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MacLeod's Books
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Bookstores [Edit]
455 Pender St WVancouver, BC V6B 1V2
Neighbourhood: Downtown
(604) 681-7654
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
49 reviews for MacLeod's Books
Review Highlights
"...sure I could find a first edition of an oscar wilde play in..."
(in 4 reviews)
"MacLeod's is the type of used bookstore that I hope will..."
(in 8 reviews)
"...just a great place to find something no one else is gonna..."
(in 5 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole F.
2/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's almost as if someone decided to try and fit the VPL inside of this little book store. Actually, it probably isn't that small. I've just been fooled by the never ending piles of books. I was hopping over books, climbing through them, standing on stools to reach them, and pulling them off shelves just to look at the other books hiding behind them.
At first, it can be a little overwhelming. You just need to stop worrying about it and jump in. I can't remember what I was looking for, but I left with 4 other books! And I plan on going back to see the other half of the store. I reached my spending limit before I'd even seen everything.
I'll be back next time I have time to kill. I love MacLeod's! -
Review from Daren D.
1/14/2012
Leaves are to the Autumn season as books are to MacLeod's: they. are. everywhere. There are skyscrapers of books..
There are Leaning Towers of Pisas of books..
There are jungle paths of books...
There are double-stacked shelves of books...
There's book overgrowth on the staff desk....
I had no intention of buying crap while on vacation, but I thought, you know what, whatever. I mosy on over to the sci-fi section to browse - I get me 2 old and charming Ray Bradbury books; small and discolored, away we go. -
Review from Travis c.
Vancouver, BC
1/9/2012
If you are visiting Vancouver this store is a must see. The books go from floor to ceiling and everywhere in between, filling the isles and every nook and cranny. There is an interesting section of rare children's books in a glass display case at the front.
Be forewarned, don't go here if you are looking for a specific book, you will never find it. However if you want to browse around and see a part of Vancouver's history then check it out.
P.S. check out the main desk by the cashier -
Review from Sandi M.
Victoria, BC
2/4/2012
I spent a wonderful afternoon browsing through MacLeod's Books! The staff were very helpful. I found several turn of the (20th) century books with the kinds of illustrations I was looking for including a children's counting book. I didn't confess that I use old books (honestly only the shabbiest) for mixed media art pieces... And to top if off I found a couple of '50's national park decals for the hubs. Yes it was just as described but after reading the reviews I was prepared! The little Italian deli on the opposite corner is a delicious place to take a break at too!
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Review from Carol H.
Vancouver, BC
1/22/2012
Passed by this bookstore by accident, and decided to go in and take a look to find a particular book. Didn't find the book i wanted, BUT, while scouting for titles inside the shop, i came across a great book and the owner of the store told me that this particular publisher has a series of interesting books under the same topic. I'm now on the hunt for other titles in this series. If it weren't for the owner and this bookshop, i'd never ever came across this gem!!
Just like all other reviewers said here, go there and explore and see what gems you will find! -
Review from Bobbin W.
10/13/2011
It's a long story.
In a nutshell, I grew up playing my grandparents' piano, including their now-vintage sheet music. My favorite was Shirley Temple's "Animal Crackers in My Soup." One day I came over to practice only to find the sheet music gone. My sweet grandfather gave it away to some woman from his church who specifically asked for it. My heart hurts for it to this day.
While vacationing in Vancouver, I hit up MacLeod's Books. Honestly, the towers of literature gave me a headache. I didn't feel like navigating the piles. On my way out, my boyfriend and I noticed some sheet music sticking out from some Bob Dylan biographies.
Among the small selection, I found a distressed Jackson Browne songbook and a collection of Shirley Temple songs. It was meant to be!
Plus, the super-nice man at the counter gave me a deal on what could be worth $100.
While a particular title might be hard to find in MacLeod's, perhaps what you are supposed to walk away with finds you. -
Review from Derek W.
10/5/2011
Haiku Review:
Give yourself some time.
Books are from a slower age,
MacLeods does not rush.
Enter the basement
Exploding with character
And piles of good books
Above my heart, but
Below my mind, there is where
words enter, and dwell. -
Review from Miriam H.
9/18/2011
I trekked to Vancouver last year for some Wendy Cope poetry books: I called six stores, large ones: UBC Bookstore, Chapters, among others; I call MacLeod's Books. Believe it or not, through the labyrinth of stacked books they effortlessly secured a copy and set it aside for me to pick up.
