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Munro's Books
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Bookstores, Cards & Stationery [Edit]
1108 Government StVictoria, BC V8W 1Y2
(250) 382-2464
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sat 9 am - 6 pm
Thu-Fri 9 am - 9 pm
Sun 9:30 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
12 reviews for Munro's Books
12 reviews in English
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Review from Kez M.
Vancouver, BC
12/7/2011
One of my biggest fears is that the invention of e-readers might kill places like this.
It's worth a look inside even if you don't need any books, as the interior is just beautiful. They have a wonderful selection of cards (I hate the crap ones at places like hallmark, so I always stock up when in Vic), lovely diaries and note pads, and of course, a fantastic selection of books.
The staff are also very friendly, they will search their database for you to find books, and if something hasn't come out yet, they will pre-order it for you. They will also order things in specially, and mail them to you if you don't live in Vic.
Also, when the 3rd Harry Potter book came out, Mr Munro was there making magic wands and handing them out to kids. He had his office set up to look like Olivander's and he would measure your arm and let you try out different ones to see which wand would pick you. So awesome! -
Review from Aaron C.
Victoria, BC
8/9/2011
I'm pretty sure this is what every Canadian bookstore should strive to be.
From the incredible can-lit selection, to the beautiful interiors and the friendly and knowledgeable staff, Munro's is, to me, the ideal bookstore.
Every time I return to Victoria, Munro's is one of my first destinations. Walking in the door of the store, originally built for the Royal Bank in the early 1900s, I'm always immediately immersed into the sea of old wooden book cases and their seemingly endless catalogue of fantastic books.
To me, the most impressive feat is their dedication to Canadian literature, and the collection that reflects this. Being started by Alice Munro doesn't hurt that cause, of course.
Furthermore, the incredible staff that this place employs makes every trip to Munro's a memorable one for me. I've never come across a more knowledgeable group of individuals when looking for a new book.
Needless to say, anyone who's looking for a book or some inspiration while in Victoria needs to check out Munro's first. -
Review from Emilie S.
3/12/2011
Lordy, I love this place. It is always my first destination upon arrival in Victoria.
I like everything about Munros- from the ways it smells to the way it is organized.
A perfect bookstore.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Liz M.
11/21/2010
I am a book store whore. I'm also cheap and prefer to get my books from the library. The only solution: stay away from any and all book stores.
However...I was on vacation and so gave in to temptation. The store is bright and comfy, with wooden bookshelves and most importantly (and dangerously!) a large selection of discounted/on sale books. There were a good number of people browsing the shelves on a Saturday afternoon, but the store is large and filled with fun nooks and crannies, so it never felt claustrophobic.
The staff was very nice, and while I was browsing for nothing in particular, I got the impression that they would be more than able and willing to help you find whatever you needed. -
Review from Anirvan C.
12/3/2008
Munro's is supposed to be one of the best bookstores in Canada. I'm baffled at the idea; the store closes at 6:00 pm five nights a week, and has no ongoing events series or book club. How is it supposed to be a "best" general bookstore if it's closed whenever you're downtown after work?
The hype totally skews your expectations.
So here's the deal. Munro's is a pretty great little local new bookstore in downtown Victoria. They have a knowledgeable staff, good selection, and standout Canadiana and magazine collections. Ignore the hype, and you'll enjoy having your wallets lightened (if the store's open, that is). -
Review from Laura A.
Winnipeg, MB
8/2/2010
On a day where other stores in this area weren't at all interested in taking my money, a wonderful associate and book lover at Munro's made my day. As if the decor and atmoshpere of this bookstore weren't enough to take the edge off an otherwise frustrating day of shopping, this fine gentleman helped turn my day right around!
Not only did I find a great book I wasn't expecting, but the fellow assisting me actually helped me to determine the author of a book I only had a picture of on my iPhone that I had taken from a magazine. Although they didn't have the book in stock, he did offer to special order it in, which was like a blast from the past of excellent customer service of the old days when people were actually interested in helping you get what you want :)
So THANKS Munro Books, for having a great store and great staff and for turning an otherwise frustrating day into a fulfilling one!!
PJ xoxo -
Review from Yiling W.
3/16/2010
Beautiful little bookstore in a very pretty building. Okay, so I have to admit I especially liked it since it was one of the only places open in the off-season on a Monday morning when I went touristing in Victoria. Also: it's a nice little bookstore, including a section of local authors and such, and pretty stained glass windows.
P.S. If you really needed to go, the WC is actually in a closet. -
Review from Weirdie B.
Victoria, BC
10/22/2009
Munro's has an OK selection of bargain priced books, but that's about all they have going for them. If you want to shop for books in a place where the staff find chatting to each other at the till and ignoring customers more important than actual quality service, Munro's is for you. If you do manage to catch their attention, the service you receive is pretentious to the nth degree. But people are willing to suffer through it for the prestige of saying, "I only shop at Munro's." There are so many other local book stores where you'll be treated like a king rather than a lowly peon, and that's where you should be shopping.
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Review from Joel D.
5/27/2010
Nice bookstore spot in Victoria, for fellow book readers. Good decore, selection, prices and layout.
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Review from Stacey E.
12/12/2008
I can get lost for days in this place, I love the ambiance, the smell of ink and paper. My father still buys me a book from Munro's every Christmas. Indeed we canucks are proud of our writers and Munro's carries the best selection of local talent. When I travel I often bring books as gifts and can't think of a better souvenir.
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Review from Jennifer H.
Victoria, BC
11/13/2009
I seldom purchase my books here, but I'm still a fan. My only beef with Munro's is there are not enough aisles of books, meaning less books. However, it's charming, inviting and the staff are always friendly. And today's experience was over the top. There's this book I've been waiting to come out and at the last minute I think, "I should find and reserve a copy for my self" So I do and it's done. No hassles. Then my boss wants a copy and I phone back and again, no problem. And they have copies today. Perfect! So at lunch we arrive to find the books have been put aside and labeled for my pick up. While waiting for them to be retrieved two staff members asked if we needed help. Now that's how service is done folks.
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Review from ANDREW N.
Victoria, BC
12/22/2008
I'm giving this five stars because: it's spacious, has lots of cashiers so you rarely have long to wait, and has a good sized discount section. Also it has some nice finds for the independent crowd. They have a small section of new DVDs, and there's far more hidden gems there than hit movies (many of the DVDs are documentaries or British films/TV shows).
