Unfortunately, it appears that there is little chance of saving the store at its current location, due to the seemingly unreasonable actions of the store's landlord.
If This Ain't the Rosedale Library closes permanently, as owners Jesse and Charlie Huisken seem to predict, this will be, to my mind, a devastating blow to Toronto literary community--far more significant, in my opinion, than the closure of Pages. This Ain't the Rosedale Library was/ is a true supporter of the alternative literary culture in Toronto, providing venues for important readings, launches, and lectures (at both its earlier Church St. location and its current space), stocking small press and micropress publications (especially poetry), and run by two informed and community-orientated booksellers (Jesse is himself a brilliant poet, and Charlie has long been a cultural-commentator which a deep interest and knowledge of the New York School)
The above is just one small and personal example of This Ain't the Rosedale's activities: a photo by Peter Culley of me reading outside on the patio area of the bookstore last fall with him for the launch of The Age of Briggs & Stratton. A wonderful and idyllic evening spent with great company, and graciously hosted by Jesse and Charlie. Here's hoping that the store, its important activities and services, and of course its dedicated owners, can salvage this situation and find a new home in a more accommodating location.
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