Michael Hingston says “Hanging out in a bookstore is one of the great joys of life,” he says smiling, knowing he gets to do it every day. Hingston loves his customers to stay a while.
He’s the owner of Porch Light Books.
Hingston is also one of the publishers of the Short Story Advent Calendar, a local favourite that also has a Kids’ Edition, and a writer himself. He supports local authors by stocking their books amongst popular literature.
Mill Creek’s newest independent bookshop fills an important gap in the neighbourhood. This is a community that lost its hub on 99th Street when Wild Earth Foods and the surrounding building were demolished in 2019. Now, alongside newcomers The Colombian Coffee & Roastery and Frank’s Community Pub, Porch Light Books is helping rebuild a sense of community
Hingston made sure it would be welcoming for everyone. With a nook where kids can snuggle up and read, polished concrete floors and maple shelving, it feels fresh and new with space to linger. The atmosphere is one where you can just browse, chat and hang out.
“I learn so much from people’s conversations,” he says, adding that he bases some of his offerings on what people are telling him. “We have books that are important to steer the conversation, and we have books that give the neighbourhood what they want. It’s unusual to have a neighbourhood bookstore.”
He shows me his favourite sections in the store, amongst the used books. Porch Light carries about half used books (they look new though — he’s fussy about the condition of each) and half new books. Spines of orange Penguin Classics and vintage paperbacks sit under a shelf of signed copies. To the side there are folios — large hardcovers in sleeves. There’s also a kid-high shelf for little ones right at the front door. Hingston’s doubled the children’s space since the store opening, and might have to double it again based on demand.
He is happily surprised at the turnout so far. “Edmonton has a strong reading community, and a strong writing community, and we’ve had more people in here than I expected.”
He’s seeing the pendulum of independent bookstores swinging back — with openings throughout the city.
“There are so many good books in the world,” Hingston says, and he’s curated his selection to be great reads.
Porch Light Books
Strathcona | 9867 89 Ave NW, Edmonton | porchlightbooks.ca
