Bolen Books

The way they have this store merchandised and organized is brilliant! Most of the books are faced outwards so you can see the covers and not just the spine of the book, which makes it so much more interesting and eye catching as you walk through the isles.

They have a large selection of local gifts and items at pretty reasonable prices and also have it set up very nicely.

Very friendly staff and quick checkouts.

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!

It's a great store in an oversized urban mall, and yet you feel like you're in a small bookstore. I buy here often. Recently I bought a book for someone, but they already had a copy. Of course, I had no receipt. I called the store, and the nice person who answered assured me I could get the value as an in store credit without a receipt. Yaay! Now that's a rare thing. Go have a look. You'll go back!

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.

Fantastic selection. As good as Indigo/Chapters or better. They don't carry as many authors, but the authors they do have, they have EVERY book for. Very impressive.

It's great to see a well managed and properly organized bookstore full of enthusiastic patrons in 2023.

I bought two books here not because I was ready to read them but just to show my support.

Great place. Would definitely recommend.

Nice cozy book store. Only complain would be that Fantasy books are labeled under Science fiction.

Great bookstore. The staff picks is my go to when I want something I wouldn't normally read. Friendly staff.

Great selection of kids books, local authors, and boards games/puzzles.

This large bookstore has been my go-to place for browsing and making special orders for more than 20 years. The selection is well-curated by the knowledgeable staff, and is so much better than big box stores: it is a pleasure to spend time there and stumble upon something interesting. They have a simple and effective online ordering system. They also have a nice card and small gift selection (e.g. socks). My only problem is that I live two blocks away and I spend too much money there, though I want to support them so they keep going far into the future. A quality bookstore like this is a great pleasure.

I rate this a 5 star bookstore solely because of the feeling you get walking inside. It feels like a bookstore should. Ita shelves are beautifully set up, and the lighting is perfect and moody.

I absolutely adore shopping here and spending time between the shelves!

Independent book store that has a great selection friendly and knowledgeable staff Md they hold regular events such as book signings. Victoria is a city of readers and Bolen Books is one of the popular bookstores.

Awesome bookstore. Loads of great books, huge selection of games, and an awesome place to look for gifts. Our kids always find something great every time we stop in here.

Staff is also very helpful and friendly. This book store is a great alternative to the usual big box options. Highly recommended to stop in here!

Bolen has great selection of books and games for kiddos. Found a boardgame our two year old loves which was a pleasant surprise

Best Bookstore in Victoria. My wife had inquired about a copy of September Vogue yesterday. Today we had a call from a delightful salesperson who said that Bolen's was unfortunately sold out of September Vogue. She then went on to say she had seen some copies last night in one of the local grocery stores. This is service above and beyond, and why we always shop at Bolen Books.

Love this store. Books games puzzles magazines and more. Very helpful staff.

Love love love. Great ambience. Beats the bog blocks. Whole family loves it. Game, toys, BOOKS 📚 oh and the selection of puzzles.

This is my favourite book store in Victoria. Lovely old school feel, great selection, and staff that go above and beyond.

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.

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.

Absolutely LOVE Bolens! Fantastic staff and great selection 🥰 definitely go here for all my reading needs (and knickknacks)! The welcoming atmosphere is unmatched and the recommendations for a new read has been spot-on. Keep up the great work Bolen Books! Your community appreciates all your displays ❤🏳‍🌈