Bookstores of this ilk are disappearing where I live now: I'm so thankful for MacLeod's for staying true to its mission and satisfying the yens of us who want that out-of-print or hard-to-find book in their hands that very day (or week). -
Review from Dan J.
Vancouver, BC
7/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I read. But I'm not the kind of guy who gets high when he sees a first edition copy of The Collected Works of Guy de Maupassant. So I can't say I'm truly a lover of literature. But MacLeod's makes me wish I was. Wish I were. See? I don't even know which is grammatically correct.
I do however love the craftsmanship it took to make and the feel of handling a beautifully bound book. I took some book-binding and printing courses in university. What's wrong with that? What did YOU take? Thppt*
I was looking to create books of my own as promotional pieces and went to MacLeod's to see if there were any decaying small journals I could rescue and re-construct. When I explained my intentions to the lady behind the desk I got scolded. "We frown upon that." Aw c'mon, it's not like I was about to shred the Qur'an. So I left empty handed. At first I was miffed but later I thought about it and respected her point of view.
I've bought books here from time to time mostly as gifts for other people. The shop is crammed floor to ceiling in places with old books, new books, red books, blue books. From classics to cook books I betcha they have it. It's cramped and musty and the staff are helpful but a bit bookish and eccentric.
But the last time I went there I was really impressed. I was looking for an old European bound classic book to rent as a prop for a shoot. I had specific aesthetics in mind and the owner spent a lot of time trying to find just the right piece for me. He walked with me across the street to another storefront that they rent for their overflow inventory. Opened it up, turned on the lights and -Oh my God! How many books does this guy own? And there are two more suites just like this.
He spent around a half hour looking with me for just the right book. I was very grateful to him for his time and expertise. He grasped the concept behind the shoot and took it upon himself to find the perfect match. All for a rental that netted him around $20.
The shoot turned out kinda m-eh in case you were wondering. But the book looked great! -
Review from Ly H.
9/1/2011
As a bibliophile, I can't believe that I'm giving an independent bookstore such a low rating but I am.
As the previous reviewers mentioned there are books everywhere, piled on every available surface. The staff are pretty friendly and somehow manage to know where things are when you ask them.
For me, the clutter is just too overwhelming. I love used books, I love independent books stores, but I don't love the feeling that I might be buried alive if I accidentally bump into a pile of books. I think MacLeod's might be violating some fire hazard or ability to exit the building safety bylaw.
If you are claustrophobic in anyway don't go and especially don't go downstairs. There is a smallish room off to the side downstairs with a sign that says "staff only" where I think the bad books are sent, if you look in there is a massive floor to ceiling haphazard mountain of books.
The store could give away half of their stock and it would still be over-flowing.
Sorry MacLeod's, I really wanted to like you but you're just too much. -
Review from Haedis L.
7/14/2011
'Tis the perfect place to spend an afternoon.. that is, if you really really love books like I do.
Books and I have a torrid love affair. Find a good one and suddenly I don't bother to recharge my phone, instead I spend hours and hours engrossed with said book, only to fall asleep entwined.. ah.
There is a dark side though. Is there anything worse than not having a good book?!
Gah!
All I wish it to always have a good book to read and that is fine and dandy for me.
Ahem, well, enough about..books.. and let's move onto the actual bookstore!
This book store reeks of used books and is an oasis on a perfect sunny Sunday. I love how it is 'generally' organized but still makes you work to find what you are looking for. I find the normal Indigo's and Chapters a little claustrophobic, sterile and...scary.
This place reeks upon mysteries and adventures and knowledge all swirled into one ice cream cone. When you walk inside it's like walking into another era. It's almost as if time slows down and you suddenly realize what a quirky little city we live it.
You may not find the exact book you are want, but you will most certainly happen upon exactly what you need! -
Review from Jenny H.
Downtown Eastside, Vancouver, BC
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow! This place is crazy!! So many old awesome books. Not much more to say besides wow! Great bookstore!
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Review from Pat C.
8/28/2011
I knew it as soon as I walked in: my girlfriend, had she been with me, would never leave this place after walking in. It is absolutely jammed with books. I simply could not believe my eyes. It reminded me of the show "Hoarders" only I was willing to pay into this sort of addiction. If you like books, and you've found yourself in Vancouver, you must budget at least a couple hours before stopping in to MacLeod's.
Also: they are open on Sundays. -
Review from Sarah A.
