ABOUT

A row of three books with colorful spines, a white and orange book titled 'The Southern Reach Trilogy' by Jeff VanderMeer, and an orange mug that says 'make today ridiculously amazing' in black text, all arranged on a shelf.

How does an ONLINE used bookstore work? 

All the books at On the Shelf are pre-owned books.

I aim to provide the best quality possible, and all of the photos are of the actual book you’ll receive. No surprises.

If there is something of note, like pen marks, minor scratching, a dogear (Use those bookmarks!), I will make note of it in the description. I want you to know exactly what you’re getting. 

Also, if I’ve read the book, I will tell you whether I liked it and why. I will also link to any book reviews I’ve written to help you find out more. 

Every week, I’ll add new books to the inventory, and will feature them in the weekly newsletter to buy used books online.

How Delivery Works

If you place and pay for an order before 5pm and live in Fort Saskatchewan, I will deliver your books to your house by 8pm that same day. If you order after 5pm, I will deliver it the following day by 8pm.

All books will come wrapped in protective paper and you can leave a note in the order area for where you’d like me to leave it if not in your mailbox.

Not in Fort Saskatchewan?

You can still order books!

For anyone outside of Fort Sasakatchewan, orders will be shipped through Canada Post within 2 business days.

If you live in Sherwood Park, I offer free deliveries on Fridays for any orders recieved before 11pm the Thursday night before.

Goal #1

Talk About Amazing, Enjoyable Books That May or May Not Be Ultra Popular Right Now.

I’ve read thousands of books in my life - and I love nothing more than talking about stories with other book lovers. I do read some of the trendier titles (hello ACOTAR!), but most of my shelves are filled with books that are likely not on BookTok. 

Have you read any Joyce Carol Oates? We Were the Mulvaneys is an absolute must-read.

Remember the playful weirdness of Tom Robbins? Jitterbug Perfume presented an entirely new perspective on life for me.

Scared to dive into Classic Literature? Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy and Wilkie Collins are highly accessible and a great place to start

Book titled 'We Were the Mulvaneys' by Joyce Carol Oates, placed on an orange surface.

Goal #2

Provide a Local Option for Second Hand Books in Fort Saskatchewan.

While we have a fabulous library, and some great thrift shops to find books in Fort Saskatchewan, I felt like we needed something extra. And while it’s not a store you can walk into, my goal is to provide a similar experience 

Supporting small and local businesses is a big part of my values. I have worked for so many wonderful people who often run the whole show by themselves, and I know how hard it can be to do that. Independent Bookstore Day is a national event every April, and it’s been amazing to get to see all the different options we have in and around Edmonton, and how every store has its own flavor, focus and personality.

Book titled 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins on a green surface with a rose and a large gemstone on the cover.

ABOUT Sarah

I’m bringing used books back to Fort Saskatchewan!

So why am I starting an ONLINE used bookstore? 

Well, I’m doing it a little differently. 

I’ll be adding new titles every week, which I’ll feature in the weekly newsletter, along with some book reviews, bookish thoughts, literary trivia and of course, book recommendations.

Close-up of a woman with sunglasses and a black dog outdoors surrounded by plants and trees.

FAQs

  • You sure can! But buying from On the Shelf makes it WAY easier for you. I deliver to your house, you pay up front on a secure website and you don’t have to negotiate or go back and forth trying to find a time and place to meet up.

  • Simple! If you live in Fort Saskatchewan and place an order before 5pm, I will deliver your book to your house by 8pm (Weather permitting - if it’s too dangerous to drive, I will contact you directly.)

  • Right now, I am not accepting books for trade in, but I will update the site as soon as I am!