People aren’t going to independent bookshops as much, so Hilary Atleo is bringing her independent bookshop to the people.

Atleo is both the driving force behind and the driver behind the wheel of Iron Dog Books.

article continues below

You read that right. Her book shop is a truck.

Atleo, who lives in the UniverCity neighbourhood at SFU on Burnaby Mountain, opened her shop last November. She said the idea of a mobile bookstore was borne from serendipity and necessity. When she was working at a bookshop in Edmonton, she would often daydream with colleagues about casting off the drudgery of the workday routine to hit the road doing what they love the most — selling books. The necessity is having two young children who demand flexibility in her work schedule.

Atleo said she explored opening her own bricks-and-mortar shop, but there was too much uncertainty about finding a location at a rent she could afford, and too much risk as many book buyers opt for the convenience of online shopping or the vast selection of big-box retailers.

That brought her back to the fantastical notion of bringing a selection of used and new books to readers.

It combines the convenience of online shopping with the relaxed vibe of browsing shelves and being surrounded by literary possibilities.

Moreover, it would give her self-employment a sense of mission.

“Independent and second-hand book stores are disappearing,” Atleo said. “We realize how many areas are becoming literary deserts.”

But creating her paperback oasis took some luck and creativity.

After one deal for a truck fell through, Atleo found a suitable panel van on Craigslist, in Victoria. But regular home renovation contractors were stumped how to turn a cold, metal former medical services vehicle into a warm, inviting space that resembles “an old British philosopher’s den.”

Atleo also had specific technical requirements; she wanted the vehicle to be completely self-contained so she didn’t have to carry a generator or search for an electrical outlet, and the interior had to be kept above a minimum temperature so the glue in book bindings wouldn’t freeze and cause their spines to crack.

Her saviour was a boat builder in Richmond used to dealing with similar requirements, and she couldn’t be more pleased with the end result, including the dark wood shelves that hold about 3,500 books.

Atleo said her overall collection is much larger, so she can rotate stock and curate selection to her anticipated market when she takes the truck to community events and festivals. There’s also a small selection of door latches attached to one of the interior wood panels to occupy little ones while their parents browse, as well as a couple of small stools to accommodate story time.

Atleo said running a book shop is as much about creating community as selling tomes, so she has plans for author readings as well as collaborations with retailers.

She also wants to bring her truck further afield, to remote communities in the North and on Vancouver Island, where residents might be struggling for access to books.

That’s the beauty of her idea, Atleo said: She can shape it any way she likes.

“It’s still surreal,” she said. “There’s lots of days I don’t believe it’s a real thing.”

FIND THE BOOKSHOP

Intrigued? You can find Iron Dog Books at the new Our Stories event (in partnership with The Peak, SFU's student newspaper).

Running once a month from May to September, Iron Dog Books will be hosting evening storytelling in the Town Square at UniverCity. This free event combines sunshine, books, a waterfall and live entertainment. The first one is happening May 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner or hang on the patio at nearby Club Ilia and enjoy the wide variety of storytellers.

If you are interested in participating as a presenter or musician, DM Iron Dog Books on Facebook or email irondog@irondogbooks.com for more information.

To find where Iron Dog Books is parked, check out the shop’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IronDogBooks.