Bolen Books

I have been a customer since Mel first opened. I remember wandering in her small space as a child. I have watched this company grow and expand to become what it is today. I have spent many hours with my own kids wandering through the endless selection of great reads. Many of their childhood favourites still talked about. This bookstore will always have a special place in my heart.

This IS my favorite book store. I ordered a copy of Rick Rubin's Book, and it came signed by the author. What a nice surprise.Shipping is super fast, and they are always so kind in emails, and replies to order questions. LOVE Bolen books, and it's incredible selection.

I love shopping at Bolen Books! They have an excellent selection of books, puzzles, novelty items and a friendly knowledgeable staff to help you out if you can’t find what your looking for. I’d also recommend attending their fantastic Author events, they’re always great fun.

Our favourite local bookstore to visit and support. Extensive availability of books and have special ordered many books I wanted. Arrive as quickly as ordering from big multi national chains but we feel much better that our $ stays local. The gift sections are a bonus too! Thank you for your amazing selection and carrying books for EVERYONE.

Excellent family run book store in Hillside Mall. Has been around for quite some time. Staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. There is always something to draw you in. Interesting books galore, large magazine selection along the back wall, puzzles and gifts selection are always different. Engaging fresh products so worth a bit of a gander around. Excellent ease of use by ordering on line and they advise when the book is in. Simple pick up that is a breeze. Customer service rates very highly. Worth your time.

One of my favourite book stores in Victoria! They bring in amazing new books and always are involved in community and important events throughout the year. My first stop anytime I need new reading material. Extra bonus for their amazing advocacy in Pride month and the resources they provide.

Best book store in Victoria. Family and women owned and operated! Best book store on Vancouver Island! Not just a store but an experience! It's got such a cozy vibe. I've been going since I was a kid and always look forward to going when down here! It is a one stop shop for all the best books, games, gifts, puzzles, cards (sooooo many cool cards!) Absolutely love their displays from holidays to cultural to historical to pride to everything in between! Love that they put so much, effort, love and pride into their displays! it doesn't matter who you are there will be a book there for you! Great place for children and the community to expand their knowledge, curiosity, imagination and dreams through their amazing kids selection of books, gifts and books! This store is putting in hard work to provide such an amazing and inclusive space full of knowledge, dreams, power and education. Their staff is fantastic and so is their inventory! A must see but make sure you give yourself some time to browse as I promise you that you'll fall in love with their selection of amazing stories and have a hard time leaving in a short amount of time! Give them some love and follow their social media! Books are knowledge and knowledge is power! Love this place so much!

I cannot adequately express my love for Bolen Books. As a local option, with great selection, it is our family go to.As an early years professional, I am impressed by their children’s section, and was particularly heartened to see the Pride display, and appreciate their intentionality in providing options that reflect the diversity of humankind.

Bolen’s Books has been at the Hillside Mall for as long as I can recall and it is quality all-‘round.Whether you’re looking for children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, gifts, notecards (especially from the V & A, London!) journals, magazines, etc., you’re in for a treat at Bolen’s.If you love browsing book stores, plan on visiting with someone else who loves books, or on your own! You’ll need plenty of time to wander the aisles and savour the entire Bolen’s experience. This isn’t your average bookstore.Staff at the main desk are friendly, helpful, and always on hand to assist.