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How Calgary’s oldest indie bookstore is celebrating its 50th anniversary

Photo via Canadian Independent Publishers

Calgary’s oldest independent bookstore, Owl’s Nest Books, is celebrating a massive milestone. The charming Britannia booknook has hit its 50th anniversary, so naturally, there’s going to be some on-site celebrations.

Meet the owners

Owl’s Nest Books first opened its doors in 1975 at a location on Bow Trail. It was owned by James Highborough-Ross, a World War II veteran who immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1951, and then taken over by his dear friend Evelyn deMille, the first female president of the Canadian Booksellers Association, in 1979.

When Evelyn retired in 1996, Michael Hare and Brenda Mackie took over the store, moving it to the Briannia location where it’s been for nearly 30 years. When Brenda retired, Michael’s wife, Susan Hare, stepped in. Then, when the two of them retired, ownership went to Ryan Smith and Judith Duthie.

Smith was an Owl’s Nest employee in 2020, where his educational background in literature and publication made him an ideal candidate for a leadership position. Duthie spent 20 years working at bookstores, including Owl’s Nest, before pursuing a second degree in business administration and accounting. She returned directly to Owl’s Nest to do the bookkeeping and eventually took the ownership role.

Weekend celebrations

To celebrate the massive milestone, Owl’s Nest Books is getting lit! Lit-erary, that is. From Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8, the store will be hosting guest author signings daily. Saturday’s lineup features guidebook icon Lori Beattie, award-winning novelist Ali Bryan, and bestselling author Will Ferguson. Sunday will host cookbook queen Julie Van Rosendaal and historical fiction novelist Genevieve Graham. Guests can enjoy 25 per cent off their books while they’re onsite.

And remember previous owner Michael Hare? At 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, Owl’s Nest Books is hosting the launch of his new biography, It’s Been a Hoot, which is about his time owning the independent bookstore.

And as if you needed a reason to buy more books, Owl’s Nest has an in-store offer of buy two, get one half off. Plus, giveaways, prizes, and other goodies will be up for grabs all weekend long.

Owl’s Nest Books can celebrate its 50th anniversary thanks to Calgarians who shop locally. Let’s keep it up and support the beloved establishment for many years to come.