Book City

274 reviews

348 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N8, Canada

www.bookcity.ca

+14164699997

About

Book City is a Book store located at 348 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N8, Canada. It has received 274 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10AM-6PM
Tuesday10AM-6PM
Wednesday11AM-5PM
Thursday10AM-6PM
Friday10AM-6PM
Saturday10AM-6PM
Sunday10AM-6PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Book City: 348 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1N8, Canada

  • Book City has 4.6 stars from 274 reviews

  • Book store

  • "Just got off the phone with the store"

    "The bookstore was cute, and for its size, offered an alright range of books, as well as items like totes, journals, and puzzles"

    "I've come here for years"

    "If Book City could include a few semi-academic books, it would be the lit-est book store ever"

    "Small and sweet neighborhood bookstore"

Reviews

  • steven cooke

Just got off the phone with the store. I was searching for a trilogy which they didn't have. I was okay with that, as they were second store I tried, and neither had the books. However, I was a little put off when, immediately after the woman on the phone told me they didn't have the book, she effectively bolted for the exit with an ultra curt "bye" and then hanging up. I was just at the point at asking if they had anything else in the fantasy young fiction range. I have previously purchased books here so don't want to torpedo the place based on one rude salesperson, but I just found it baffling. Especially, after months of either being dependent on curbside service that depends on the effective use of the phone. As a contrast, Circus Books about a kilometre east was the complete opposite. So friendly, and gave the impression they wanted to find a solution for me--even referring me to Book City.

  • Blake Alexander-Wolfe

The bookstore was cute, and for its size, offered an alright range of books, as well as items like totes, journals, and puzzles. Staff were kind. However, when perusing the rather meagre section of books on feminism/gender studies, looking for queer books, I had noticed the only book being carried on transgender issues was the anti-trans book, “Trans” by Helen Joyce. I was pretty immediately uncomfortable, looking for more positive books about transgender people, and did not find anything. I don’t think I feel comfortable continuing to patronize this business if they are discriminatory or unfriendly towards trans folks or any kind of queer people.

  • Alexander Osborne

I've come here for years. I asked the women for help at the counter at the back. So unhelpful. She was helping a woman in front of me, took her name down, looked up the name of her book and author, and referred her to another store which had her desired book. Then I asked her if the store had ecological calendars by chris hardman, to which she responded "we have what we have hanging." Very disinterested and not helpful. I'll take my buisness elsewhere. Didn't look it up in the computer, didn't try to find it at another store location. I've bought this calender here before.

  • HARRIS LAM

If Book City could include a few semi-academic books, it would be the lit-est book store ever. Lit as in fire and lit as in literature. Sun's out puns are out y'all. Nw, I'm not talking about Organic Chemistry textboks or anthing like that. I understand University course books can't be available. What I'm talking about are books like "Visualizing Math with 3D printing", they're really not that academic since it's not like it's used in a class. Regardless, I purchased 15 books from here on a first visit. Hollaaaa

  • Betsy Zhang

Small and sweet neighborhood bookstore. Have a small collections of most of the categories you can think of, and they are able to order some titles if you request and put a deposit! A nice go-to place before covid! Btw for your information,when they briefly reopened during stage 2 lockdown, they only allow a certain amount of people to be in the store with 15min maximum. So plan your trip and what you wanna pick up before you go to avoid inconvenience

  • Greg Philip

Book City has been serving the public for quite some time and keeps any book lover more than content with a selection of many genres along with special orders to compliment the service. While bookstores have and will go through tectonic shifts via technology, Book City appears more than poised to accept the ever changing world of everything in books. The store layout is quite nice along with a membership card for the reader in all of us.

  • Natalie Taylor

This is a neighbourhood institution of over 35 years and for good reason. Helpful staff, great book selections and a fantastic discount selection. Please consider shopping local and keeping Book City around for another 35 years. The Danforth would not be the same without it. I must mention that during the height of lockdown in March that the manager came to my door after 9p.m. to make sure I got my book. So kind. Thank you Book City!