9/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Remember that scene in Harry Potter, when they are in the library and the books are piled so high that Hermione has to use a wand to retrieve them? That is basically MacLeod's, except you most likely will not have the magic wand (unless you are particularly lucky). That being said, this place is a bibliophile's paradise. Books are EVERYWHERE. And I do mean everywhere. On the floor, on shelves, on tables, tilting precariously from the top of a stack. However, despite the hodgepodge, the employees here know their collection inside out. They can tell you where everything is and they also know pretty well what they have in stock. You can get lost in here for hours, behind a stack of books, reading a gem of a novel that you had forgotten even existed. This place has something for everyone. You will not be able to leave without a book (or ten) in your hands.
Listed in: Culture Vultures
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Review from Lisa L.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2011
We happened on MacLeod's Books just strolling in the city. Of course, we'd driven past it a million times and seen it on our way to and from other places. But one day, with some time on our hands, we took the plunge and went in. And what a treasure. Old books, new books, rare books, fun books, you name it and they've got it.
But the ultimate MacLeod's Books inspiration came while we were planning for our wedding.
Between flowers and photography, favours were far off on our radar of wedding planning to-do's. But the day came when we realized we had to give our guests something to take away. There were the usual: candles, mints, chocolates, something with the bride and groom's names engraved or initialed or otherwise to be thrown out, tucked away, or forgotten.
But my husband and I both love reading and the thought of giving everyone a book appealed to us immensely. So that's what we did. With multiple weekends and the enormous patience and help of the staff at MacLeod's, we picked a unique book for each and every one of our guests.
From opera to physics, poetry to Pooh, our guests all walked away with a keepsake that taught them something about us, told them something about themselves, and a personal message written from us.
Like all wedding favours, the books might become forgotten, they might be tucked away, but we will always have the memory of digging through the stacks, the fun of chatting with the staff about our family and friends, and the conversations started at our wedding because "Oh, you like gardening? My book is about flowers."
Definitely a great place to check out on a quiet Sunday afternoon. -
Review from Mark H.
1/26/2011
MacLeod's is the most jam-packed and gleefully claustrophobia-inducing used bookstore that I've ever been in, anywhere. (And used bookstores are what I usually visit first whenever I'm in a new place.)
The prices were not necessarily cheap, but I suppose something has to pay for all the extra floor-bracing required to keep this place from collapsing under the weight of tons of books.
Looking for books on the Cheyenne people? There's a shelf for you. British steam-powered frigates? There's probably a whole area for that. Strauss? Be sure not to look in the 'Johann' section when you're looking for 'Richard.' A section on poached eggs? I didn't see one, but wouldn't be surprised if I missed it. Seriously, this place is incredible. They could easily fill up a warehouse 10 times the size of this store, and you would still be crawling on your hands and knees to get at everything that's crammed on the shelves. -
Review from Louise G.
Updated - 4/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
On top of the usual great reasons to shop at Macleod's - now there is one more:
Current Special: Buy 3 hardcovers and get 30% off !!!!
Our last two trips have been very successful. Simply pointing out the "Rancher" section to my honey produced something that had been on 'the list' for quite some time (and gave me brownie points!!!)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/8/2010 ROTD 1/30/2011
The great problem I have with reviewing MacLeod's is deciding how many stars to give it. Don't get… Read more »
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Review from Lori O.
Surrey, BC
12/23/2010
If you're into rooting through old books and could spend an afternoon doing it, this is your place! If you're a collector in search of older, rarer items, this is most definitely your place. It is a lovely counterpoint to the endless sea of Chapters style book stores.
And even though the place looks like a book explosion, the staff seem to know where everything is. If you're looking for something in particular, they usually know if they have it in stock and where to find it. But generally I like to just meander around and breathe in the pleasantly musty scent of ancient books.
Whenever I'm downtown for a meander, this is one of the places I make a point of frequenting. -
Review from Andrew F.
Vancouver, BC
7/24/2010
MacLeod's is the definition of organized chaos. Yet despite my aversion of messy lifestyles I find myself oddly attracted to this bookstore. As an avid fan of all things Vancouver history I have found more gems here than all the other bookstores combined. And it is precisely the vast quantity of noteworthy titles that keep drawing me back. They have tourism pamphlets from the 1920s! They even had a turn of the century book with a large fold-out map of Stanley Park. I really wish I could've afforded the $200+ price tag.
God bless this mess. -
Review from Weldon H.
