‘I’m a little tired’: Beloved Montreal bookstore set to close after nearly 40 years | 24CA News
After nearly 4 many years, a beloved and impartial bookstore in Montreal’s Mile End is formally closing its doorways on the finish of July.
S.W. Welch’s show home windows showcasing used books is a well-known entrance in the midst of St-Viateur Street, the place it has grow to be a mainstay of the bustling and ever-changing neighbourhood.
Owner Stephen Welch mentioned he’s retiring after practically 40 years of exhausting work within the literary scene — although this time his store’s impending closure is especially on his personal phrases.
“I made a deal two years ago with the landlord, thinking I’ll probably be ready to go,” Welch mentioned. “And I am ready to go. I’m a little tired.”
In March 2021, Welch and the owner Shiller Lavy Realties got here to an settlement after a contentious lease enhance that just about put the small bookstore out of business.
The unique plan sparked backlash from Montrealers, starting from clients to native authors like Heather O’Neill, who shared issues and rallied to maintain S.W. Welch open. It additionally sparked bigger discussions about modifications and gentrification within the neighbourhood.
Sitting behind the counter, Welch described the tip of the institution as a “confluence” between well being points and the tip of the lease. Surprisingly, he added, there hasn’t been curiosity in taking on the store.
“If I was otherwise healthier, I would still have to go because the rent is becoming too high here,” he mentioned.
Stephen Welch of S.W. Welch says his favorite half about work has been talking along with his clients.
Karol Dahl/Global News
His favorite half about his job was coping with individuals and speaking to them. Welch took curiosity in not solely why they have been promoting their stunning books, but additionally of their tales.
Welch’s business began out in 1984, with roots in Montreal’s West End. He then moved to St-Laurent Boulevard, the place he spent 15 years.
The limitless stacks and cabinets of books ultimately made their option to the ultimate spot on St-Viateur Street, the place the shop has been situated for greater than 15 years.
“I’m happy in many ways but it’s making me anxious because it’s something I haven’t ever done before,” Welch mentioned of retiring. “I have been working this job for 40 years.”
The devoted service provider has grown accustomed to heading to the shop, attending to work and coming residence yr after yr. Now, this can “all be gone.”
“I’ll have to find something to fill my time. It will be a big hole for me.”
Welch already has plans for the beginning of retirement, although. When he locks up for the final time, he’ll head to his residence in New Brunswick to loosen up along with his household and “slowly, sort of, get into it.”
“I can draw, I can paint, I can take photographs; so I’ll probably try some of that just to keep my creative side going,” he mentioned.
— with information from Global News’ Karol Dahl and Alessia Simona Maratta
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