  • Agnes Geoghegan

the bookstore was really good, i rlly enjoyed it, i got the 14th book of the bsc graphic novels! but in other news, (sorry if you’re seeing this book city) the book was 16 dollars n 99 cents…i knew that things were expensive on danforth…so i decided to go with the flow.. but i really enjoyed it there! hope i'll come back another time.

  • Maria Hernandez

I bought a cute family book with old sayings for children. I spent more than half an hour at the shop and saw more fiction shelves than other genre then children's books follow. There's also some table games, social issues is third place then some poetry, astrology, religion, self help/psychology and lastly few books about politics.

  • Brian Kates (Big B)

Well, I am not from Toronto; but I was strolling down the Danforth and found this little Gem of a used bookstore. I normally read from a kindle. But my eyes get sore from reading on an electronic book and I forgot my glasses at home, so I like to switch to a good ol paperback to read. Great store at great prices.

  • Chris Van Meggelen

Lovely local bookstore. Friendly, helpful staff, large kids' section. Any book they don't have in, they will happily order for you. If you shop on the website for curbside pick-up, you can put Danforth store in the comments to pick it up here. I buy all my books here whenever humanly possible.

  • Chin Phing Tan

Bought a book online and tried to use a credit note. There is no way to do that online. They said I’d have to hold onto it for the “next purchase” because my card had already been charged and “can’t do refunds.” Really ridiculous. Definitely visit in store bc their online system is awful.

  • leto BG

Very well located at the heart of Danforth and Greektown and usually well stocked with a whole bunch of interesting books and cards and even oddsy clothing items. The staff however could be a little friendlier and more engaging with our client base to secure loyalty and prosperity.

  • Tony Temple

At a time when print books are becoming more and more scarce, you would expect businesses selling them would appreciate those who buy them. The nastiness and hostility that I got from the gaunt, unattractive cashier (unhappy spinster? )ensures I won't be back at this location.

  • M Bona

The Danforth location of Book City has been my go to book store since I was a teen. Their staff are knowledgeable and friendly, and their selection excellent. Browsing in Book City was my most missed activity during lockdown. I'm so glad to be able to visit in person again.

  • Trevor Grondin

Found the book I was looking for without difficulty and had it delivered the following week. Process was simple and Book City was quick to respond. Help support local business, it was great to see a package arrive that wasn't in an Amazon box. Thank you Book City.

  • Philip Levett

What every book store should be. Quiet, crammed with books and clearly organized. What's also great about this place is that they leave you alone unless you ask for help and then they are usually very good at finding, and more importantly, making recommendations.

  • Paul

Great book store, helpful staff, excellent alternative to all the ubiquitous big box places. Great location in a great community in the heart of Toronto's Greektown. Next to the excellent Carrot Commons. Excellent magazine and newspaper selection as well.

  • Athanasia Papas

MY FAVORITE BOOK STORE!!! A bit against monstrous book stores and Amazon. During the lockdown i stuck to book city for support. I am so ❤️Thankful that they opened again today!!! Much Respected staff. Smells like a REAL bookstore. …

  • Ken Bateman

Great place to browse books, I always find something great here! Near the back is a great discount section with interesting topics. If you love reading as I do then I suggest checking this place out, it's a lot more than just good books!

  • Mike Pearse

Sadly, not what I expected/hoped for. Cool spot. But the prices seemed a little high. I found also that not having books shelved by category a tich challenging (e.g., SciFi, Fantasy, Horror). Love that it's independent and local though!

  • Jamie Maxwell

I love going into Book City. I am usually not on the hunt for anything in particular, just there to browse...and I usually come away with something to read for myself or friends. Always a great variety of books at decent prices.

  • Joshua Lisheid

I have not physically been to this store, but I had a wonderful experience ordering a book over the phone to be shipped to the states. Staff are super friendly and willing to help. Will be ordering from them in the future!

  • Jordan DeWit

Been there a couple of times now. First time didn't like the service. This time didn't require service and just browsed. They have really interesting books on display. I want to do a bunch of Christmas gift shopping here.

