Trading & Selling

Address & Hours

747 Fort Street, Upper Level

The Book Trade is closed until the New Year. Happy Holidays!

Books We Are Interested In

Here at Russell Books we assess books of all kinds with condition being our primary concern. Creasing, highlighting, and underlining are not deal breakers, but they will affect the amount we can offer you.

We are interested in antiquarian rarities to current bestsellers and everything in between. We will look at any quantity of books you may be interested in trading, from a single title you have just finished reading to whole libraries and collections.

What We Will Not Buy

We will not take books in bad condition. This includes loose pages, cracked spines, funky odors, excessive marking, and rips and tears. See below for a list of other books we will not accept:

  • Readers Digest condensed books
  • Outdated textbooks and computer manuals
  • Encyclopedia sets
  • Ex-library books
  • Harlequin romance novels
  • Most magazines
  • Most “Book Club” editions (click link for more info)

What You Get For Your Books

We generally deal in store credit, which you can use to purchase anything we sell in store. The credit never expires and works on 100% of in-store purchases.

We sometimes offer cash for large amounts of desirable books or extremely valuable books. Any cash offers made are at the discretion of the book buyer.  Any offers we make (cash or credit) will fluctuate based on the desirability and quality of books, their condition, and our own inventory levels.

Please always feel free to ask an appraiser if you have any questions in regards to your books.

The Process

STEP 1: Bring in your gently used books in bags or boxes and proceed to our book trade counter on the main street-level floor and check in with an appraiser. Although our employees are not permitted to leave the store to assist you (for liability reasons), you are welcome to borrow our dolly to bring in large amounts from your vehicle. The appraisers will take your information.

STEP 2: The book appraisal process takes approximately from 10-25 minutes. Feel free to take a quick browse in our store or pop out for a brief coffee while we do the assessment of your books. We do ask that you stay in the store or close by while we go through your books–appraisals are a quick process and holding space is limited.

STEP 3: After browsing, return to the book trade counter where you can settle up with an appraiser. They will give you back any titles we cannot use (if there are any) to donate at a place of your choice.

Parking

Metered parking is available on Fort Street. There is also a city parkade one block away on View Street (parking for the first hour is free).

House Calls

If you have more than 1000 books, you may be eligible for a house call. To arrange a house call please call the store (250) 361-4447 and leave a detailed message for the book appraisers.

Books for Schools Program

Got unwanted books? Give back to your community! Drop them off for donation and we’ll turn them into valuable store credit to be shared among local schools on your behalf.

For further questions regarding our book trade, please call us at (250) 361-4447 (ask to speak to an appraiser).

News & Events

Breakwater Quartet at Russell Books

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Late Night Shop & Social

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Holiday Hours

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New Website

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The Tallest Tower

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We're Moving!

We are thrilled to officially announce that we are moving to a BIGGER and BETTER space! Our new home will be directly across the street at 747 Fort Street (the old Staples building). Opening in Fall 2019 it will offer more space, a simplified layout and will be much more accessible, with an elevator and escalator to the lower floor, while still offering the same Russell Books feel and lots and lots of books!
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Community Support

For over 28 years, Russell Books has proudly encouraged reading enthusiasts throughout the Greater Victoria community. We inspire a passion for reading and literacy through participation in community events, and provide ongoing support and partnership with groups and organizations in the book world and beyond.

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