Browse a wide selection of pre-owned books in excellent condition, including fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, and children's literature at affordable prices.
Discover unique and hard-to-find titles, with some books featuring historical notes or signatures, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts.
Enjoy a cozy, organized environment with knowledgeable staff who can help you find your next great read based on your interests.
Relax and read on our charming outdoor patio, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy your new purchases in a welcoming atmosphere.
Support a locally-owned business that preserves the charm of independent bookstores and fosters a love for physical books in the digital age.
I always love supporting local business and Old Goat is one of my my favourite businesses in town! The owner is super helpful and kind and the store is very organized and neat. Highly highly recommend!
The first time I entered Old Goat Books was about 10 years ago and I was in complete awe. It felt like the city streets had melted away and I had stumbled back a century into a charming little store that had rows upon rows of books, soft tinkling music and a highly knowledgeable gentleman. Over the years I have brought home several books from OGB. The store reminds me a little of Ollivander’s Wand shop in Harry Potter and I felt like wands, the books here also chose the reader. Several books I got had little notes tucked in from decades before I was even born. It is like owning a small piece of history. I am so delighted to know they are now in the old Marbles building, the perfect crossover of two historic KW gems.
Amazing new location! Still retaining the best prices in the Waterloo Region for all kinds of books. I loved the whimsy of the children’s section and the wide selection of titles. Such a nice outdoor patio to read on as well!
First of all, freely admit I love a good used book store. There's always the thrill of discovering a book you didn't know existed at a fantastic price. Old Goat books is one of those stores. Crammed with all sorts of high quality used books, I could spend hours just browsing The owner is very friendly, personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommended! Edit - even though it's been years since my first review, and the store has changed both owner and location, I'm very pleased to say that my original review still holds true! The new location is bigger and better then ever. Highly recommended!
I found this wonderful book shop while searching for local curators of older books. I am so happy to have found it. Upon arriving, we found out that the new owner recently purchased this book store from the retiring owner. She said she was looking for something different than her current career at the time - and this opportunity came up! Sometimes, when it was meant to be, it just is; why fight the universe!! The previous owner retired just last week but she looked wholeheartedly comfortable in her new environment. Since it was our first visit, she was kind enough to inform us how the store was laid out and that the pricing for each book could be found in the front of the books or one of the first few pages if not on the back of the cover page. Today, I was looking for some newer and older cookbooks to add to my collection. For a store that is not too large, their selection was impressive. As is the case when I enter a bookstore, I instantly felt my blood pressure lower with every book I touched. I have absolutely nothing against the digital world but by gosh there is something heart warming and intimate about holding a book in your hands and getting a whiff of that aging paper smell. I could have bought a lot of books but settled on two for today! I love reading cookbooks like one would read a magazine or paperback. All of the books I looked at were in great condition and were priced as expected. Out of the two I purchased today, I am most looking forward to reading; “Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit” by Candice Kumai. The new owner told us many people were happy that the store would not be closing following the sale of the business. Having spent a short 30 minutes in the store, I now have a better understanding of why it is dear to so many. I will definitely be back.

Where stories find new homes and readers discover timeless treasures.
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Old Goat Books is a beloved independent used bookstore in Waterloo, offering a curated collection of high-quality pre-loved books across genres. With a cozy, historic ambiance reminiscent of a bygone era, we provide a welcoming space for book lovers to browse, discover hidden gems, and connect with literature. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff ensures every visit is a delightful experience, whether you're seeking rare finds, cookbooks, children's titles, or classic novels. We pride ourselves on affordable prices, a well-organized layout, and a charming outdoor patio for reading, making us a cherished community hub for bibliophiles.
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