Otter Books Inc

Had just come from the bakery where I washed my hands immediately before leaving. I good naturedly whined about having to sanitize my hands as we entered. The librarians basically kicked me out. Find a sense of humour! Aug 24 Update: I just received a private message from Christine W, who identified herself as a _former employee and local librarian_. The thing I struggled with was the same tone another (male) reviewer has noted, and that is condescension by the staff. I did in fact sanitize my hands, but the tone of the shop clerk standing nearest me was so snarky, it was as if she took personal pleasure in telling me to leave. It's all about professionalism, or its lack, further reflected in the "sorry not sorry" response below. Consider looking at this. As far as the private message, vigilante flaming, I received from Christine W, she sought me out on social media, creeped my profile, and let it fly. From my short review above, she said she knows "people like" me. "People like me" think I'm special. No, she says, the truly special ones are the people of Nelson, not "people like" me. Aside from the obvious problems when you start assigning to individuals assumptions about a group (this Nelson resident is not alone in this -- it's everywhere and a real problem), it speaks to larger issues of privilege and entitlement. It makes me wonder who are the "people like me." Unless she is Indigenous, the vigilante flamer is a settler "like me," and has no right to claim special privilege (although it certainly doesn't stop us). What I didn't get then, later in the review response (below), or today with the Otter's vigilante hate mail, was "Thanks for the feedback. We'll give it consideration and we hope your next visit to our bookstore is better." It costs nothing to acknowledge and validate criticism, especially in business. We don't even have to agree with it. When people feel heard, they come together. They find common ground. And in these times of division, qualities like humility, equality, and generosity of spirit are sought after more than ever. How telling that Christine W would follow up with rave review about Otter. LOL. Peace.

Excellent selection of great reads. Helpful and very knowledgeable staff. Lucky to have such a great book shop in town

Love this place! One of my fav bookstores in the works.

10/10 bookstore with a selection which leaves nothing to desire. :)

Very helpful and knowledgeable staff with a really amazing collection of books! If they don’t have what I’m looking for they already have it on order. Very cooperative and quick to provide solutions! I’m really grateful Nelson has such an amazing book store here. I prefer ordering from them then ordering online because I’d rather support their business and this gives me a chance to check them out before buying. Thank you so much for all that you do for our community!

My absolute favorite book store anywhere I've been. I always find something I want to read. The staff is fantastic. The shop is mid size and well laid out. It feels cozy but not crowded. You can order pretty much anything.

Best book store I've been to in years; great selection of excellent books.

I was at Otter books about a week or two ago browsing some books. An older gentleman came in to pick up books he ordered. After he left, the two workers started making fun of him and how he says his name when he comes in to pick up his orders (must be a regular customer). I was pretty shocked that these two would do this to a regular customer, and on top of that while I was in the store. Pretty sad if your staff behaves like elementary school kids towards people that keep you in business. Left me pretty soured in the whole experience that I will never spend a dime in this place. I walked out and did not buy what I came in for, which they had.... P.s. nothing wrong with how you say your name Mr. M****y.