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October 2024 by David “not B” A
A small shop, but a well-curated selection. Good focus on children's books, and local authors. Pleasant and knowledgeable staff. Ivy's has been in Oak Bay since the 1960s.
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October 2024 by Lea Tyrrell
Ivy's Bookshop is a true gem and a cherished part of the community. Stepping inside feels like entering a cozy literary haven, where every corner invites you to explore and discover new stories. The shop has a carefully curated selection of books, from bestsellers to local authors and unique finds that you won’t find in bigger chain stores. The intimate, welcoming atmosphere makes getting lost on the shelves easy, making finding the perfect read for any mood or occasion easy.
What makes Ivy’s exceptional is the sense of connection it fosters within the community. The staff is always friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help with personalized recommendations. You can tell they have a deep passion for books and a commitment to making the shop a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s a place where locals gather, share ideas, and celebrate the joy of reading.
Ivy’s Bookshop adds much value to the neighbourhood as a bookstore and a cultural hub where readers and writers can connect and engage. Supporting this local treasure feels like being part of something bigger, and it’s clear that Ivy’s is a beloved institution in the community.
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October 2024 by Courtney den Elzen
I can not sing the praises of this bookstore enough! A great sense of community. And the booksellers are so full of knowledge, kind, happy to help find just the right book for you and they know so many patrons by name.
Furthermore Ivy’s has hands down the best nature section I have ever seen! Bookseller Erin, who stocks the nature section is incredible! As an avid nature and adventure literature and creative non-fiction reader I can be quite picky :). Her thoughtful and spot on recommendations are now some of my all time favourites books. Visiting and picking up her recommendations is what keeps me coming back and it is always a highlight of my week!
So glad this shop exists. A small little place but their staff make it a place of book magic.
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March 2024 by Tanner MP
Absolutely perfect local bookstore. Great selection and able to order in anything not in stock. Well priced. Worth supporting!!
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December 2023 by Jacob Sheppard
Lots of books. So many books it was cathartic for me. How can anyone write a book, knowing there’s this many books out there.
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May 2023 by Travel Journalist
The term, “Small, yet mighty,” springs to mind when speaking of Ivy’s Book Shop in the heart of the Oak Bay Village, in Victoria.The familiar half-door (Dutch Door) at the entrance on Oak Bay Avenue has always been a symbolic invitation, in my mind, to wander inside Ivy’s and look around.With the main desk near the entrance, surrounded by postcards, prints, magazines, and the like, there is always a friendly face to assist you, if needed.There are many books pertaining to the west coast, to Victoria, and, of course, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s titles. You’ll see gifts, journals, prints, and you can’t possibly miss the lovely line of canvas bags, each with different designs hanging overhead.It’s very difficult to choose just one!The children’s nook at the rear of the store is small, but inviting and, while we popped in again today, there were children there browsing the titles and looking overhead at the ‘creatures’ hanging from the ceiling.This is the sort of bookstore that every neighbourhood should have, that every child and adult shall remember. It is not Amazon, it is not Indigo, it is a small business that has been in the community for many years. It is the sort of bookshop that older adults will remember fondly from years gone by.And like most bookshops triple its size, make sure you have plenty of time to look at all of the wonderful books on display.You won’t be disappointed!
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April 2023 by Bronwen Strembiski
Loved this little find. Great selection of books and very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend it.
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March 2023 by Bonny Racca
Picked up book between appointments. Read the first few pages on a coffee stop. Lots of variety and helpful ladies at this lovely bookstore. I always stop by when I'm in the neighbourhood.
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June 2022 by Griffin Jurisson
Lovely space, great books
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April 2022 by Eleanor Foster
Have shopped at Ivys since I was little and the shop was around the corner on Wilmot. Good selection of books and cards.
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February 2022 by Ed Lien
Ivy’s books is the go to place for book lovers who prefer to have a recommendation before buying. Ask any one of the friendly staff for assistance if you’re stuck for what to read next or want to change it up. Shop local, shop Ivy’s you won’t be disappointed!ps: publishers set the price not the storepps: they can find your book on the slimmest of information “I think the cover was blue” for example.
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December 2021 by Bea Ratsoy
Ivy's is a great bookstore. If they don't have what you're looking for in stock they're happy to order it for you.
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December 2021 by Conor Bill
OK, I will start by saying that I haven't been to Ivy's in 45 years.They didn't have google reviews back then, but I can certainly add one now! That being said, it was the closest book store to my home when I was a small child and living in less than ideal circumstances. Ivy quickly noted my voracious appetite for books and took pains to feed it (and me - I shall forever treasure my memories of her kindness feeding me tea and biscuits in the back room). It is, to me, the very essence of a great bookstore - local, well-curated and welcoming.
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December 2020 by Rachell Morton
Great selection and friendly staff. They do a great job keeping up with popular YA contemporary fiction / fantasy which are my preferred genres. I'd recommend this store to any parent / relative who is trying to find books for their younger relative. They also have a great selection of adult fiction as well.
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December 2020 by Caelen Bright
One of my favorite places to browse (and buy!). I get all my Xmas gifts here; they have something for everyone, and the staff are super helpful and friendly. If you appreciate local, independent bookstores, Ivy's is definitely worth checking out!