of her daughter, longtime employee Justina Elias resigned in protest over the store's continued promotion of Munro's works, highlighting ongoing debates about the bookstore's association with its co-founder.^[6]

Building and location

Heritage building

The building housing Munro's Books at 1108 Government Street in Victoria, British Columbia, was constructed in 1909 as a branch of the Royal Bank of Canada.^[1] Designed by local architect Thomas Hooper, with the front façade by the New York firm Carrère & Hastings, it exemplifies neo-classical architecture with its one-story granite-clad facade in the Edwardian-era Temple Bank style.^[22] The structure was recognized for its historical value and added to the Canadian Register of Historic Places in 1975, affirming its status as a protected heritage site in Victoria.^[22] Key architectural features include soaring 24-foot coffered ceilings inspired by the ancient Library of Ephesus, ornate plasterwork, polished marble floors, and expansive display windows that enhance natural light throughout the space.^[1]^[4] These elements create a grand, elegant interior that originally served banking functions but now supports a literary environment.^[23] In 1984, following the bookstore's relocation to the site, the interior underwent significant renovations completed in just eight weeks, reversing prior 1950s modernizations to restore its classical character.^[1] Adaptations for bookstore use included the installation of custom wooden bookshelves seamlessly integrated with the historic details, along with artwork such as eight large fabric banners by artist Carole Sabiston depicting the Four Seasons.^[1] The original bank vault was preserved and repurposed as a display and storage area, maintaining the building's financial heritage.^[24] These efforts earned the property two heritage awards for exemplary preservation.^[1]

Downtown Victoria setting

Munro's Books is situated at 1108 Government Street in the heart of downtown Victoria, British Columbia, placing it within the bustling core of the city's historic Old Town.^[1] This prime location positions the bookstore in close proximity to key landmarks, including the Inner Harbour and the Parliament Buildings, making it a convenient stop for both locals and travelers exploring the area.^[1] The surrounding streets are lined with heritage architecture, cafes, and boutiques, fostering an inviting pedestrian-friendly environment that enhances the overall visitor experience. The bookstore's placement integrates it deeply into Victoria's local economy, where its proximity to hotels, restaurants, and shops capitalizes on the city's robust tourism sector. Downtown Victoria attracts millions of visitors annually, with the region welcoming 4.9 million tourists in 2023 alone, many of whom contribute to foot traffic along Government Street through spending on accommodations, dining, and retail.^[25] As a renowned independent bookstore, Munro's draws book enthusiasts amid this influx, supporting the economic vitality of the district by serving as a cultural anchor that encourages extended stays and impulse purchases. In the urban context of downtown Victoria, Munro's Books enhances the area's appeal as a hub for literary tourism, complementing the city's rich tradition of independent booksellers and cultural institutions. Visitors often include the store in itineraries focused on Victoria's artistic and intellectual heritage, drawn by its reputation as a global destination for literature lovers.^[26] This positioning strengthens the neighborhood's identity as a vibrant literary enclave, promoting exploration on foot or by public transit. Accessibility to Munro's Books is facilitated by its central location, with easy access via walking from nearby attractions, public transit options including BC Transit buses along Government Street, and available paid parking in municipal lots and garages within a short distance.^[27] The store operates daily, with hours typically from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and weekends, extending to 7:30 PM on Thursdays and Fridays as of 2025.^[28]

Collections and services

Book inventory

Munro's Books stocks a core collection of 30,000 to 40,000 titles as of 2014, placing a particular emphasis on Canadian fiction, poetry, children's literature, local history, and works by Indigenous authors.^[29]^[30]^[31] The inventory includes prominent Canadian titles such as those shortlisted for the Giller Prize, alongside children's selections highlighted through a dedicated Munro Kids account, and Indigenous-focused books like Truth Telling by Michelle Good and Wînipêk by Niigaan Sinclair. The store's curation philosophy centers on hand-selecting titles to emphasize quality and relevance over sheer volume, with staff drawing on expertise to feature exceptional works that resonate with diverse readers.^[32] This approach extends to including rare editions and signed copies, such as limited signed versions of books by authors like Margaret Atwood, often acquired through in-store events.^[33] Dedicated sections highlight key areas of interest, including a prominent display of Alice Munro's works—reflecting the store's namesake—with all future proceeds from her titles donated to organizations supporting survivors of abuse.^[34] British Columbia history is well-represented through titles like Turmoil: The Life and Times of Philip Hankin, while sustainability themes appear in books such as Our Green Heart by Diana Beresford-Kroeger, underscoring eco-conscious publishing and environmental topics.^[35]^[36] Complementing the inventory, Munro's Books offers personalized in-store recommendations from its knowledgeable staff, gift wrapping for purchases, and online ordering with flat-rate local delivery in Greater Victoria (free for orders over $100).^[37]^[38] The focus remains on physical media, providing a tactile browsing experience without e-book options.^[39]

