Book Bonanza

Not a place for children who love books unfortunately. The woman in the store not so politely told us that our daughter would not be allowed to touch any books, and the library would be more appropriate. We will never be back, and find more positive places for our 6 year old bibliophile to find treasures

Book Bonanza on Quadra is one of my most favourite places to buy books. The proprietor, Robin is a lovely and committed person who "lives" to sell books. The place is jammed packed with a huge selection of books possibly making it a less than ideal place for little kids. It's hard to believe anyone could have a negative experience in the store.

A great little independent bookstore with one of just about every book you can imagine. The owner is really helpful with suggestions and I've enjoyed every book she recommended. Bookstores like this are hard to find these days, and I'm happy to support it rather than buying online.

I don't write business reviews, or reviews of any other kind. I just don't. I can't be bothered. Until now... My 5 year old daughter loves books. Going to bookstores for the two of us is an event. We love local privately owned bookstores. There's a different feel when you walk in the door, often referred to as nostalgia. Well, when we walked in the door to this one, we experienced an entirely different feeling. Shock and wonder. We were greeted with my feet still in the doorway and my daughter a foot ahead looking for kids books. The lady came over and said, "little girl come with me, I'll show some books you can look at. The books in these two bins you can look at and there are some here that make noises too. I ask that if you want to look at any other book on the shelves that your Daddy take them down, hold them and turn the pages for you." Well, the lady walked away and my daughter gave me a quizzical look and then whispered to me, "can I really not touch any books? isn't this a bookstore?" She's a real whippersnapper that one. I did a quick uninterested tour of the bookstore and found it lacking any significant literature content and returned to my daughter still sitting in the chair she was appointed to and looking at the few books she was given permission to touch. As we were about to leave, my 10 year old niece arrived with my brother-in-law. She sat down beside my daughter and picked a book off the shelf. The same lady came over and asked she return the book to the shelf as it is not for children to touch. She's 10 folks. She actually ask we take the book out of her hands and return it to the shelf unless we intended to purchase it. That ended our experience. We swiftly made the decision to leave the store. On the way out, the same lady from behind the counter had the audacity to say, "Ugh, they didn't even buy a thing." Shocker to Book Bonanza store owner (you better be the owner, otherwise this woman is ruining your business) not everyone that walks in the door is obligated to purchase something. Second. A bookstore is a magical place. You stole that magical moment on August 26th from my daughter. All books to us are precious objects to be read, re-read and cherished. Luckily, I had the foresight to purchase a couple new books for our family vacation prior to arriving. Third, it is readily apparent you lack that pure, unchained book lovers appreciation for the written word. This is a business for you and nothing more. This is the WRONG reason to own a bookstore. Finally, I have posted this review because of reason #2 above, magic. This store is a magic thief. I will never return. If you have a child that loves reading, I hope you find an alternative option prior to arriving to this beautiful, amazing and magical island. Unfortunately, my first online business review is a very negative one. I will always remember to pack extra books and visit a store that allows my daughter to touch the books prior to arriving on Quadra Island.

This is NOT a shop for families! We went here this weekend with our book-loving kids. Unfortunately, the women who run this store do NOT like children! We had just stepped into the shop (we had literally only just put our feet in the door when the shopkeeper came over and asked us to pick up our smallest child, and to tell us that our children are not allowed to touch any books. We came in specifically to purchase a book for the kids that we saw in a window, and we were horrified to receive such a rude greeting. How is it possible that such an unfriendly person can be in the customer service industry? This is not acceptable, and it left us with an awful feeling for our whole trip to Quadra island. Our kids have been going into bookstores since they were little (we buy a lot of books!) and this is the worst experience we have ever had. Shame on you Book Bonanza, for treating your littlest customers so badly! I recommend avoiding this shop completely if you have children.

We vacationed on quadra recently, which is a lovely place with many welcoming businesses and people except this book store. Our son loves books and it’s one thing we don’t mind spoiling him with. We walked by Book Bonanza and our son expressed wanting to get a book. We explained to our son that we would stop in on our way back from the grocery store when the lady working there, who was outside arranging books on a table, politely informed us that there was a library a few buildings down that had children’s books. We thanked her and continued on to get our groceries while noticing her sandwich board advertised kids books, puzzles, and games. I then asked my wife, “did that lady just try and talk us out of coming in her store and buying our son a book?” Despite the comment from the lady we decided to go in anyways and get a book. As soon as we entered we were directed to the kids books which we were informed he could not look at, instead he could sit in a chair and look at books they had in a bin. He immediately spotted a book on the shelf he wanted (Peppa Pig) and attempted to grab, which he was told not to do. Confused, he began to cry. While my wife consoled him I browsed quickly the store but because I was followed around like a thief by the lady working there I quickly decided I would not be supporting this business and left with my family. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered poorer customer service. Thankfully we found a used book store just a short walk away called “Spirit Books” that not only greeted us kindly but played with our son and gave him a free book on top of the books we purchased. Five Stars for Spirit Book.

Found this bookstore while on our summer vacation with three children. As soon as my children walked in the door the owner was directing them away from the "adult" books and towards the "children's books" (not that they were allowed to touch them anyway.) That's correct, in this store, children aren't allowed to touch the books. In fact, there are even signs on the wall telling children not to touch books :| Don't bother going here unless you want to ruin your children's love of reading and exploring new literary treasures.

Incredible selection with lots of hidden gems if you look through the stacks. Lots of local interest books, field guides, boating and fishing etc but YA/kids/scifi sections have prime selections too. I feel like I didn't even see half the store and I was there a while hahaha. Cool local art prints too, just so much to see. Very dangerous for your wallet... Really nice staff too. Warm and welcoming on a cold rainy day.