  • Simone Fried

Super knowledgeable service reps and very organized shelves. Only drawback is if they put feature books on the tables there may be none on the shelves, which can be confusing. Otherwise a wonderful local store.

  • Allison Diggle

Gawd I love the smell of a good book store. Coupled with some nice ambient music. Really made for an immensely pleasurable browsing experience. Bought 2 very crisp books from their bargain section.

  • Kelly Copeland

Orders by phone or online with curbside pickup - they are very busy right now and their phone message box was full this aft so be patient. Most excellent customer service always at this location.

  • Brad Poechman

Collected a curbside pickup Xmas gift. Staff was efficient and friendly. I'm very happy with the process. They have a very good inventory of books. They had books in stock that Indigo didn't!

  • Jaya Vimala Raman

The books are good, the store is fun to browse. The staff, however, are awful. Rude and condescending as others have noted. They also are not following the guidelines around mask exemptions.

  • nadia “bee” osina

a quaint and friendly bookstore for everyone! comparable to a smaller version of indigo or chapters! they have a wide selection of books, including new releases and currently popular ones!

  • Jimmy King

I really like the Book City stores. Staff are knowledgeable and friendly. There are a few of them in Toronto but they definitely feel like old school neighborhood book shops.

  • No X

Good local bookstore. They let you bring your dog in and they give them treats which is welcoming. They don't have a huge selection but have some obscure interesting books.

  • TheCanadianBeautyBug Page

Staff are pretentious & condescending. When I went to the counter to make a purchase they made a rude comment on my book. Shut up & just ring in the purchase next time.

  • Steve Baroti

Wonderful book store, every time I visit my dentist or my family doctor, I buy a book from this place, thinking about how happy I am being healthy and still alive!

  • Amber E

Nice neighbourhood book store Lots of Books in a small well kept space. Nice to walk around and browse. Staff is hit and miss depending on the day though.

  • John Chew

A neighbourhood is not worth living in without a bookstore like Book City. They have a good combination of new and discounted books at a reasonable price.

  • Jim Kapakos

I like the place. Most of the staff is polite. Sassy attitude is part of the joint. If I didn't get some attitude I'd think something was wrong.

  • Therese Silvawalker

Fabulous kids section. Really interesting variety of.bòoks. This is so not big box bland standard territory! Interesting books abound here.

  • Grisha Suquet

Love this store, have baught plenty of books there. Usually affordable. Saw a mouse going through the books, guess he's cultured …

  • Ejiro mary

It was a pleasant surprise that I stumbled across this bookstore. It has become my go to. Clean, vibrant place with friendly staff

  • Edwar Dawlatly

Great place to spend some time with books. There's always discounts and prices are fair. Staff is very friendly. Recommended

  • A Z

Love this chain and much preferred over indigo for their diverse, unique and interesting selection of authors and genres.

  • David

Love the selection of books on local nature and parks. I always come here if I need something Toronto/Ontario specific.

  • Michael J

If they font have what you're looking for, they'll special order it. They're usually open till 10. And the remainders!!

  • Anusha Srinivasan

I enjoy visiting this bookstore! They have a decent bargain section as well. I’ve only been to the Yonge St. location.

  • BALLYHOO! Push Pin Media

If you love books. Check out book City. If they don't have what you're looking for. They can always order it for you

  • Miah Saami

Great local bookstore with a great diverse collection of books and not so common mags. A great place to browse....

  • Daewon Hook

A good book store to purchase new at reasonable price. A wide range of books too! Most of the books can be found.

  • Stuart Sackler

While the selection is not huge, they know their books and are happy to suggests titles based on genre and likes.

  • Edward Hamel

Great selection of books and magazines, some at discount prices. Staff are friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

  • Monica Vereana Williams (The Detangler)

Awesome browsing store. Staff leave you alone but are knowledgeable when needed. Great bargains and remainders!

  • oliver salzmann

An absolutely fabulous bookstore. Always new discoveries, and a terrific, engaged, helpful, thoughtful staff.

