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.
KotsuKotsuLife 