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Bookmark
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Newspapers & Magazines Bookstores, Newspapers & Magazines [Edit]
5686 Spring Garden RdHalifax, NS B3J 1H5
(902) 423-0419
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 10 pm
Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
15 reviews for Bookmark
Review Highlights
15 reviews in English
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Review from Krista P.
Halifax, NS
10/16/2011
Anytime I find myself on Spring Garden Road I also find myself hearing (and normally heeding) the siren call of Bookmark, one of my favourite book stores in the city. They know just how to appeal to my inner bookworm. Shelves upon shelves stocked with books of all different types and genres, easily accessible and very well organized into their individual sections which are clearly marked with large, very visible signage. Love, love, love.
They also have a fairly large and varied selection of journals, including moleskine for any budding Hemingways out there. As well there are a number of reading- and writing-related accessories (book lights, blank cards, etc.) and also some gift items, including a good selection of puzzles (I'm not really a puzzle person, but that doesn't stop me from somehow wanting one of the M.C. Escher ones).
The staff always seem to be very friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable as well. They're obviously avid readers themselves, and are therefore great at helping you find what you're looking for, and even making suggestions of good reads you might want to check out. I'm always impressed with the level of customer service I experience at this shop.Listed in: 30 Days of Yelp!, Livin' La Vida Local
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Review from Kirk F.
10/14/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Bibliophiles, rejoice!
Bookmark is a beacon of independent book retailers and one of the few left in Halifax.
Let's start with the amazing: the staff. They all seem to know more about the book that I'm looking for than I do. And they go out of their way to help you. If it's not in, they'll happily offer to order it from their Web site or even see if they can get it from the publisher for you.
The great: the in-store selection. A wide variety of titles that you may not find anywhere else. While the space is small, selection is still broad - just not many copies of each on display.
The good: the layout of the store - big titles above each section to help guide you around the store.
I'd also throw in that they have a fairly good selection of local arts products. I've bought some great birthday cards here. -
Review from Rhia P.
5/18/2011 ROTD 11/5/2011
I heart Bookmark so much.
I am so pleased at the amazing online customer service for special orders, as well as the service with a smile when I go pick up.
I admit to being easily overwhelmed in bookstores, so I will admit I don't go in to browse that very often, but, and especially since there are so few indies left in town, Bookmark has my new book dollar, any day of the week.Listed in: Downtown Gems
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Review from Natalie J.
Halifax, NS
6/2/2011
Best place in the city to buy a book. Don't be fooled by larger chains with more floor space. Bookmark has everything you need - and staff who know books. Not sure what you are looking for, these are the poeple to ask. Can't find a title? They will order it for you.
Support local booksellers. Support local authors. -
Review from Desiree M.
Halifax, NS
9/24/2009
Bookmark has a good general selection of books in the usual book store categories; much more than you would expect from such a little shop. There's a sign at the counter that says 'special orders' so I'm assuming that this increases their actual selection exponentially.
They have a nice selection of gift books and puzzles too, and I ended up buying the Jane Austen puzzle for my mom. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
12/8/2009
The Bookmark is a wonderful independent book store in the heart of Halifax's shopping district. They have a great variety of local content as well as many major releases. The staff is friendly and always willing to suggest a new read which can occasionally lead you to over stepping your budget.
Still, it's nice to bring a book to the counter and hear the staff say, "If you like this, you'll love..." and not, "Will that be cash or credit?"
I had an especially enjoyable time in the music and art section of the store. While browsing I found books ranging from silly (Photos of musicians flipping the bird) to sad (I, Doll, the biography of Arthur Kane) and always interesting.
The Bookmark also sells journals, local flare, maps and great stuffed teddy bears of important historical figures. It's a fun store to browse and a great place to pick up your next favorite book! -
Review from D B.
Halifax, NS
5/18/2011
Bookmark is a fantastic book store - I say a little prayer for them daily that they will survive against some of the bigger box stores - this is what book shopping used to be like - small, friendly and convenient. My friend Mike works here and he has been in the book business his whole working life - if you need a book he will find it - no questions. All the staff are courteous and knowledgeable - PLEASE buy your books from a store like this instead of "C*****" or the like - trust me you will miss it when it is gone.
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Review from Brittney K.
Halifax, NS
11/7/2010
In the age of Kindles and ever-expanding bookstore chains (*ahem* Chapters), small, local bookstores are going the way of the dinosaurs. This is part of the reason that Bookmark is such a gem- it still packs a punch with its thriving clientele and it's array of bestselling, new release books.
While I admit that I do read a number of titles on my E-reader (I know, tsk tsk), I still find myself returning here for certain paperbacks, and I like purchasing the moleskin notebooks for work. I think this is a testament to the service and appeal of the store- the friendly folks who work here, and the quiet, calming atmosphere make this local bookshop a viable option for readers. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
9/25/2009
The Bookmark is an excellent fixture of spring garden road often carrying literary finds that the big box bookstores don't bother with. Numerous times i've stumbled upon new authors just by thumbing my way through their literature section.
For those interested in supporting 'mom and pop' style stores, this business only has locations in Halifax and Charlottetown, PEI. On top of that, all of the employee's are exceedingly helpful and friendly. Just last week I ordered a recently published book and was informed it would be no problem to have their suppliers get it to me by this week. Did I mention the Bookmark's prices are very competitive as compared with Chapters, Amazon, etc? Having said that-- don't expect any 90% off bins, they do need to feed themselves!
