At 20,000 square feet Bolen Books boasts that it is the largest single-location independent bookstore in Western Canada. It is located in Hillside Mall, which is north of the main part of Victoria.
Bolen Books is a general interest bookstore, and they won Bookseller of the Year twice by the Canadian Booksellers Association.
They often have readings and signing by authors in their beautiful art deco style store.
They also have more than 40 staff members working for them (not all at the same time I would assume)
They do not have any used books, nor do they have a points reward system, however, they will honour their gift certificates that are really old.
Interior mall entrance Interior of bookstore Artwork that can be found on pillars around the store (Artist: Ernest Marza)
This week’s blog is about another of Victoria’s independent bookstores: Russell Books.
According to its website, it is Canada’s largest independent bookstore. The family run business opened its first bookstore in Montreal in 1961 and opened a branch in Victoria in 1991.
The bookstore sells new and used books and also sells rare and antiquarian titles.
They do buy books from customers, however, the times of when the area for buying books is open is usually when I’m at work. There is also a link on their webpage to book an appointment for selling books to them.
Due to the hoops one has to go through to sell them books I haven’t brought any of my used books to them.
That being said, they do have a large collection and selection of new and used books.
When I first moved to Victoria, the bookstore was located on the other side of the street from where it is now. When they moved to the current location in 2019, they set a world record for the tallest tower of Guinness World Record books. The tower went from the lower level to the main floor level.
Going down the escalator from main level to lower level.
Although I sometimes miss the cramped aisles, creaking wooden floors, and narrow staircase of the old location, the current location is a lot brighter (with natural light filtering in from the skylights) and a lot easier to get around.
If the do not have the book one is looking for, like all independent bookstores in Victoria, the can order it in.
There are a number of independent bookstores in Victoria and today I’d like to introduce you to my favourite one.
Books and Shenanigans is in Cook Street village. Kerri opened this family run bookstore 3 years ago and I cannot imagine Cook Street without it.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Like all the indie bookstores they will order in books for you if they do not have it.
Books and Shenanigans sells new and used books, as well as puzzles and cheeky cards. They try to promote local authors whenever possible, and also carry local products, like candles and crochet hats.
They also run a number of different book clubs, and reading retreats.
One of the things I like about this bookstore is that they have a points system. One gets points for buying books from them and credit for bringing used books to them.
Tom and Kerri from Books and Shenanigans
I also like going in and discussing the latest book I read with the staff who are nice enough to listen and tell me what they thought of the book and a recommendation for the next good read.
KotsuKotsuLife 