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August 2025 by Dirty Dawg
My favorite book store in Hamilton. I ordered a book a bit ago. Not a best seller or anything but they got it in for me and it didn't take long. Very friendly people too.
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July 2025 by Hollay Ghadery
One of my favourite bookstores! Wonderful staff and awesome selection of books—especially Canadian literature!
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July 2025 by Matthew Fauvelle
Great little book store! Extremely helpful owner/staff. 10/10 will return
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June 2025 by YT C
Great store for new and used books. Appreciate that the website shows the books availability, price, and condition.
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June 2025 by K K
I went to this book store today with high hopes of supporting a local book store, however I was disappointed. The girl that was working had terrible customer services skills...only muttering an unenthusiastic hello and that was it. Also the store was so hot I could barely stay in there for long. I left with nothing even though I saw a few books I was interested in and went to indigo where the customer service was great. I generally like to support local but poor customer service will have me not coming back.
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May 2025 by Mark Leslie Lefebvre
A delightful community-oriented store with a solid collection of new releases, recommended reads, as well as local and Canadian author titles. You can even find a few signed copies from the many events this bookstore participates in.
You'll also find a decent selection of used books in various subject areas and genres.
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May 2025 by Tony Iacoviello
Great shoppe. Love browsing through their used books and graphic novels. Great find.
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May 2025 by G K
Interesting book selection, I really enjoyed it.
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March 2025 by PK Lawton
One of the reasons I love living near Ottawa Street is the abundance of incredible small businesses right at our doorstep. Whether it’s grabbing essentials at Murray’s, exploring the Ottawa Market, or browsing the amazing array of antique stores, there’s always something wonderful to discover. I mean, we have at least three fantastic record stores in Ottawa, it truly feels like we’re spoiled for choice.
Supporting Canadian businesses here is effortless, and I’m genuinely grateful.
However, as someone who loves and collects books, often traveling far and wide to visit different bookstores, I have to emphasize just how lucky we are to have a world-class bookstore like City and The City right here in our community.
Owners Tim and Janet have created something truly special. They regularly host a lively book club that has brought together readers from all walks of life, and their unique book launch events featuring Canadian authors have become standout occasions.
I love that City and The City consistently offers an impressive selection of independent new releases from incredible publishers such as Dalkey Archive, NYRB, and New Directions. And lately, their used book section has been nothing short of phenomenal—so many interesting titles at fantastic prices, and my library has exploded with such a cool book store in walking distance.
With the news dominated by trade disputes and important
boycotts of major American platforms like Amazon (consider reducing your dependence on Amazon if possible, especially with buying books, there is no need), it feels particularly valuable to have such a reliable local alternative. I’ve found Tim and Janet go above and beyond to source whatever title you’re looking for, making it easier than ever to support local.
Just wanted to share some well-deserved appreciation for this true gem in our neighbourhood! Go buy books this weekend and feel good about making a positive local choice!
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March 2025 by Ken Yan
Great bookstore on Ottawa street. Found a couple of books and will be going back for more!
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February 2025 by Kaytee Long
Love the collection at this bookstore, something always catches my eye. I have found some unique reads here. They host a good variety of diverse and local authors, and have a well priced secondhand section.
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January 2025 by Mike Vitorovich
Great local bookstore. Always some great books on the display tables (including one currently highlighting local authors). Love the split between new and used books. Like their extensive online catalogue to order from. And I find it to be a friendly and inviting environment every time I go in. A community gem.
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December 2024 by Holly C
I love this place! This bookstore is beautifully curated, and the folks who work here are so kind. Along with the usual bestsellers they have a great selection of books for little kids, graphic novels, sci-fi, and lots of gently used books as well. Anything they don’t have can be special ordered on their website and picked up in store, which really helped with Christmas shopping this year!
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August 2024 by Laura M
Pre-ordered a book on my first visit, then I saw the used-book section and stayed for as long as the parking meter was paid. Friendly service too.
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July 2024 by Sarah Pegg
One of my favourite book stores in Hamilton. Really wonderful selection.