  • Waleed Negash

Great Staff, Lots of interesting books. And if you didn't find the book you want. They'll order it for you.

  • wendy Beaty

Great selection and helpful staff. Well laid out with lots of books for children and young adults too.

  • Arthur Cormack

Actual humans actually interested in helping other humans find books! What a novel way to find novels!

  • Mister Justin

Nice, independent retailer. Great, knowledgeable staff. Will help you order if it's not in stock.

  • Abby Robitaille

Incredible selection of books! A book lovers paradise!!!! Staff were lovely and very helpful :)

  • Susan Belanger

Best independent book chain in the city, with lots of interesting remainders at great prices.

  • Gregory Worth

I walked in hopeful to find a New York Times best seller and there it was at a great price !

  • Tommy Ong

Great little book store. There are some books on the cart that are on sale, great price!

  • Carl Compton

Always great deals along with a wide selection of current titles. Knowledgeable staff.

  • Scott Payette

I miss shopping at book city. Their closet location to me is over an hour away by car

  • Anuta Filursky

Love this book store! They're very friendly and will order anything they don't have.

  • tankmodeler

Good selection of new books. Reasonable prices with many titles discounted off list.

  • Wendy Reynolds

Friendly, responsive staff. Huge, wide-ranging collection. My favourite book store.

  • Anne EliR

Great book store!! Selection is excellent. Staff and respectful and knowledgeable.

  • George Jones

Friendly, knowledgeable staff. If they don't have it, they can order it for you.

  • Lana Banana

Educate yourselves on mask exemptions. You do not get to make up your own law.

  • Laurie Clark

My favourite place. We love Book City. Plus Clifford always gets a dog treat.

  • Brooke Gibson

Best book and periodicals store in the city. My go-to place when in Toronto.

  • Candy Tsang

Great bookstore with comparable prices. Support small and local businesses!

  • John Bardwell

Well-read staff. Great selection of periodicals and books. A rare delight.

  • Johan van Noooten

They had one of the two books I wanted. Staff helpful and knowledgeable.

  • Kay van den Bosch

Great help from June when I requested a signed book. Surely recommended!

  • Kyle Bunbury

Quiet, well organized, and lots of sale items on display right up front!

  • Sabrina Ginesi

Super cute space, book are expensive but that's what to expect... …

  • Sérieux Magique

Still the best place to get books. Bookstores. Long live the bookstore.

  • Sara Thomas

Shop is rich with sorts of book. And price of them is not expensive

  • SPNAngel14

Great selection of books and super helpful and kind employees!

  • Danna Zhang

Love the vibe! Lots of great book titles at bargain prices!

  • Jane Alan

Great selection. Good prices. I spend a lot of money here.

  • Jeff MacKay

Great deals on great books. This place is an institution.

  • Ubentmy Wookie

Pricey and hostile...far too many liberals for my tastes.

  • Darren Fancy

Small store with a good selection of books. Good prices.

  • Kyla Winchester

Great selection and service. Always happy to shop here.

  • Jerome S

Great place to browse through new and discounted books.

  • Markus Zachary Xavier Hunter-Vrooman

Excellent variety of titles like the days before Indigo

  • D Mac

That rare thing: an independent bookstore. No downside.

  • Mohammad Khoshghalb, CPA, CGA

Great place for children's books. Super friendly staff

  • Jackie Moore

Great selection and always pleasant and helpful staff

  • Clarisa Waldman

Lovely neighbourhood book store with great selection

  • Chloe S

Awesome spot. Love the specials they have on books!

  • Nora Mclellan

Books! Actual books! Magazines and a human to help!

  • Emanuele Fae

I really liked how they organize books for genres!

  • Al Lopez

My go-to bookshop. Great staff, extremely helpful.

  • Juhi Dhingra

Super friendly staff and the right price, always.

  • David Simmons

One of the best independent bookstores in Toronto

  • Anastasia K

Friendly and helpful employees. Great new books.

  • Lawrence Marzari

My local bookstore. Always in-stock for my reads

  • Cassie Danz

Honestly lovely place but could use more books.

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