Juniper Books Celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

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Windsor’s “house of books”, Juniper Books, is celebrating their ten year anniversary all year long.

The bookshop first opened their doors at 1990 Ottawa Street in March of 2006. Most Windsor booklovers are probably familiar with the unique “house of books” but the store may remain a hidden gem for some.

Juniper Books specializes in used and rare books with books filling over a dozen different rooms. The main first floor room is full of literature, poetry, history and local authors. The second floor features the kitchen full of cooking and wellness books, an entire room dedicated to romance novels, a room for mystery fiction enthusiasts and a room for kids and teens. The basement holds shelves of biographies, and the third floor is home to sports, crafts and fiction books of horror, sci-fi and fantasy. It is estimated that there are at least 45,000 books in the store.

Owner Roger Wurdemann opened the store based on a life-long love of books.

“I think I drew my initial inspiration from hanging out in libraries in Toronto growing up. I’ve always loved being surrounded by so many books – something about their untapped potential,” said Wurdemann.

Over the years of running the shop Wurdemann has had the opportunity to see some rare finds.

“It’s amazing what has come through the door here. Two that come to mind are a two volume Biography of William Lyon Mackenzie which included a signed letter from Mackenzie and a number of signatures of important early Upper Canadians like Bishop Strachan and Lord Durham,” said Wurdemann. “Another is a book that may have been owned by some very important Renaissance scientists. Dr. Robert Weir of the Uuniversity Of Windsor now owns the book and will be speaking about its provenance here at Juniper during rare book month in September.”

The store currently has on display a first U.S. edition of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, a first edition of The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy, and a signed first edition of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. They also have a newly updated selection of vintage one-of-a-kind film and theatre lobby posters, one sheets and inserts, as well as rare maps and assorted memorabilia.

The ten year anniversary will be a year long event, being kicked off with 25% off all used books for the entire month of March. During each following month there will be different sales and a raffle or contest with a prize, with the prize for April being a year pass to Point Pelee.

“September is rare books month and we will have London bookbinder Dan Mezza down to give a talk on the history of the book,” said Wurdemann.

During the summer months there will be a backyard and garage sale each weekend. Other events and guest speakers are in the works. For updates and more information you can check out the Juniper Books webpage or Facebook page.

“I think the most rewarding thing about running the store is just getting to know so many wonderful ‘book people’. I’ve been able to meet so many interesting characters and hear so many great stories,” said Wurdemann.

Juniper Books is located at 1990 Ottawa Street and can be contacted by calling 519-258-4111. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:30am – 5:30pm and Sundays from Noon – 4:00pm.