Vancouver, BC
3/26/2011
Awesome books I've bought at MacLeod's: One Thousand and One Second Stories by Inagaki Taruho; All Poets Welcome: The Lower East Side Poetry Scene In The 1960s by Daniel Kane; I'll Be Your Mirror: Selected Andy Warhol Interviews; Heart of the Breath by Jim Brodey -
AND - if you go down to the AMAZING basement, where there are a million more books - you can find at least 8 copies of Gerry Gilbert's "Moby Jane," a great book by a great Vancouver poet. I know, because I counted, one lazy day ... -
Review from Brendon D.
12/31/2010
You'd be surprised at the number of modern and good quality books here.
This is the sort of place to go to first before going to a big box book store. The books are piled high and place oozes with history and adventure. The staff does truly know where every section is located. Awesome.
Don't half step. Support local merchants and go here first if you are in the Gastown area. -
Review from Victoria R.
Vancouver, BC
9/6/2010
This place is like an attic you could spend days in.
If you're a lover of books, you will love stepping over, around and through the piles of books that are everywhere. You can literally get lost in here, and it's not that big. My favourite thing about the place is that when you find a book that looks older than your grandma, you actually have to blow the dust off of it to open it.
They have books that are ancient! If I had the patience, I'm sure I could find a first edition of an oscar wilde play in here. -
Review from Joseph L.
Vancouver, BC
7/6/2010
I love this place. When I'm there I feel like an intrepid explorer fighting through a strange and hostile environment with pitfalls at every turn. All in the quest to find that book that I'm going to read next.
Then again... I may just have an over-active imagination. -
Review from Cameron M.
Toronto, ON
11/11/2008 1 photo
MacLeod's is absolutely my favorite book store in the city.
For one thing it has some of the most interesting and rare editions of books in the city. MacLeod's is always known for going out of the way to find the talked about first editions and rare printings of books and whenever I've gone after something they either have it or know where I might find it.
But what I love is the way the place looks. Books stacked to the ceiling, everything is organized chaos and I'm always amazing the workers can find something if you ask. The whole place looks like the movie set of a wizard's castle or something and I love to take visitors here to bask in the view. -
Review from Christine R.
New Westminster, BC
9/5/2008 1 photo
MacLeod's is the type of used bookstore that I hope will always be there... but the neighbourhood is changing, shiny new businesses and condos are on the march, so I'm just going to support it while I still can. It's an organized jumble of used books and really old books that I can happily get lost in for an hour or so. They're pretty strong on history and fiction, and have lots of poetry, drama, and art books as well.
There are simply books everywhere in the shop - sitting on floor-to-ceiling shelves, and piled high in every aisle and passageway. It's a book shopping treasure hunt. I just want to give at least one book a good home on every visit, just to help out the cause.Listed in: Books and Coffee
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Review from Jesse T.
Vancouver, BC
6/18/2011
I bought Catch 22 here, which took some finding indeed. I love the feel of MacLeod's and the dusky smell of all the old books. Greatly recommended for book lovers.
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Review from pete d.
Vancouver, BC
6/12/2010
Joining the five-star chorus in praise of MacLeod's.
Prices are reasonable. Owner Don and his staff are quite knowledgable. Prerequisite for visiting isn't money, but time.
This is one of those used bookstores to allow yourself to get lost in. -
Review from Chloë E.
Vancouver, BC
11/28/2008
MacLeod's looks like a pack rat's library, not seen for 40 years. Walking into the store I feel like all that week's deliveries arrived at once. Repeated visits to MacLeod's make you realize the book-crammed shelves, stacks on the floor, and piled boxes are just how this store has evolved.
Bookshelves have been added to every nook of the store to display the increasing numbers of books. I've always wondered just how strong the floor here must be to support this massive weight. If you have moved recently, you will understand just how much a box of books weighs.
Antique and rare books are the specialty at MacLeod's, and prices are as varied as the store is haphazard. There are more of these rare books available that aren't in the store. Go with something specific or nothing in particular in mind--either way you'll love the quirks of the store.Listed in: Vancouver randomness
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Review from R. W.
2/15/2011 1 photo
My family and I had traveled a very long distance to see Vancouver (all the way from the southern United States); we had some business here, and it was our very first visit. Overall, weather aside, we enjoyed the city and its hospitality greatly. I'd taken my young son to the Vancouver Aquarium and to the under-construction (but still fun) Science World, and we'd stopped on Hastings Street for 30 or 40 minutes to watch part of the taping of a famous science fiction television program. However, he'd indulged his father by accompanying me to visit the celebrated MacLeod's Books.
