People’s Co-Op Bookstore

Established in 1945, the People’s Co-op Bookstore is Canada’s oldest extant bookstore and a legendary fixture of East Vancouver.

Originally founded by a coalition of trade unionists, activists, and progressive thinkers, it moved to its iconic location on Commercial Drive in 1983.

As a member-owned cooperative with over 1,600 shareholders, the shop operates on a “one member, one vote” philosophy, ensuring it remains a business driven by community values rather than corporate profits.

The shop is celebrated for its meticulously curated inventory, which seamlessly blends rare used titles with the latest new releases.

While it remains a premier destination for political science, social justice, and local history, its shelves also house a diverse range of literature, memoirs, and Canadian authors.

Beyond the books, the Co-op serves as a vital cultural hub for the neighborhood, hosting author readings, poetry slams, and workshops that keep the independent, “bohemian” spirit of The Drive alive for a new generation of readers.