D & E Lake Ltd. - Toronto, Ontario

Rébecca M.

Petite boutique super cute qui regorge de trésors! Le propriétaire connait son inventaire pratiquement par cœur et saura assurément vous recommander un livre à votre goût. Pour les collectionneurs de livres rares, vous trouverez certainement votre bonheur dans la collection qui s'y trouve au sous-sol!

Stéph A.

J'ai initialement charmé! Inventaire largement impressionnant, des objets rares, des œuvres d'arts et un vaste sélection pour des encadrements sur mesure!

J'y suis entré en compagnie de mon enfant de 8 ans (malgré son jeune âge, elle démontre littéralement une passion pour les livres et définitivement consciencieuse par rapport à leur délicatesse et démontre qu'elle comprend bien la nature de l'endroit et ne touche à rien d'ailleurs!)

À notre arrivée, on nous dit de retirer nos sacs à dos (ce que je comprends tout à fait considérant la configuration de l'endroit et de la délicatesse de ce qui s'y trouve). Au passage, j'ai remarqué sur les étagères un coffret de livre portant sur un artiste peintre que j'admire et je réfléchis sérieusement à l'idée de me le procurer.

Après tout au plus 5 minutes, celui qui est sans doute le propriétaire, nous a sèchement dit que c'est un endroit où ils sont là pour vendre (ce à quoi j'ai répondu favorablement et avec le sourire). J'étais alors arrêté en train de regarder des ouvrages de Dr. Seuss que mon enfant venait de remarquer.

En même temps, je profite de lui montrer d'autres classiques de littérature classique qui se trouvent sur la même étagère. Alors que je lui souligne le grand apport culturel de ces œuvres et comment on devrait d'ailleurs s'y intéresser ensemble... L'homme nous a sèchement interrompu pour dire qu'il ne s'entend pas penser. C'était évident qu'on nous indiquait de prendre la porte!

Laissez-moi vous dire que nous ne nous sommes pas fait attendre et avons quitté immédiatement, avec la ferme intention d'acheter ailleurs le produit qui m'intéressait.

Clairement, il juge les gens dès leur entrée et s'attend à ce qu'on sâche précisément ce que l'on cherche afin que tout de suite il nous donne les articles en question pour nous les vende et qu'on parte au plus vite.

Extrêmement impoli et irrespectueux. Apportez votre argent ailleurs avec vous selon moi... Décevant et choquant!

j'ai saisi que nous n'étions pas bienvenue se faire des affaires avec eux!

Sofian

Très bonne initiative ^^, je supporte leur club

Natasha C.

We've found some great gems in here. The owner (and his daughter) really know their stuff! You can name literally any book and he will know what it is, who wrote it and if he doesn't have it, he will tell you where you can go (they have another location on Summerhill, too). Their collection of psychology books is immense! It's extremely dusty in there, so be prepared, but it's well worth it!

Mohammad O.

I've been to this store a few times, it's filled with lots of gems and I've historically spent over $500 on books. The man, whom I believe is the owner, has historically been a very pushy and particular individual. I didn't mind it in the past, as he usually also made some good recommendations based on what genres I was browsing. But today, my experience has completely put me off from ever visiting again nor recommending this store to anyone else. I brought a friend to the shop to show them the selection of books. He was already engaged with another customer, but immediately asked us what were looking for. I said we're just taking a look, he seemed annoyed at that. As soon as we took a step into an aisle he asked where we were going and commented on a very small bag I was wearing, with a hostile tone. He said to flip it to the front of my body, which I understand, given the messy over stacking of books he has in the store. And then proceeds to again ask what were looking for, which I said again just taking a look around. I've been to the third floor multiple times before without issue, but this time around as we went to the staircase, his hostility increased and he raised his voice asking us where we were going, that we're not allowed to go up. This is the first time I've ever been told something like this, and I've been here numerous times. I'm perplexed by his behavior, but seeing all the other reviews now I see this is a common issue with the staff here. It was an incredibly unwelcoming environment, and I felt incredibly awkward having brought a friend here for the first time. So we decided to just leave the store without any further engagement with him, and as we leave he simply snarkly commented thank you. Truly, there are many wonderful independent book stores you can visit and support instead of this store. Save yourself the trouble/exposure to this person.

A V.

Yeah it's expensive but also consider the service Don gives you when you ask him about a book or a topic. I'm a massive Chinese Civil War history buff and he was able to give me tons of books related to it, and about the Paris Commune.

The selection is unparalleled. I asked him how he came to have such a large collection of thins and he told me "I write a lot of cheques, that's how."

He's not rude or unprofessional, he's just straightforward and his humour is a bit dry. He's very friendly and receptive and wants to expand your knowledge, if you let him.

Ali K.

The shopkeeper is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, offering recommendations tailored to your interests and providing insights into rare or unique finds. The atmosphere is a bit disorganized, but it adds to the sense of adventure, making it a perfect spot to spend a rainy afternoon exploring shelves filled with literary treasures. Whether you're a seasoned bookworm or just starting to build your collection, this bookstore is a must visit. I highly recommend taking the time to visit and immerse yourself in the world of literature.

AEG C. C.

Thank you Don for the fast framing. Very good price, and fast service.
Books are amazing, especially USSR themes, post soviet /pre soviet. Interesting antique. Very interesting location. See you soon.
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Framed 4 paintings. Less then in Richmond Hill, great quality.
E. V. Richmond Hill, ON.