Bookseller

Book Bar; Toronto; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A unique bookstore and bar in Toronto is seeking Booksellers who are warm, curious, and passionate about creating a welcoming environment. Responsibilities include offering book recommendations, handling transactions, and assisting with bar tasks. Ideal candidates have 2-4 years of experience in retail or hospitality, love of reading, and excellent communication skills. Opportunities for growth and staff discounts are offered, making this a fantastic place for anyone enthusiastic about books and people.

Benefits

Staff discounts on books, coffee, and wine

Opportunities to grow and shape bookstore’s programs

Collaborative, supportive team environment

Qualifications

• 2-4 years’ experience in bookselling retail and/or hospitality.
• SmartServe certified.
• Availability to work flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm environment where every customer feels welcome.
• Offer personalized book recommendations.
• Assist with bar-side tasks including running drinks.
• Support in-house events like readings and book clubs.

Skills

Love of books and reading

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to multitask

Organizational skills

Job description

About Us

Book Bar is a bookstore and bar rooted in curated connection - a space where great stories and great drinks live side by side. We’re not just a shop or a bar - we’re a welcoming, layered “third place” that invites people to linger, discover, and converse. By day, we offer a cozy haven for readers and the book-curious. By night, we transform into a lively, character-filled space for connection and community. Whether a guest is here to browse our shelves or sip a glass of wine, we aim to make them feel at home.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a Bookseller who embodies warmth, curiosity, and hospitality - someone who knows how to make people feel welcome and inspired. You’ll help readers find their next great book, offer drink pairings, contribute to a team that believes culture is built through conversation. You’ll also assist on the bar side of operations, including running drink orders, bussing tables, event setup/teardown, or supporting our bartenders during peak hours. At Book Bar, we all contribute to the shared atmosphere. You should love books, enjoy good conversations, and be excited about working in a space that blends books with hospitality. We have multiple openings for Booksellers, with full and part-time opportunities available.

Key Responsibilities

• Create a warm environment where every customer feels welcome and served above and beyond expectations
• Offer book recommendations tailored to each customer’s interests
• Handle sales, returns, and POS transactions accurately and efficiently
• Assist in merchandising, stocking, and maintaining an inviting store environment
• Learn our selection of wines, beverages, and café offerings to help guests pair their drink with their read
• Bar-side tasks including running drinks, bussing, and resetting tables
• Support in-house events such as readings, book clubs, and small gatherings
• Ability to be mobile on the sales floor for extended periods of time, and lift medium to large items, up to 40 pounds, while using appropriate equipment and safety techniques
• Share ideas with the leadership team on how to improve the employee and customer experience
• Contribute to a team culture that values hospitality, creativity, and curiosity

Qualifications

Required

• Love of books and reading is a must
• 2-4 years’ experience in bookselling retail and/or hospitality
• Demonstrated commitment to creating an exceptional employee and customer experience
• Adaptability, flexibility and a willingness to contribute to all aspects of the store
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a genuine passion for connecting with people
• Ability to multitask and remain organized in a lively environment
• Availability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays
• Must be at least 18 years old
• SmartServe certified

Preferred

• Knowledge of contemporary and classic literature, poetry, or small-press titles
• Interest in wine and beverage service (training provided)
• Experience with programming and/or executing events
• Experience in visual merchandising
• Book Manager experience

What We Offer

• A welcoming, creative workspace that celebrates inclusivity, individuality and community
• Staff discounts on books, coffee, and wine
• Opportunities to grow and help shape the bookstore’s programs and selections
• A collaborative, supportive team of readers, hosts, and creatives

We can’t wait to meet someone who loves stories, enjoys thoughtful service, and wants to be part of a place where books and community come together. Including a cover letter with your application is a great way to let us know why you'd be a perfect pairing for our team.

If you’ve got unique experiences or perspectives—especially from underrepresented communities we’d love to see your application.