Nanaimo's Favourite
Used Bookstore
for Over 30 Years
Vancouver Island's Most Affordable Used Books
About Arbutus Quality
Used Books
Arbutus Quality Used Books Nanaimo is proud to offer Nanaimo's most reasonably priced used books.
Many of our pocket books are priced as low as $1!
Arbutus Books is Nanaimo’s longest-running used bookstore. Over 30+ years of service, owner Neal Brown, has made a name for himself as one of downtown Nanaimo’s friendliest business owners.
Neal’s always loved books. Growing up, he listened to the tales of his uncle Virgil, who ran a used bookstore for many years in Philadelphia. By 1993, Neal had amassed such a large personal collection of books, he decided to open a bookstore.
He loves to get the community reading, and always runs his store with a story and a smile.
Buy Books Tax-Free.
Cash Only.

➼ Fiction ➼ Non-Fiction ➼ Foreign Language ➼ Comics ➼ Vintage ➼ DVD & Blu-Ray ➼ and Much More

Our Used Book Collections
Arbutus Quality Used Books Nanaimo is the community hub for low-cost, eclectic collections.
- Fiction
- Non-Fiction
- Marine
- Outdoors
- Vintage
- Collectibles
- Foreign Language
- Comics
- Graphic Novels
- Mystery
- Science Fiction
- Canadiana
- DVD’s & Blu-Rays
- and Lots More!
Our Shelves Move Quickly!
Check in Store to See the Latest Used Book Selection
EXCELLENT Based on 52 reviews Morgan Campbell2024-05-27Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. absolute best book store in town!! amazing collection. and Neal, the owner, knows every book in there! do yourself a favour and spend some time searching for treasure here. love it <3 Bruce Rannala2024-05-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great bookshop. Unusual collection of Canadiana and foreign language books. Owner is fun to chat with, very genuine. Judy2024-05-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Do you take vinyl records your store is wonderful Suzanne Cassell2024-02-11Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very diverse selection of books, including a lot of newer bestsellers for great prices. He also has some amazing kids books for super cheap. Definitely worth checking out. Bob McInnis2023-03-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Time machine back to 1990's. Huge overwhelming selection and reasonable prices. Owner was cherry and informed. Sandy McKellar2022-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This store is packed with treasures. The owner is enthusiastic about his inventory and knows exactly where to find any book. And he has lots of good suggestions too. Cash only.Showing our latest reviews
Contact
- Phone: (250) 753-1036
- Email: nealmarvinbrown@gmail.com
- 87 Nicol St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 4S
- Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 1pm – 4pm
Sunday: Closed