Librairie L’Échange has been a Plateau institution since 1976, offering a second life to books, graphic novels, zines, and music. Located near Mont-Royal metro, its fresh façade and hand-lettered windows might suggest a new arrival, but inside, it’s a treasure trove of secondhand finds and cultural history. The ever-changing inventory, updated daily, spans genres from philosophy and cookbooks to local artist zines, with an impressive collection of vinyl records and CDs in both French and English.

True to its name, L’Échange thrives on the exchange of ideas and goods. Patrons can trade in used books and records for cash or tax-free store credit, with an added 15% bonus applied to purchases. For those just passing by, the giveaway box out front is always worth a peek.