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September 2024 by ANTHONY JP (Prove Strength)
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE.
GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE . THE OWNER IS SUCH A NICE PERSON. I LOST MY WALLET AT THE UNIVERSITY SHE PICKED IT AND CALLED TO GET. WHAT BIG HEART ❤️.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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June 2024 by Robin Clark
There are many things that are important in life. A life well lived is, I think, one in which we align ourselves with the things that are important to us. Mine are family, friends, dogs, great books, grand adventures, and good music, though the order of those is, I’ll admit, fluid in its nature.
This review is about a place that incorporates all of those things. One of the few hidden gems in Regina, it is my honour and distinction to tell of, for those of you who don’t know, a prestigious and exquisite antiquarian bookstore in the heart of the city. Spafford Books is a refuge for those who love books, a place of magic. Established 54 years ago by Richard Spafford, the esteemed bookseller and patron of the arts, the shop opened in 1970. It was known back then as ‘The Book Cellar’ and was located in the basement of a row house on 13th Avenue in Regina’s Cathedral area. The store has moved a couple of times since and is now found downtown. There, you’ll find, along with so much else, one of the largest collections of Prairie Canadiana in North America (and by extension, I think the world), as well as a substantial Indigenous collection which includes an admirable selection of linguistics. The folks there, to their credit, aren’t pushy. The books sell themselves. The staff want to make meaningful connections (and do) with their customers. They answer questions and help as needed. They do not sell socks or chocolate. There is no pressure to purchase, either through social media or in the shop. It’s a quiet place of exploration and intellectual renewal, a vault of history, of civilization, and it’s filled with discoveries and rediscoveries. The smell informs of libraries, archives, and chronicles, evokes a sense of adventure and awakens an immeasurable anticipation for what you might find in the shelves. Leah Spafford, now proprietor, is a member of the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of Canada (ABAC), the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), and the National Archival Appraisal Board of Canada (NAAB). Leah and her staff are are at once informed and relaxed and the atmosphere of the place wraps you with comfort and warmth. I encourage you to indulge in this incredible experience, a ‘Best Kept Secret’.
So often, in the past too, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me and reminded me that there are good things in the world.
An excerpt from a letter written by Vincent van Gogh to his brother, Theo van Gogh
October 30, 1877 (Amsterdam)
rlc
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June 2024 by Claire Michaels
My new favourite bookstore! I could spend days in the local history section alone and Leah, the owner, is so lovely and helpful! Highly reccommend you check it out!
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June 2024 by Brown Dickson
The owner has a superb sense of humour.
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January 2024 by Kyle Schutz
Such a cool place with great treasures and rich history. Highly recommend for people who love books.
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October 2023 by Dave S
A hidden gem for book lovers and lovers of prairie history. Great spot to kill an afternoon. Love this place.
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December 2022 by Garett Rosko
My new go-to for everything labour and union history related! If Leah can't find it, it can't be found and so far she's come through on everything I've been seeking thus far!
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December 2022 by Paula Daigle
A paradise for bibliophiles. Exceptional service!
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April 2022 by Andrew Young
Had the 1992 local Alberta history book I was looking for in pristine condition...reasonable price all considered...well packaged and quick delivery even by Canada Post standards. Total quality customer focus from Leah the owner.
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March 2022 by Joan Rink
What a great experience! Love the memories. Highly recommend for people to visit
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January 2022 by Ted Pratt
Great people ?Best dog ? in Regina.OXFORD
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December 2021 by Adrienne Billings
This is a magical little book store! Full of antique books and other memorabilia, you can easily lose track of time looking around. The building and business have interesting stories so make sure to ask for a tour. The ladies who work there are delightful!
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December 2021 by Andrew Campbell
Staff member was very helpful in my search for a mystery novel for my ailing grandmother. The store offers a wide selection of all varieties of books. Oxford was polite and greeted me accordingly.
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December 2021 by J P
The perfect little nook to slip away from reality and to escape into a good book. They were super helpful and kind. They also have an adorable dog named Oxford that likes to hang around and keep the visitors company or snore on the couch.
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December 2021 by Jessica Oberthier
I had the most pleasant experience at the spafford book store. They went above and beyond to accommodate me. I recieved one of the best customer experiences i have received in a long time which is hard to come by these days. I cannot Express enough how kind and courteous the staff was and how much they made me feel welcome. I highly recommend going there or ordering through them. I will and have been referring them to people ever since. They have definitely gained my loyalty. Thank you again spafford books.