If you're interested in becoming a Bookmark regular they also have a discount system whereby the 10th book you purchase is discounted. Just ask at the front, and they'll start you off with a recipe card of your own--each book purchased warrants a new hole punch. I really recommend supporting this hole in the wall little gem! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
9/26/2009
Local and going strong!
The Bookmark is a huge success in my book. No pun intended ;) It has a very nice selection. And what they don't have, the staff are eager to order for you right away. They also have book reading supplies such as lights and fun bookmark's. For being a small bookstore, they have a great system set up. When you buy a book, make sure to put your name on their list so that they can keep track of how many books you've bought. Because after a certain number, I believe it is five, you get up to a 30% discount. Is that better than the bigger book store chains? Nope. But is it a step in the right direction? Of course.
Bookmark has every section I want. Their film and television section could be bigger but I have still found some books I ended up buying and enjoying. The space is rather small but they do a good job of getting as much as they can in there. The sections are easily identifiable, but if you can't find what you are looking for, thanks to the size of the store, it takes no time to find a customer service person who can help you out.
Bookmark has been around for a long time. I have probably purchased a dozen or more books from them to date. Their pricing is similar to that of the major bookstores. The discounts are okay but aren't as good as the big book franchises. But Bookmark is the only bookstore that is right downtown and has the selection I want. So for all those reasons, I give the four stars. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/11/2010
The Bookmark is a refuge from the bustle of activity that takes place on Spring Garden. Once you enter, the friendly staff will greet you and let you thumb your way through the store for hours if you wish. I read three chapters of a music anthology standing in this store.
For the scholar in your life- they carry moleskin journals in every size and color you could ever imagine. For the kids- they have a line of plush toys called something along the lines for "Little Geniuses" or "Young Renaissance" or something. The toys depict the likeness of Poe, Picasso, Dorian Grey, Einstein etc. They are meant to inspire interest in these and other influential artists and scientists. I was inspired to buy a finger puppet size one, at an outrageous $7.00.
The only problem that I found with this location is that they don't keep books around for years and years. Due to limited shelve space, they stick mainly to carrying the newest releases or the books that are critically acclaimed, so don't come looking for anything too obscure.
Hot Hint: The great map selection that they ad surprised me, road maps all over the United States, Canada, and major cities internationally. I picked up an antique looking world map for a steal at $15.00! -
Review from Ang M.
Halifax, NS
10/27/2009
There aren't that many independent booksellers left in the world, so Bookmark gets points just for surviving in the cold hard world that is the retail book business today.
The great thing about this store is you can walk in and see, very clearly, what the new releases are in fiction and non-fiction without any "Heather's Picks," or anyone else's selections, getting in the way. Selection is amazing, and the shop's employees are very well informed and eager to help with any questions you might have. The shop offers a discount program for frequent buyers, and also plays a big part in the local literary community by sponsoring readings and author events from time to time. Deserves our support, especially since the recent demise of Frog Hollow. -
Review from Lacey H.
3/23/2010
I love a cozy bookstore with a big selection. This little shop on Spring Garden Road provides a vast array of reads for the adults and little ones alike.
You can find new releases, best sellers as well as some classics at this friendly downtown store. My favourite thing to peruse (as pointed out by other reviewers as well): the Moleskins. Somehow these handy little agendas/notebooks have become the be-all and end-all for me in organizing my life. I love their sleek contours, great layouts and discrete sizes.
Swing by this shop if you're in the market for a new read. If you're looking to organize your life, I highly suggest you invest in a Moleskin at Bookmark. It's always nice to feel like your day timer is special - it perhaps compels us to really take strides at becoming organized and productive. Head into Bookmark and take a little gander. I'm sure it won't disappoint! -
Review from Krista L.
Westphal, NS
9/22/2009 1 photo
Recently while walking down Spring Garden, a small bookstore caught my eye and I decided to stop in and take a peak. What fascinated me about this bookstore was the unique experience it created for me. Over on one wall, on display, was "Where the Wild Things Are" a 1964 children's book, and a childhood favorite, that I hadn't seen in 25 years. Then, when proceeding to the checkout, I was delighted to see the full collection of the Robert Munsch mini-books from the 1980s including Love You Forever, The Paper-bag Princess, Thomas' Snowsuit, and Mortimer. Going in the Bookmark proved to be a very exciting experience for me that helped me to bring back and relive some wonderful childhood memories.
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Review from Anna H.
Halifax, NS
1/12/2010
There are few better ways to spend an afternoon than perusing a good bookstore, and Bookmark fits into this fantasy just fine. Staff members here are friendly and informed, often offering up comments or opinions on your purchases as you check out. I've found them very helpful when I need to find a title, or am looking for recommendations, too.
Although it is relatively small, I find the selection in Bookmark quite nice. They stock a good deal of work by local authors (I've seen quite a few signed copies here) and independent presses. I often spend time in the cooking section at bookstores, of which Bookmark offers up a great example. Foodies will enjoy the browsing here; you'll find books on a wide variety of cooking styles and as well as other food related writing.
Check out the new and recommended tables near the front - there are often good new things to be found there.
