A New Chapter for Shawnigan Lake: Inside The Quill &
Relic Bindery
Tucked away upstairs at 2740 Dundas Road in the heart of
Shawnigan Lake, a new chapter is being written for local book lovers.
Above a collection of restaurants and beside a hair salon, visitors
will find The Quill & Relic Bindery, an independently owned neighborhood
bookstore that is as much about preserving stories as it is about selling them.
Owned and operated by Hailey Gavel, a Vancouver Island resident who has called Shawnigan Lake home since 1998, the shop is believed to be the first dedicated bookstore in the community. The warm and inviting space carries a broad selection of new and used books across many genres, while also showcasing works from numerous local authors.
The entrance to The Quill & Relic Bindery offers the first glimpse into a bookstore devoted to the love of books, craftsmanship, and preserving stories for future generations.
But The Quill & Relic Bindery is much more than a bookstore.
After studying anthropology and spending more than a decade
mastering the specialized craft of bookbinding, Gavel developed a unique skill
set that blends artistry, preservation, and history. Today she offers custom
bindings, document restoration, workshops, journal and book binding, as well as
handcrafted projects such as custom wedding guest books.
For Gavel, however, the business is about more than
craftsmanship.
"It's the love of books," she said, explaining
what inspired her to open the shop. Despite the digital age, she believes
interest in physical books is making a comeback. Readers are increasingly drawn
not only to the stories themselves, but also to the beauty of books as objects.
While touring the store, Gavel pointed out a recently
published novel featuring a striking design printed along the fore-edge, the
outer edge of the pages opposite the spine. The artwork transformed the book
into a work of art in its own right and highlighted a growing trend among
publishers to produce books that are as visually appealing as they are
enjoyable to read.
Among the projects currently crossing her workbench are some remarkable pieces of family history. One involves binding a grandfather's manuscript so it can be preserved for future generations. Another is the careful restoration of an antique family Bible.
Family Bibles were once among the most important records a
household possessed. Long before government record-keeping became commonplace,
families often used these treasured books to document births, marriages,
deaths, baptisms, and family lineage. Today, many serve as irreplaceable
heirlooms and historical records, making restoration work both delicate and
meaningful.
"You're not just repairing a book," Gavel
explained. "You're preserving a family's history."
The store itself reflects that same philosophy. Antique
furnishings, family heirlooms, historical newspaper clippings, and decorative
treasures collected over generations fill the space. An old radio sits among
the displays, while carefully selected furniture creates an atmosphere that
feels more like visiting a beloved family library than entering a retail store.
Tucked away in the corner of the bookshop is an inviting
reading nook that feels like a quiet escape from the bustle of the day. Two
well-worn leather chairs sit beneath the glow of a floor lamp, surrounded by
dark bookshelves lined with stories waiting to be discovered. Rich green
curtains frame the window, while a decorative mantelpiece completes the scene.
It's the kind of corner where time seems to slow down.
As the holiday season approaches, the nook will become even
more magical. Throughout November, families can enjoy Story Time with Santa, a
festive series of reading sessions designed to bring Christmas cheer to readers
young and old. Adding to the family atmosphere, this year's Santa will be
portrayed by Gavel's father, making the event a truly homegrown celebration for
the Shawnigan Lake community.
Tucked into a quiet corner of The Quill & Relic Bindery, this cozy reading space reflects owner Hailey Gavel's belief that the love of books is making a comeback. Families will gather here this November for Story Time with Santa.
The shop also offers gift cards and a selection of unique
gifts, making it a destination for more than just avid readers.
Gavel is helping ensure that traditional bookbinding skills continue into the next generation. She currently works alongside an apprentice, Kallie, passing along techniques that are increasingly rare in a digital world.
Apprentice Kallie stands behind the front counter at The Quill & Relic Bindery, where she is learning the traditional craft of bookbinding and helping preserve stories for future generations.
Looking ahead to next spring, Gavel is organizing a grand
Masquerade Ball on March 6 at the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. The formal
black-tie event will feature vendors, food trucks, and spirits, making it a
19-plus celebration. Tickets are available through the store's website.
For a community that has long treasured books and stories,
The Quill & Relic Bindery offers something rare: not simply a place to buy
books, but a place where stories are preserved, shared, and celebrated. In a
world increasingly dominated by screens and instant information, Gavel's shop
serves as a reminder that some stories are still best experienced one page at a
time.
Hailey Gavel, owner of The Quill & Relic Bindery, stands in her Shawnigan Lake bookstore and bindery, where a love of books and traditional craftsmanship come together.
The cozy interior of The Quill & Relic Bindery features books by local authors and a carefully curated collection for every reader.
A view inside The Quill & Relic Bindery showcases a selection of books by local authors, one of the many ways the Shawnigan Lake bookstore supports the region's literary community.
An antique radio, a family heirloom of owner Hailey Gavel, sits among the bookshelves at The Quill & Relic Bindery in Shawnigan Lake, reflecting the store's blend of literature, history, and family tradition.
I will be popping in there one day soon. Thank you.
That’s great, a cool bookstore to find your next good read!
That looks so cozy! Can’t wait to check it out.
It is Shelley! Thanks for checking out the story:)