An independent bookstore in Verdun hopes to fill a void for English readers

Pulp Books & Café is the new kid on the block after opening its doors two months ago on Wellington Street in Verdun.

Co-owners Alex Nierenhausen and Daphne Anktil say there is no English bookstore in the community.

“That was great. Everyone said Wellington needed it,” Nierenhausen said.

Business owners say they're happy to fill a void in their neighborhood, regardless of what language the buyers speak.

“We cater to anyone who wants to study in English, including francophones,” said Anctil, who is francophone.

“Anyone can enjoy literature in English in the same way that anyone who speaks French can enjoy books in French, so we try to serve as many people as possible.”

They know that language is always a hot topic in Quebec.

“The best answer we give them is usually if you're in French and you want the coffee to be bilingual, the service will be in French, and they always get a laugh,” Anktil said.

Alex Nierenhausen and Daphne Anktil are co-owners at Pulp Books & Café in Verden. (Lauren Fernandez/CTV News)

Unafraid to poke fun at language dynamics or compete with Amazon's popularity and convenience, Alex says, “Amazon can't read books; they can recommend the books they want, but no one on Amazon reads those books. they will come to you.”

It's the personal touch customers feel the moment they walk into a Pulp bookstore. “We're more focused on community, more personal relationships with customers,” Anktil added.

“Amazon can't give you that tactile experience. You can't touch the books, you can't smell the books.”

The co-owners say the tactile experience will appeal to the younger generation.

“I think a lot of young people read more than us. The appearance of TikTok has had a big impact on the market. There are a lot of teenagers walking around here,” Anktil said.

The duo said people are choosing to put down their devices and interact in real life outside of work or home, and that's part of the charm a community bookstore offers.

“Places where people can share ideas and talk to people they wouldn't normally interact with or cross paths with. The third place is shared space,” says Nirenhausen.