'The end of one page of my life': owner of Nerman's Books closing up shop
Shelves once filled with floor-to-ceiling books now sit empty as the owner of a beloved bookstore in South Osborne prepares to turn the page and start a new chapter in his life.
It's the end of an era for Gary Nerman, who has been running Nerman's Books and Collectibles on Osborne Street for about three decades.
"It was time to sell the store and retire," Nerman told CTV News. "It is the end of one page of my life. I feel quite good about moving on to something new."
Nerman's bookstore started as a hobby when he began with mail-order books out of his basement in the late 1980s. In the years since, his shop has grown into one of the largest used bookstores in the area and a staple in the community.
CTV News previously reported in December 2022 that Nerman would be closing his store and selling off his books. He said since that news, there has been a big response in the community.
"It has been really unbelievable and quite gratifying. We've had literally hundreds of people come down and tell us their stories about the bookstore," he said. "One couple actually had their first date here and they are now married, if you can believe that."
The store officially closed last weekend, but Nerman said he was still left with stacks upon stacks of books and magazines.
"I know that if I keep the books, I'm just going to put them in my garage and they are going to get mouldy and turn into garbage. So I decided to give the books away," he said.
So, this Thursday and Friday, Nerman said anyone who wants to stop by the store will get free books.
"They can take one book, they can take hundreds of books."
He said there are still about 15,000 to 20,000 books and magazines left at the store.
The items available include some treasures he hasn't seen in nearly 20 years, like a box of Beatles magazines he bought in the 90s that a customer rediscovered in the store.
While Nerman is retiring, he said he may still deal in comic books and antiques – something he has been doing his whole life.
"Really, I'm quite happy about it. I'm happy that it went well and I'm looking forward to the future."
-with files from CTV's Kayla Rosen
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery under general anesthesia
Pope Francis went to the hospital Wednesday to undergo abdominal surgery to treat an intestinal blockage, two years after he had 33 centimeters (13 inches) of his colon removed because of an inflammation and narrowing of the large intestine.

Prince Harry back in court for second day of grilling over U.K. tabloid claims
Prince Harry was back in the witness box at the High Court in London on Wednesday for a second day of grilling over his allegations that British tabloids targeted him with phone-hacking and other unlawful behaviour.
Bank of Canada to announce interest rate decision this morning
The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision this morning as speculation about another rate hike heats up.
Johnston to launch foreign interference hearings in July, calls allegations of bias 'quite simply false'
Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference David Johnston calls the allegations swirling around his objectivity 'quite simply false,' and said Tuesday he plans to push ahead with his work, launching public hearings next month
'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure': Experts say a national fire service could help battle wildfires
During a record-setting wildfire season, experts say prevention of more disasters is important, citing a Canada-wide fire service could help mitigate blazes.
Tim Hortons to launch credit card through mobile rewards app
Tim Hortons is launching a credit card that can be used through its mobile app, the latest move into an increasingly competitive rewards space.
Two winning tickets sold for Tuesday's $70 million Lotto Max jackpot
Two lucky lottery ticket holders in British Columbia and Ontario will split the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot.
Floodwaters engulf more areas of southern Ukraine after dam breach as hundreds evacuated
Floodwaters from a collapsed dam kept rising in southern Ukraine on Wednesday, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes in a major emergency operation that brought a dramatic new dimension to the war with Russia, now in its 16th month.
Canadian military joined recent U.S. forum on UFOs; Pentagon trying to identify 'metallic' orbs
The Canadian military has confirmed it participated in a May 2023 forum for Five Eyes intelligence partners that was held by the director of the Pentagon's UFO research program.