The Bookstore

McNally Robinson Booksellers

Kevin Legge

1. McNally Robinson Booksellers 
2. Red River Bookstore
3. Mondragon

McNally Robinson was founded in Winnipeg in 1981, and is the largest independently run bookstore in Canada.

With only three locations (Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Manhattan, NYC) it’s exciting to know we have the privilege to enjoy this gem right here in our own city.

Although McNally is usually perceived as a larger corporation, it’s much smaller than anticipated and close to its local roots. McNally offers an alternative to franchised bookstores by supporting an environment that’s family and community orientated.

To support the local literary talent, McNally hosts an array of events throughout the year. At its Winnipeg location, there are book signing events for prairie writers and also an “Espresso Book Machine” that can publish books in-store in around 12 minutes. 

Aside from being a bookstore, each McNally location also houses a coinciding restaurant that’s rightly named The Prairie Ink Restaurant and Bakery. This bistro-style restaurant mirrors the community focused attitude of the bookstore by using fresh local ingredients in its menu.

Not only are local food sources supported at Prairie Ink, but up and coming musical talent is welcomed as well. There is live jazz/acoustic/blues playing every Friday and Saturday evening from 8 to 10 p.m. There’s also a monthly solo-songwriter showcase where anyone can have the stage for 10 minutes.

When McNally’s customers are reading, they can have the cozy experience of accompanying tea and live music with their good book. David Lawrence, the store manager at the Winnipeg location, says that McNally aims to embody a “celebration of local writing and community.”

From weekly author appearances to in-store publishing machines, McNally is a great place for ‘Peggers to come together, read and learn.

Part of the series: The Uniter 30

Published in Volume 68, Number 14 of The Uniter (December 4, 2013)

Related Reads