The Book Garden

Category:	Book Store
Address:	2 N Main St, Bountiful, UT 84010, USA
Phone:	+1 801-292-2818
Site:	bookgarden2.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–7PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM Closed

Location

Photos 65

Reviews 6

A Private User

Growing up in Bountiful, The Book Garden has always been one of my favorite spots in our wonderful little city. From my earliest childhood, to the present now Im grown, the Book Garden has always been the bookseller Im fondest of. People complain about the store being "cramped", but I think the atmosphere is fabulous; books stacked from floor to ceiling, and the distinct smell of old books...the wonderful scent of aging paper and ink. Like an English garden, the books seem to bloom in a rainbow of colors from their shelves, with pathways winding their way through the paper foliage. The Book Garden isnt as organized as the "big box" booksellers, but thats half the fun. While in search of a specific book, youre bound to find 1 or 2 (or 10) books youll also want. I have found some of my favorite books this way. Sometimes I just walk the aisles, gazing up and down the shelves of books, and waiting for fate to step in. Suddenly a particular book will catch my eye. Almost always I end up purchasing one or two (or 10..lol) books Ive found that way, every time I visit The Book Garden. The Book Garden now has a computerized system for tracking inventory, which has made them much more organized. They can look up whether or not they have a particular title for sale, which eliminates time spent searching for books not in stock. Yes they do have a large section dedicated to romance novels, but it is in no way the majority of their inventory. Maybe 10-15% of the books are romance novels. The rest of the volumes range from very old, vintage books, to brand new never-been-read books. They have a great selection of LDS books. Of particular interest are the relic historical LDS books they have for sale. Another great attribute is that they always have something or other on sale. Often the table(s) in the front of the store - the one just inside the front entry - contains sale items that cost only a dollar or two. Occasionally theyll even have tables of discounted books set up outside the store for "sidewalk sales". One of my favorite features of The Book Garden is that its a true book "exchange". Its so easy to bring old or unwanted books into The Book Garden. They give you store credit (which they keep track of in their system), for your books, which you can use to purchase other books. Of course there are some restrictions; they do have a "cash only" area that contains books that cannot be purchased with store credit. (It says right on each books price tag whether or not its a "cash only" book or not.) Adding to the quirkiness of the store, they also have a large case containing antiques and vintage items for sale. Ive been blessed to have a mother that loves The Book Garden as much as I do, as shes found many treasures (at very good prices, I might add) in their antique wares, which she has presented to me as gifts for various occasions. My favorite is a vintage butterfly pin that sparkles with pink rhinestones and turquoise cabochons. When not wearing it, I hang it on a peg above my bed. Weve also purchased some beautiful antique glass marbles, glass bottles, etc. In addition to the antiques, they almost always have various (and beautiful) paintings displayed randomly throughout the store, most of which are for sale. The Book Garden is such a monument to literature Ive been so grieved that so many old stores like The Book Garden have faded away. However, that makes me treasure stores like The Book Garden even more. I hope they continue to bring wonderful literature, in their own eccentric way, to the people of Utah. Ill never forget the memories made at The Book Garden, and Ill always treasure the wonderful works of literature that I was introduced to there. I highly recommend that anyone (especially bibliophiles like myself) take a trip to historic Main Street in Bountiful, and visit the quaint little Book Garden.

dcfaithful

This place is an absolute gem--I hope it prospers for ages and many generations. Im an English student at the University of Utah and aside from my searches for books that are for my leisurely reading, The Book Garden has been incredibly successful in providing me books needed for my courses. The prices are very reasonable too; just last week I picked up three books ("Hunger" by Knut Hamsun, "Amerika" by Franz Kafka and "Republic" by Plato) for under $10. A chain bookstore--like Barnes & Noble, for example--would certainly be putting me at over $10 for just one of those books. There is beauty and value in used books. Supporting local businesses might be a trite trend these days, but you must understand that a local and unique bookstore is an invaluable resource to a community.The woman who owns this store is a very passionate reader and book lover, and I appreciate her adoration for all things literature. I have read, and heard a few things about organization being a flaw for this store. This is a valid point, because the number of books in the store is beautifully overwhelming, but allow me to say this: The level of organization, and sheer volume of books seduces you into spending a considerable amount time here--the key to truly enjoying a bookstore. Secondly, if you are having a hard time, ASK THE CLERK! They have always been happy to leave the counter and take me to the shelf and help me find the book I pursue. Perhaps the best, and most bountiful local business in Bountiful, The Book Garden is just that: a rich nursery of entertainment, knowledge and culture.

Ashton Luddington

I must say, I have never had a complaint towards The Book Garden. In fact, the only thing I ever complained about this book store is the fact that I do not live close to it enough to simply walk into the store whenever my heart desires to do such a thing; and my heart desires to walk into this store every day and every night. I enjoy the company of the employees. I support and love this store not only because of the books and the prices of the books, but also because of the kindness each and every worker shows unto me. I support The Book Garden and I will always show the utmost praise, in which they very much do deserve.

A Private User

This bookstore is literally crammed full of books--there is barely room to walk. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these books are paperback romances. For the remainder of things the store lacks even a basic comprehensive organization system so it is nearly impossible to find what you want. Even when I ask staff members they are only able to give me vague ideas of where specific books might be. So, the store gets props for a huge inventory but major dings for lacking organization. Why not just organize it like a library?

A Private User

This store seems small if you are driving by. However, once you go inside youll see books populate every inch of this store. The two levels are literally almost over flowing with books. At times, I have had a hard time locating a book that I want, but the staff there is very helpful and usually able to help me find what Im looking for if they have it. They have recently logged all their books into a new computer system which will surely make things easier to find as well. I recommend this store!

A Private User

The Book Garden is a place where you can find almost any book you want. Sometimes the really new books are ones they dont have but I would be really excited if the did. I go there almost every day. I LOVE it. It is really organized. Sometimes people put books where they dont go, but they try their hardest to make it a homey enviroment. There is also a kids section with kids books and toys so the children who dont like to read or cant read can do something while there family can look at books.