Events and programming

Munro's Books hosts a variety of literary and cultural events to engage the community and promote reading, including regular author readings and conversations, book launches, live music performances, and children's story times. These in-store gatherings, held at no charge, feature local and international authors discussing their works, such as the November 2025 conversation between Michael Layland and Dr. John Lutz on regional history, and book launches like Steven Erikson's No Life Forsaken in February 2025. Live music events, often featuring Victoria Symphony musicians, occur periodically, such as the lunchtime performances in December 2025, adding a performative element to the bookstore's atmosphere. In response to 2024 revelations regarding Alice Munro, the store cancelled related celebratory events and issued a statement of support for survivors.^[40]^[40]^[41] The bookstore partners with local literary organizations, serving as the major sponsor and bookseller for the Victoria Festival of Authors, which enhances its role in the regional reading culture through collaborative programming. Free children's story times are a staple, with themed sessions like spooky story hours in the children's section during October events, fostering early literacy among young visitors. These initiatives draw families and encourage interactive engagement with literature.^[42]^[43]^[44] Munro's Books supports emerging writers via its consignment program, providing shelf space and in-store promotions for self-published local authors to reach audiences. The bookstore also contributes to literacy efforts through donations, such as providing copies of Greta Thunberg's No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference to local schools in 2019 to promote environmental education and reading. Following the 2014 transition to employee ownership by four long-term staff members, the store adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by launching virtual book fairs for schools, enabling continued community outreach amid restrictions, with programming now incorporating online elements alongside in-person events.^[45]^[46]^[1]^[47]

Recognition and legacy

Awards and rankings

Munro's Books has garnered significant recognition for its role as a premier independent bookstore, both nationally and internationally. In 2016, National Geographic ranked it third among the world's top bookstores in the publication Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places, praising its stunning architecture and vast selection of titles.^[4] This accolade highlighted the store's transformation of a heritage bank building into a literary landmark, drawing global attention to its contributions to bookselling.^[48] The bookstore's founder, Jim Munro, received the Order of Canada in 2014 as a Member of the order, honored for his longstanding championship of Canadian writers and literature through Munro's Books over more than five decades.^[49] This national distinction underscored the store's impact on promoting Canadian authors and fostering a vibrant reading culture since its founding in 1963. In 2014, Munro's Books transitioned to an employee-owned model, with ownership transferred to four longtime staff members. This structure has been cited in industry discussions for enhancing sustainability in independent bookselling by ensuring long-term stability amid challenges facing small retailers.^[18] As of 2025, the bookstore continues to be celebrated for its adaptability, with owner Jessica Walker quoted in Publishers Weekly on its resilience against economic pressures from U.S. border policies and trade tensions.^[21] Additionally, it has been featured in travel literature, such as a 2020 Lonely Planet guide to literary sites in Canada, where it was described as a "showstopping" destination for book enthusiasts in Victoria.^[50]

Cultural significance

Munro's Books holds a profound symbolic connection to Alice Munro, the Nobel Prize-winning author who co-founded the store in 1963 with her then-husband Jim Munro, marking the early phase of her literary career before she pursued writing full-time.^[1]^[3] The bookstore represents a foundational chapter in her journey, embodying the intersection of personal partnership and emerging Canadian literary ambition that later culminated in her 2013 Nobel Prize for Literature.^[51] In July 2024, Alice Munro's daughter, Andrea Robin Skinner, publicly revealed in The Toronto Star that she had been sexually abused as a child by her stepfather, Gerald Fremlin, and that her mother had been informed of the abuse in 1992 but chose to remain with Fremlin until his death in 2013. This disclosure prompted widespread discussion about Munro's legacy and led to an employee resignation at Munro's Books in August 2024, with the former staff member citing the store's management for not addressing the issue adequately despite knowing about it. The bookstore issued a statement supporting Skinner, expressing distress over the revelations, and announced that all future proceeds from sales of Alice Munro's books would be donated to organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse.^[52]^[6]^[41] As a bastion of independent publishing in Canada, Munro's Books has long championed small presses and local voices against the dominance of large chains like Indigo, fostering a space for British Columbia authors through dedicated consignment programs and curated selections of regional works.^[53]^[45] The store actively promotes diversity in literature by stocking titles that address Indigenous perspectives and the ongoing impacts of colonialism, thereby supporting underrepresented narratives and broadening access to inclusive storytelling within the Canadian literary landscape.^[1]^[44] The cultural legacy of the bookstore is deepened by Jim Munro's lifelong philanthropy in the arts, including his role as a founding member of Pacific Opera Victoria and his broader advocacy for music, literature, and heritage preservation in the community, contributions that continued until his death in 2016.^[20]^[3] His efforts, such as early support for Canadian writers during the store's formative years, underscored a commitment to enriching Victoria's artistic institutions through donations and civic engagement.^[9] In 2025, Munro's Books endures as a symbol of community resilience amid economic shifts, with sales increasing in double digits due to heightened domestic tourism as Canadians redirect travel from the United States, alongside its ongoing appeal to international visitors drawn to its renowned status.^[21]^[4] Often hailed as "Canada's most magnificent bookstore" by journalist Allan Fotheringham, it continues to attract global book enthusiasts, reinforcing its role in sustaining literary culture and local vitality.^[30]^[54]

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