“Audreys is the way a bookstore should be,” says Mary Thibaudeau.
She’s a self-proclaimed book lover and longtime customer of Audreys Books. Located downtown, the store has been a treasured fixture in Edmonton’s core since 1975, helping to nurture readers and writers for generations.
“You want to just sit there forever and read all the books,” says Thibadeau. “It’s a captivating and enchanting shop.”
Janice MacDonald, an Edmonton author, is such a fan of Audreys, she wrote the store into her series of detective novels, known as the Randy Craig Mysteries.
“Audreys is a beloved constant, and an oasis of calm, where books are the focus and readers always welcome,” says MacDonald.
“My first detective, Randy Craig, spent her time helping solve crimes in Edmonton, and spent almost any time downtown managing to pop into Audreys Books. People who have travelled to Edmonton on the basis of reading those books often let me know they’ve especially wanted to go to Audreys and have never been disappointed by their visits.”
Steven and Sharon Budnarchuk are the owners of Audreys. They took over the store from the original owners in 1988. (The shop was initially located on 104 Street and Jasper Avenue, but moved to its current spot on 107 and Jasper in 1978.)
“Audreys Books is integral to Edmonton’s downtown—a landmark that is both a soul-soothing port in a chaotic world and a portal to the infinite worlds books invite us to enter,” says Wendy McGrath, a local Métis writer and the winner of the Prairie Grindstone Prize.
“It speaks volumes (pun intended) that Audreys Books celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Its longevity as a successful independent business underscores its intrinsic value to this city’s economy.”
The shop recently joined a cohort of 1,200 businesses who have been around for over 50 years in Edmonton. What’s the secret to Audreys’ success?
Audreys has hosted thousands of events to support and cultivate Edmonton’s community of writers and readers—including book launches, poetry readings, and various book clubs. In 1995, the store sponsored the first Robert Kroetsch – City of Edmonton Book Prize and continues to do so today in partnership with the Edmonton Arts Council and Writers’ Guild of Alberta.
In 2025, Audreys organized several 50th anniversary events to recognize friends, family, customers and former staff members—”all the wonderful people that have helped contribute to our success,” says Dyer. The store also celebrated the milestone with a book fair at Bent Stick Brewery and a concert at the Yardbird Suite.
Small businesses like Audreys account for 97 per cent of business in Edmonton, according to the City’s 2025 business census.
“Shopping locally allows businesses like Audreys to stay competitive by being convenient and tailoring their offering to the needs of the community,” says Kate Somerville, another loyal customer.
“I am able to walk into local shops like Audreys and find exactly what I need, even when I don’t know what I am looking for.”
While the store has been a constant fixture through the ebbs of flows of downtown Edmonton, Dyer says she’s looking forward to the area thriving again. With new businesses opening and amenities like O-day’min Park next door, the neighbourhood is full of opportunities to eat, play and shop.
“We are excited for what the future holds,” says Dyer. “It has been a great 50 years. Hard, but it has brought a lot of joy.”
Writers and readers are also excited. “Audreys Books is close to my heart, having supported me throughout my writing career and demonstrating unflagging support to the local literary community in countless ways,” says McGrath.
“Here’s to Audreys Books next half-century!”
Editor’s note: the first image on this page features Kelly Dyer, manager of Audreys Books. For a detailed look at Edmonton’s business landscape, explore the 2025 Business Census report.
Read about life in Edmonton—stories of business, innovation and the people who make it happen.
Read about life in Edmonton—stories of business, innovation and the people who make it happen.
Read about life in Edmonton—stories of business, innovation and the people who make it happen.