Penny University bookstore opens its doors in Regina

  • 2020-09-19
A new independent bookstore café has now opened in Regina that aims to be a hub of literary culture and intellectual discussion.

The Penny University Bookstore is the brainchild of Annabel Townsend, a British coffee industry expert who settled in the Queen City eight years ago. The name comes from the tradition of coffee houses frequented by poets and intellectuals in England centuries ago, where it was said that one could obtain a university education by spending a penny on coffee and listening in.

The store will feature a variety of Books, from bestsellers and classics to work produced by independent publishers and local printing services, which could be hard to find in the major chain bookstores.

Townsend originally planned to open the store in April, but social distancing restrictions forced a delay until the fall. Penny University also includes a coffee bar, which will open once regulations allow. Townsend aims to hold regular events at the store, such as a Sherlock Holmes reading group, with the goal of fostering a culture of booklovers. Independent bookstores are often a haven for readings, book launches and discussions from local authors.

The Penny University Bookstore officially opened on September 12, and is now open from Monday to Saturday at its Albert Street location. The store also offers online ordering.

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