Multiple artistic mediums thriving at The Bookshelf

The Bookshelf is open from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and is open from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. CREDIT: TAYLOR PIPE

“An immense pleasure to read ... The love of invertebrates and the complexity of human behaviour are beautifully married in this imaginative thriller ... The invertebrates are truly fantastic. The murders are clever and gruesome ... A riveting novel that is difficult to put down ... I thoroughly enjoyed it” Marvin Gunderman - Entomology Instructor at McMaster University’s Department of Biology (retd)

Murder Bugs: A Love Story is a mystery novel set in southern Ontario, featuring two U of Guelph entomology professors helping local police hunt a serial killer who uses insects as weapons. Published by Fire Ant Press. Mark Coakley also wrote the critically-acclaimed true-crime classics Hidden Harvest and Tip and Trade (ECW Press).

TAYLOR PIPE

On Quebec st. lies a well-known building that is home to one of Guelph’s most unique businesses, The Bookshelf.

The Bookshelf has been around since 1973 and is celebrating its 50 year anniversary in 2023. It was opened by Doug Minett and Barb Minett.

Over the past 50 years, The Bookshelf has employed more than 2500 staff, many of whom were University of Guelph students. Ten years ago, Ben Minett, the son of Doug and Barb, took over running The Bookshelf along with his wife, Steph, and sister, Hannah.

The Bookshelf’s website describes itself as "a bookstore that shows movies, a cinema that serves dinner and a bar that launches books.” The bookshelf often plays movies in its cinema has a bar component attached. However it is most known for being a bookstore and has become a social hub for many in the Guelph community.

“The Bookshelf has always tried to be innovative and tried to avoid stagnancy,” said Ben in an email to The Ontarion. “The world is always evolving and transforming itself. We have tried to flow with changes and sometimes to be change makers ourselves.” Ben said that The Bookshelf has continuously hosted famous authors and directors over the years.

“We believe that an integral part of our reason for being (around) is to provide a space for emerging talent - to give new writers and artists a voice on our shelves and on our virtual platforms,” Ben said.

During the holiday season, The Bookshelf worked on a collaborative campaign with The United Way and The Guelph Community Foundation on their Home For Good Campaign. The initiative, which is called Neighbors Helping Neighbors focuses on eliminating homelessness in the community.

Ben said that as a staple in the community for the past 50 years, The Bookshelf wanted to give back.

“Over the pandemic we have seen a rise in homelessness, poverty, mental health and addiction. Having a home is a huge factor in recovery and the Home For Good Campaign's goal is providing a home for everyone,” Ben said. “This is very important to The Bookshelf and our staff.”

The Bookshelf has donated $20,000 to the campaign thus far. Those who wish to contribute can make a donation at The Bookshelf or at homeforgoodgw.ca. Minett added that the city of Guelph would be matching donations.

The Bookshelf hosts regular screenings throughout the week in its cinema, has a bookstore that is open to the public for perusing, and also has a bar called Ebar, which Ben says will see some excitement in 2023 during their 50 year anniversary.

For more information on what is happening at the Bookshelf, and what is playing, you can visit bookshelf.ca.