Arts
Something Novel Downtown
TODD ROBSON
Spring 2009 |
More than just a bookstore, Grand ciel bleu is home to a coffee shop and also carries a selection of local and international newspapers and magazines.
It boasts one of Northern Ontario’s only exhibition rooms of the most recent francophone literature that gives librarians a firsthand look at new arrivals as they are released. In the past, most French-language books and literature were purchased and selected via catalogue or the internet. In November alone, Grand ciel bleu featured more than 1,400 new works ranging anywhere from the highest levels of academia to children’s books.
Stéphane Gauthier is the executive manager of Carrefour francophone, Sudbury’s French community centre and is one of the co-founders of Grand ciel bleu–Librairie du Nouvel-Ontario. As a passionate advocate of French culture, the bookstore has been a dream of his for years, and he feels that Grand ciel bleu has what it takes to not just survive, but thrive in Sudbury.
“We strongly believe that there is a great need and a great appetite for a store of this style and nature,” says Gauthier. “We hosted the Salon du livre du Grand Sudbury and that book fair drew nearly 28,000 participants to the city. I truly believe that by offering high quality and choice, we have a great local appetite for francophone literature.”
Works by local authors such as the two-time Governor General’s Award-winning Jean Marc Dalpe and poet Patrice Desbiens fly off the shelves almost as soon as they arrive.
Gauthier is also quick to point out how ideal the location of the store was.
“This is a beautiful building and a great mix of urban design and local heritage,” says Gauthier. “We believe that arts and culture are of vital importance to Sudbury’s downtown and what we offer is beating to that same pulse and vibe of what the downtown setting is trying to become.”
Trying to offer more than just literature, Grand ciel bleu-Libairie du Nouvel-Ontario hosts book launches and poetry readings. In addition, there are works by local artists and photographers on display. (The shop also sells English magazines including Sudbury Living.)
If you pop in, and it is recommended you do, you’ll find not just a bookstore, but almost a cultural salon. A place rippling of a proud culture where customers can shop, visit with friends over a coffee or just quietly read in a surrounding where comfort is just too tough to describe in words. Grand ciel bleu is more than just a store and a business, it is a destination and an experience for all to enjoy.
With the opening of a cheese shop, new cafes, a bakery, and the staying power of such local gems as Respect Is Burning and SRO Lounge, it is a refreshing wonder to see culture and quality sprout and grow like flowers within a city known for its rock and hardness.
