A Bookish Bay-cation 📚

Cozy Reading Nooks

Every reader knows it’s not just about what book you’re reading, but where you’ll be reading it. Our region is home to countless cozy spots perfect for diving into a good story. 

Click here to see a full list of cafes in our region.

Catapult Café

Catapult Café, located in the heart of uptown Saint John, is the perfect spot for those who love coffee, craft, and community. Start with a hot or cold drink, browse their selection of handcrafted items, and then settle into your favorite reading spot. The front window offers a cozy perch with views of Princess Street, while the lower-level features comfy seating, and larger community tables. Our recommendation? Grab a seat by the fireplace for the coziest afternoon.

Garden Grove Café

Located in Rothesay, Garden Grove offers an intimate and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a quiet escape. Not in the mood for coffee or tea? As a licensed café, they also serve a selection of wines and mixed drinks. Bright and cozy, it’s the ideal spot to tuck yourself away for a relaxing afternoon.

Station 33 Café

In the heart of Hampton, Station 33 is a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, known for its locally roasted coffee and homemade baked goods. Grab your favorite drink and treat and soak in the charming atmosphere—it’s like stepping into a shop from a Hallmark movie.

Java Moose Coffee

Whether you like your coffee earthy, bold, or smooth, a great up is always waiting for you at Java Moose. With locations in Saint John and Rothesay, this café offers a wide selection of traditional and speciality coffees, and a variety of cozy seating options, making it the ideal spot to curl up with a good book.

LebanOn The Go

Combining traditional Lebanese recipes with an emphasis on taste, culture, and relaxation, LebanOn The Go provides a unique atmosphere for a literary escape that you just have to experience for yourself. Want a truly unique experience? Head there early with a friend to split a brunch tower while diving into your latest read – we promise, you won’t regret it.

Public Libraries

Of course, if you’re looking for a tried-and-true location to hide away, you can’t go wrong with exploring one of the libraries in our region:

Saint John Free Public Library

• Central Branch
• East Branch
• West Branch

Kennebecasis Valley Public Library

Hampton Community Library

Add to Your Collection

Is your to-be-read pile constantly growing, yet you still can’t resist browsing for your next great read? We’ve all been there. Luckily, our region is home to a variety of fantastic shops to help you expand your book collection.

Scheherazade Books and Music

Scheherazade sells gently used literary fiction and nonfiction novels, and carries used CDs and LPs. Wander through their shelves and find the perfect new-to-you next read.

Heroes’ Beacon

Comic lovers – this one’s for you! Heroes’ Beacon is the premier location for comics, games, action figures, apparel, and more. Find everything from your fandom of choice, all in one spot.

Emporia

While not just a bookstore, Emporia is an essential stop on a bookish bay-cation, especially for fantasy lovers. In this mundane world, this boutique shop helps you rediscover magic, whimsy, imagination, and creativity. Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave.

Loyalist City Coins, Books & Collectables

All kinds of rare collectibles can be found at Loyalist City Coins and Books. With a friendly atmosphere, great finds and even better prices, you’re sure to find a unique book or item to add to your collection.

Indigo

And of course, if you’re looking for the classic bookstore experience, Indigo Books and Music is where you’ll find it. Browse and shop for bestselling books, home décor, seasonal gifts, and more at our local Indigo Bookstore at East Point Shopping.

Coming Soon – The Write Cup Bookstore Café

Partridge Island Publishing is hard at work creating the ultimate reading haven! Opening soon in Market Square, The Write Cup Bookstore Café will feature coffee, snacks, and books written by Atlantic Canadian authors.

Literary Events

For those who love to immerse themselves in literary culture, our region offers a variety of exciting events throughout the year. Whether you're looking to connect with fellow literary enthusiasts or discover new voices and stories, these events provide the perfect opportunity to engage with the region’s vibrant book community.

Silent Book Club Saint John

Introverts – this is the space for you! Silent Book Club Saint John provides a book club atmosphere without the commitment to a specific book and reading schedule. Show up with your choice of book, mingle with other readers, or grab a drink and just get reading. There’s no judgements, no commitments, and everyone is welcome.

Saint John Voices

On the last Sunday of every month, writers of all genres come together to share their works at Saint John Voices. From prose to poetry, book excerpts to short stories, rap flows, monologues, and everything in between, this is a supportive space where everyone of any age can present their work and get instant feedback (if they choose). Share your work, or stop by the event to listen and take in the stories others have created.

Saint John Writers

Are you a reader diving into creating your own written piece? Saint John Writers meets every Sunday at Second Cup Uptown, creating a dedicated space for people to work on whatever piece of writing they’d like. Come early, come late, it’s your time and space to produce while being surrounded by other writers and creators.

Fog City Comic Con

Fog City Comic Con is a free, community-based comic and entertainment convention open to everyone. This year's convention will run May 3rd and 4th - stay tuned to their site for more details so you don't miss out!

Fog Lit Festival

Fog Lit Festival is Saint John’s premier literary festival, taking to uptown Saint John every September. This three-day event features amazing writers, thought-provoking workshops, and more. Stay tuned for 2025 dates!