Bailey Books in St. Albert Celebrates 25 Years, Champions Indie Bookstore Community
In a semi-industrial area near the Henday where St. Albert meets Edmonton, Barry Bailey breathes new life into aging, crumbling books while his daughter Lisa meticulously organizes an extensive collection of vintage volumes using detailed spreadsheets. Bailey Books, located at 29 Rowland Crescent in St. Albert, is nearing its 25th anniversary, deeply rooted in a multi-generational passion for literature.
A Family Legacy of Literary Passion
For Barry, the bookstore represents a unique blend of sideline, retirement, and hobby. What began as a home hobby transformed into a retail venture after his wife encouraged him to secure a shop location. "I had this for many years while working full-time," Barry recalls. "Two years ago, Lisa joined me just as I was considering shutting it down. She was living on the coast at the time. I called to tell her, and she firmly said, 'No, Dad, that's not gonna happen.'"
Lisa and her partner subsequently moved back home, prompting a shift to full retail operations. "We ended up buying this spot," Barry explains. "So am I retired? I don't know, but I sure have fun coming here every day. I come in, work on some books, do some pricing, then go home for a nap. She handles all the business stuff."
Revitalizing the Bookstore Experience
Lisa brought fresh energy and social media savvy to Bailey Books, fostering book clubs and author readings in an era dominated by online shopping. "Amazon can't give you recommendations like a local bookseller can," Lisa asserts. "That is very undervalued because a good book recommendation is worth its weight in gold. Bookstores offer community in a way that's lacking in our society. We host book clubs and local authors—it's a gathering space for people to meet and chat. Sometimes, Dad and I don't get any work done because we're just yakking with customers."
She emphasizes the human element of reading, contrasting it with online transactions. "I think that books and reading are very human activities, and Amazon takes all the humanity out of that, making it a very cold transaction, which I find sad."
Specializing in Collectibles and Bookbinding
Bailey Books focuses on signed first editions and collectible books, with Barry noting, "We can't keep Tolkien in the store." The shop also provides estate services and appraisals. Barry's diverse career includes managing Shaw's community programming channel, earning him a Broadcaster of the Year trophy displayed in the store, and later working as an events manager.
He has revived the ancient art of bookbinding, using tools that have remained largely unchanged for centuries: the bone folder, awl, thread for stitching signatures, and massive wheeled presses visible throughout the shop on Rowland Crescent off Riel Drive. Antique bookbinding tools are still actively employed, preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Building Community Amidst Digital Competition
As Bailey Books approaches its quarter-century milestone, the father-daughter duo, along with their mascot Parsley the Chihuahua, continues to champion the indie bookstore model. They highlight the irreplaceable value of personal interaction and curated recommendations, positioning their store as a vital community hub in St. Albert. Their dedication underscores a broader movement supporting local businesses and preserving literary traditions in the face of increasing digitalization.
