ABOUT US

Words Worth Books has been at the heart of vibrant Uptown Waterloo for nearly 40 years.

Not only is the store a valuable resource for procuring unique, quality books and magazines of all descriptions, but we provide the region with a thriving cultural drop-in centre for arts and literature-related community events. At Words Worth Books we consider ourselves champions of the printed word. We are dedicated to stocking the very best in new Canadian and international fiction, a vast and carefully considered backlist of titles (including a top-notch Mystery section!), cookbooks, DVDs, and thought-provoking non-fiction. Our children’s section features a beguiling reading-nook surrounded by a carefully curated selection of picture books and young-adult novels. We are happy to special-order anything else you might need and we pride ourselves at being able to obtain the “hard-to-find” and the “out-of-print.”

We are active in YOUR community. Words Worth Books organizes or supports 15 to 20 book events per year. Our official bookclub meets at the end of each month, and we’re affiliated with an additional eight reading groups. We offer an in-store venue for community events and readings, and we serve as a ticketing agent for concerts and shows throughout the region. We support non-profit groups through donations & sponsorship, children’s programs, and we frequently volunteer with arts and culture organizations. We are honoured to have long-standing relationships with the Wild Writer’s Literary Festival, St. Jerome’s University, the Perimeter Institute, CIGI, Waterloo and Kitchener public libraries, the Woolwich Community Health Centre, in addition numerous schools and business institutions throughout the region.

Words Worth Books is more than just a great bookstore. It is a vital part of the region’s cultural, social, and political community. Multiple generations of book lovers have walked through our doors, and we look forward to meeting many more generations to come. We’re deeply thankful to our loyal customers for recognizing the value of a place like Words Worth Books, and for making it possible for us to continue doing what we love.

Biographies

David Worsley became co-owner of Words Worth Books in 2011, after managing the bookstore for 12 years. In 2006 he won the prestigious Hand-Selling Award from Harper Collins Canada. Dave has volunteered his time on CKWR FM Monday with the Arts for nine years and also volunteered with the Ontario Arts Council in connection with block grant funding for independent publishers. At Words Worth Books he facilitates speaker and lecturer events with our corporate and non-profit community partners, which is among the many hats he wears at the store. He has also facilitated a men's only book club for over 10 years and is an exceptional recommender of mystery and crime titles. David has over 30 years experience in the book industry.

Mandy Brouse became co-owner of Words Worth Books in 2011, after working for six years at the bookstore. In 2010, she received the Young Bookseller of the Year award from the Canadian Booksellers Association namely for her social media marketing achievements and her dedication to children and teen literacy. Mandy is also is a Board member with the BIA, via the City of Waterloo.

Her past work has included volunteering with One Book One Community, Arts Awards Waterloo Region, and the Let’s Read Literary Committee, volunteering for The New Quarterly's Wild Writers festival program committee, was a Poetry Editor for The New Quarterly, and was a Board member for Neruda. She has also in the past volunteered with the Canada Council and the Ontario Arts Council in connection with block grants for independent publishers and been a member of the Advisory Committee on Culture.

Our History:

• 1984 - Words Worth Books opens its doors in the heart of Uptown Waterloo under the ownership of Tricia Siemens and Chuck Erion. Over the next 25 years they build the store into the beloved cultural icon we know today.

• 1999 - David Worsley joins the team as store manager and begins sharing his opinions on books with a passion and vigour that results in a nationally- recognized handselling award (as well as increased book sales).

• 2005 - Mandy Brouse joins the team as publicity officer and revolutionizes the business through her savvy use of new media and social networking, earning her the first ever “Young Bookseller of the Year” award from the Canadian Booksellers Association.

• 2011 - Tricia Siemens and Chuck Erion retire, passing the torch of Words Worth Books’ mission of promoting the printed word to new owners David Worsley and Mandy Brouse.

• 2012 - With the help of many loyal and strong customers, Words Worth Books relocates to its present location at 96 King St South: two doors down from its previous location.

• 2014 - Words Worth Books celebrates 30 years!

• 2016 - King St. was completely closed for 10 months for Light-Rail-Transit construction. While navigating Uptown Waterloo was a trial, our community rallied their support and kept us going.

• 2020 - The COVID19 Global shut down the entire world, but with the support of our amazing community, Words Worth managed to power through, providing books and other materials when even the libraries were closed. The symbiotic relationship between book store and community was strengthened.

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