The Book Man

The Book Man consists of two secondhand bookstores. The original store is in Chilliwack, British Columbia measuring over 5,000 square feet (460 m2), and is noted as the second largest used bookstore in the province. It is located at 45939 Wellington Avenue. Their second branch is located in Abbotsford, British Columbia at #5-2630 Bourquin Crescent West in the Little Oak Mall and is 1600 square feet. The stores are both named after the owner's father's nickname. The Book Man originated in 1963 and was acquired by David Short under the name Erna's Book Nook in 1990. After he changed the name to The Book Nook, Short expanded inventory and shelving until yet another move was required. His daughter, Amber Short became co-owner and full-time manager in 2000 after many years of part-time work, and is now the sole owner after David passed the business down to her in August of 2012. The Book Man employs a staff of fourteen as of 2012. Their resident cat Nietzsche lives in Chilliwack and has gained international fame as a poster cat for bookstore cats. Gatsby, a grey and white cat, resides in their Abbotsford store. Both cats are known for greeting customers at the front door, and for their gentle and friendly dipositions. A program by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation referred to Chilliwack branch of The Book Man as "the mirror image to City Lights".