Welcome back! For this instalment of our 5 questions with series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Catherine Ellsmere from Odin Books.

Odin Books is a Vancouver-based, independently owned bookstore that for over 30 years has provided the best in recommended resources to schools, school districts, mental health professionals, educators, and individuals.

They pride themselves in connecting the right book or product with the need expressed by their new and long-time customers. They stock books, puppets, posters, puzzles, sensory toys, games, tools, and products designed to improve lives.

Now, without further ado, let’s get to Catherine’s answers to our questionnaire.

1. Which author would you most like to have for an event in your store (living or dead)?

Viktor Frankl.

2. What attracted you to bookselling?

The opportunity to help folks find resources that support their own mental health and the health of family and clients. We want to normalize mental health — the idea of supporting your mental health the same way you support your physical health.

3. What is the most pressing issue facing bookselling today?

Building our online business and remaining competitive with the established online giants. Getting product in a timely fashion. We have a major construction project right outside our front door that has compromised our foot traffic for over two years and will continue for two more years.

4. An aunt comes in looking for a gift for her niece, who likes embroidery and Proust, just got a new job on a cruise line, and whose beloved schnauzer just passed away. What do you recommend?

A lovely children's book on the loss of a pet called The Invisible Leash by Patrice Karst. Or Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown or Places that Scare You by Pema Chödrön — both good books for change.

Thank you Catherine for answering our questionnaire! Read more instalments of our 5 questions with series here.

Are you an independent bookseller, small publisher, or library staffer interested in being featured in our 5 questions with blog series? Send us an email!