When I say "celebrated," I don't exaggerate by much. All of my acquaintances who'd been to or lived in or near Vancouver insisted I visit this bookstore. While I've heard many such boasts about bookstores in the past, this would be one of the few times the place actually exceeded all of the talk in terms of its quality. I'm a veteran book collector with a large collection who's been in literally a few hundred stores all over the U.S., Canada, and even Asia. Still, MacLeod's left me amazed.
Everything about MacLeod's was great and pleasantly anachronistic. Wood shelves and protecting glass-panels were seen in abundance. The place had a feel of some place lost in a better time for bibliophiles. As has been said in the other reviews, there are literally books everywhere: stacked next to the shelves, towering above, in endless rows. Yet, it's all in a somewhat smallish space in an older building. I'm a great fan of vintage Victorian-era fiction & nonfiction, and I had a field day here. I found some first-edition Guy Boothby adventure novels, some early editions of Jules Verne from the 19th century, and some marvelous contemporaneous editions of British Empire history with lovely illustrated cloth covers, but I settled finally on buying some obscure stuff indeed. One thing I did take back home was a volume of short fiction, including some crime and fantasy stories, by W.S. Gilbert, half of the famous musical team of Gilbert and Sullivan. This is a rare book, which I'd only seen previously on the internet, and the price at MacLeod's was very reasonable. Also, I took home a 19th century illustrated botany volume and some Edwardian stage magic guides with early photographs. If you like stage magic, there's a very nice section of rare materials there. There were some nice 19th century leatherbound editions in the shop, including one of the INGOLDSBY LEGENDS, up near the front counter. The sheer variety of books found here is staggering--fiction and nonfiction--and, if you're not a hardcore vintage collector such as myself, there are plenty of more contemporary books available, at fair and moderate pricing.
I will add that my son was kept busy by a nice children's book collection at the front of the shop. He had help from a very kind young lady who was in charge of the shop while we were there. She was excellent as a clerk, and she showed a great deal of patience with a curious five-year-old boy. He liked her immediately, and he behaved much better thanks to her finding things to occupy him while I looked around. As a result, I think he enjoyed his visit as much as I did.
Now, I have one regret, and that's that I live so very far from Vancouver. When can I hope to visit MacLeod's again? -
Review from Kevin R.
Vancouver, BC
10/2/2010
This is a great bookstore. Instantly I was reminded of that old Disney movie "Bedknobs And Broomsticks". In the movie (London 1940) there was that old bookstore, full of ancient tomes, where they came across that rare book "The Isle of Naboombu". Anyways, reminds me of a different time and place. Books everywhere, all types of editions, floor to ceiling. The staff was very helpful and more than willing to point you in the right direction. Be prepared for a hunt, an adventure well worth it.
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Review from Barry C.
Vancouver, BC
7/10/2009
Everything said about MacLeod's is true. Vancouver's version of
Powell's of Portland, but much more organic in its chaos and with seeming disorder is the promise of treasure and surprise.
If print is your thing then this is the place to revel in its glory. This is not only a cavern to seek what you want or dont even know that you want, BUT a buyer of books as well. Dan the owner is most knowledgeable.
Beware of his dismissiveness towards common, book of the month titles. He has been fair in his pricing and quick in his judgement of
what you thought were treasures. I have culled my collection from Gregory Corso to Hunter S. Thompson to Avant Gard magazines have found its temporary home at MacLeod's. -
Review from Bryn D.
8/22/2008
(Writing on behalf of my lady who is shy about her English.)
Actually, my opinion first. The place is almost unbelievable ... more like an example of perfect set design for an enigmatic used bookstore than an actual enigmatic bookstore. Books piled high, everywhere, including on the floors.
My lady wishes something even somewhat approaching this place existed in San Francisco. She made me promise to take her back first thing tomorrow. -
Review from Eva B.
1/16/2011
Hands down this is my favorite book store in Vancouver. I love going in here and wandering through books stacked as high as the ceiling. They are literally oozing out the door. If you are allergic to dust or are claustrophobic, you should go, but be prepared. I have found so many books here that I tell my partner 'they are for work, I need them'. I am not entirely lying. They have some amazing non-fiction books related to pre-historic and historic BC. Most of which are out of print and impossible to find anywhere else let alone buy. Research is part of what I do and if I can't find a book I always give them a call. If they don't have it they will put my name on a list.
