National Geographic has released its list of the top 10 bookstores in the world – and a Victoria mainstay has made the cut.
The prolific magazine has named Munro’s Books on Government Street as one of the world’s best, on a list that includes bookstores in places like Buenos Aires, Portland and Paris.
It describes Munro’s as a “magnificent, neoclassical former bank, decorated with gorgeous fabrics,” and notes its co-founder, Canadian author Alice Munro, who helped open the store in 1963.
“A big part of the appeal is the building. It’s such a lovely heritage building,” said Jessica Walker, managing partner of the store. “As a destination, it’s a lovely place to browse and there’s always classical music playing.”
Walker said the accolade is a “nice honour” for Munro’s, and a feather in the cap for the city.
“We’re kind of low-key about praise here, but National Geographic as a travel magazine and guide is pretty high-profile, so it’s a wonderful recognition,” she said. “I think things like this just increase the value of this city as a destination, and it makes Victorians really proud of their beautiful city.”
Munro, a short-story writer, won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2013 – making her the first Canadian to ever win the award.
Read the full National Geographic list here.
