Customer Testimonials

Of all the bookstores imaginable, Galiano Island Books comes close to my ideal. It offers intelligent, friendly but never over-bearing service in a comforting setting, with very few books that aren't worth reading. In order to survive in a small market such as Galiano, it has to do everything right—so it does.

My wife and I live and work in London England and we also have a house on Galiano that we retreat to 3 or 4 times a year. When going about life in the UK we will read reviews, see books and get friend’s recommendations about books we would like to have at Galiano. All we have to do is email Galiano Books. We know they will obtain the best editions at the best price and then they will have them waiting for us, well looked after, as a great treat for our next arrival on Galiano. Regards,

'Why do independent bookstores matter?'

Literature matters. To inviduals. To communities. Here's why. Ten thousand years of recorded history tell us, human nature being what it is, Might too often Makes Right. Those with power or seeking it, will utilize Might to trample to their goals.

Too often individuals reach for the sword to resolve conflict and seize resources and power. Confirmation always seems just a breaking news headline away.

But caring people aspire to a higher purpose. A better way. They realize it is in holding to the virtues encapsulated in the belief 'The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword' that we are set apart from animals, enabled to catch glimpses of an higher order of things. This, deep in their heart, IS what matters!

That which allows us to avoid and transcend the often horrific actions of this world grants an escape from the black shackles of reptilian brain behaviour.

We can learn great things from books. Philosophy, science, history, poetry, and on and on. How to best deal with our reptilian actions, for now we're armed with insight. Novels lead us there. Sonnets too. Art history teaches us the power of critical thinking. From History or Science we can laugh or cry about our foibles or raise a wry eyebrow. Philosophy introduces us to the great thinkers. And we come away inspired as we appreciate great minds through the ages have grappled with similar dilemnas.

Sure there are no quick fixes. After all, we do all tread the same problematic ten thousand year old path. But there are templates. And if we know anything, it is this: insight matters.

Is this not a wonderful starting block with which to build a better global mosaic?

Literature helps get us there! It makes us into builders. Large bookstores offer literature too. Yes. But in my experience not the same consistent hands-on expertise and caring which comes from an Independent Bookstore owner. Mine here on Galiano Island knows me. My interests. And THEY have a vested interest in my tiny community, they actively work in various creative ways to spread literature here and improve their already impressive list of titles. All this and more in the warm setting of a cozy, thoughtfully laid out shop.

Literature DOES matter to communities. It helps us become better people. Helps build a more insightful world. Informed readers are thoughtfully equipped with skills a weary world needs more of. And an Independent Bookstore gets us there, just without the crowds, without the rush. Thoughtfully.

GREAT – a REAL bookshop!

Thanks for being our sanctuary!

GREAT SERVICE!

Beautiful store – wonderful people – can't wait to come back.

Best bookstore in BC – that's what my wife said...she was right!

This is a fabulous bookstore – it's a good thing I don't live near here.