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Review from Megan S.
12/21/2008
Whoa! Don't go inside if you suffer from any of the following conditions: obsessive compulsive disorder, claustrophobia, anal retentiveness, panic attacks, or general nerves.
Now I do like this store. But it's a bit overwhelming. It's like searching in your grandmother's attic, opening a wardrobe, and falling into another world. This is either a librarian's dream or nightmare. There are soooooo many books. So many! Very high population density of books.
But some of these books are homeless, they've been cast aside onto the floor. Stuffed in a dark corner, not to see the light of day for years to come. Some of the books get stepped on or kicked around. Some of them look hurt and malnourished. Some are stacked so precariously that a sneeze will send them flying.
I'm tempted to take all the books home and give them a good home. Make a nice spot on the shelf for them, clean them up, give them a proper read. -
Review from Melisa W.
Surrey, BC
1/18/2011
I have been to a few used bookstores around Vancouver, New Westminster, and White Rock. This is by far the best one. They carry quality books and know a good book when they see one. They even order things off of ebay, that they believe are worth selling in their store. Many used bookstores primarily have books from the 80s and 90s, but some of the books date back further. As well, if you are looking for other relics, there are some interesting photographs, magazines, and other printed objects. The staff have a true passion for books and oftentimes know exactly what they have in stock.
It is a little claustrophobic inside, but it is as a good used book store should be. It's one of those places that you're not sure if you should tell people about because of the great finds that are there. -
Review from Erica A.
6/30/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Books, books, books! A little fantastically untidy, but worth the experience. I found three editions of books I love all for low prices. If you love pouring over several titles to find what you want, this is the place.
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Review from Raymond R.
6/28/2009
If I am in Vancouver BC which is every so often I am going to MacLeod's Books. It's just a great place to find something no one else is gonna have. Yes its sort of messy but thats part of the charm. No matter how many book scouts go through there you can still find something they missed because it is impossible to see it all no matter what. I've been there a bunch of times and I plan on being there a whole lot more.
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Review from Becca L.
Vancouver, BC
7/7/2010
MacLeod's is magic.
It may be crowded and chaotic, but it's also literary bliss. The people who work there know and breathe books, so when you're looking for that obscure first edition, or simply want to peruse an old zine, they will be more than happy to help. They also won't give you weird looks when you unearth a treasure you didn't know you were looking for.
Don't go in expecting Chapters. It's not as shiny, not nearly as Oprah-fied, but much more wonderful.
Do yourself a favour and stumble into book Narnia! Reading your newest find over a baguette and coffee at Finch's down the road is my idea of perfect day. -
Review from Mercedes G.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2008
Bookophiles, this is your mecca. The comfort I feel stepping into this jungle of books on a rainy day with a hot beverage is incomparable. The smell of old books (some, REALLY old, vintage treasures!) is something that will forever remain in my nostrils and bring memories of cozying up on the couch with a good read before bed. MacLeod's appears to be bigger on the inside than on the out, creating a feel of stepping into some wonderland of words and memories. It's charm is in its disorganization, something we can all relate to at one point or another.
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Review from Darien C.
BC
11/12/2008
Perhaps my nature has been instilled by my education, but not reading occurs as borderline psychosis. I'm not talking overt crazy like carrying a bloody pick axe or eating human hair, or any hair really, but more like the subtle, subdued crazy, the not blinking often enough or holding a hug for too long. The former we accept, it's obvious, we see it coming. Now in the latter truly lies the crazy, who knows when these reduced blinkers will snap? All this is to say that I like books and I like used book stores. There are quite a few to choose from in this town, ask any wannabe bohemian on Main Street and you're bound to hear a favourite. Mine however remains firmly downtown on the intersection of Richards and Pender, MacLeod's Books. Now I must say that I advocate chaos in all its forms, order simply becomes dull quickly. For the chaotic and literary mind, this is the place to visit. The store is literally stacked with books in all corners, spanning innumerable subjects in multiple languages. Since the renovation there has been a semblance of rationality to the general layout, so much so that one may actually find their book without inquiry. Prior however, your fate was firmly in the hand of the staff that seems to have a preternatural understanding of where everything is. If you don't feel up for the hunt, just ask staff members, if it's there, they'll know. MacLeod's is a gem in this town and seems more suited for a city like Montreal, we're fortunate to have it and I whole-heatedly recommend it.
Also, it has that old book smell; I love that old book smell.
