Shelf Life Books

05/13/2025

In honour of International S*x Worker’s Day, we’re proud to support the launch of Strut That Stroll, a powerful new public history project led by MRU professor Kimberly A. Williams.

✨ This self-guided walking tour sheds light on Calgary’s s*x industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries—from “bawdy houses” to the Stampede—centering the stories of the s*x workers who helped shape our city.

📍 Maps will be available for purchase at the event, with all proceeds going to SafeLink Alberta’s Shift Program, which supports, educates, and advocates for adults in the s*x industry.

🔗 Learn more at the link in bio.

*xWorkIsWork *xWorkersDay *xWorkerRights

04/06/2025

Come celebrate Canadian Indie Bookstore Day with Shelf Life Books!

The program includes a CJSW live broadcast and coffee by ✨☕️ Contests, prizes, free books and giveaways all day! Look for a golden ticket hidden somewhere in the store to win a year of free audio books from and, if you’re one of the first 200 people in the store, you’ll get free ice cream courtesy of 🍨

Canmore’s Amal Alhomsi (Senescence) and Calgary’s own Buchanan (Blame the Stars: A Very Good, Totally Accurate Collection of Astrological Advice .scoops) will be in store to sign their books and recommend more of their favourites alongside a pop-up featuring artist duo the designers behind our totes and tshirts!

Save the date and see you there!!

03/01/2025

Re-sharing this video from Omar El Akkad ahead of his Wordfest event and in celebration of the release of One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This. What Strange Paradise was our Book of the Month pick in August of 2021!

In this exclusive video Omar El Akkad reads an excerpt from his novel What Strange Paradise, which is our August Book of the Month!More bodies have washed up...

01/26/2025

A highlight from our store owner JoAnn: This collection by Lydia Davis completely bypasses Amazon. This title is available solely at libraries and indie bookstores!

12/04/2024

Witness David Sedaris as he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness with great skill. Join us for an evening of all new readings, Q&A, and book signing all at Bella Concert Hall at Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts on May 6. Use code READ to get your tickets today! Tickets are available now: bit.ly/3ZEstAk