Banyen Books & Sound

My first visit & I spent 1 1/2 hours browsing, reading, shopping. Find a little nook with a seat & set yourself down. Check out the info sheets, motivational books, novels, & other areas of interest for readers. It's a quiet little oasis . I plan to return.

I absolutely love Banyen Books and have been a regular customer for twenty years, except I’ve had some very unfortunate experiences the last few times I’ve been in.

Twice I’ve been in with my friend who has severe trauma and learning disabilities and both of those times the staff has spoken to my friend and myself very rudely. Most people notice immediately that I’m guiding my friend as we walk places and shield her if there’s something that may trigger her. Twice we’ve had to leave early because the staff have been so rude to her that she’s had a panic attack and broken down outside of the store. I pride myself on connecting with people and treating people with respect as I manage a large store myself and without people we have nothing. I train my staff to read people with empathy and communicate with love. I am extremely disappointed that this has happened here and as we were leaving the other day two of the staff were talking about my friend, debating whether her state is “chemical or environmental”. I turned back and just stared at them as I was ashamed for them and their gossip. It’s just not the type of behaviour I would expect from a spiritual haven.

All this being said, we had a lovely interaction with one staff member who read my friend very well (I usually explain the situation if the moment calls for it) and laughed with true kindness at my friend’s quirky humour. Thank you to the shoulder length dark blonde with soft gentle waves and glasses. You made a real difference in my friend’s day. She didn’t leave feeling like she’s a failure and embarrassed for trying to blend in. She left with laughter that day instead of sorrow.

The next time someone wants to look at your jewelry consider how much bravery it might have taken them to politely and awkwardly ask for your assistance. Everyone is fighting a silent battle including staff members and we will always treat you with full respect and please do the same for us. The ripple effect is strong and respect or lack there of it, ripples far greater than silver and stones.

A great selection of books and nicely organized. The staff took us quickly to the section we needed. They have many new books and a smaller section of used books. Nice shopping experience

This place is full of magic and wisdom. I’m not one to believe in magic, but it still feels magical. The wisdom is what speaks to me, and it’s their selection of books! It has a lot of stuff on personal growth, which I love. They had a book I’d been looking for (Nonviolent Communication) which was great.
The feeling I had in Banyen Books was calm and peaceful. It has things like tarot cards, fancy copper water bottles, beautiful and expensive candles, really nice bags...

This bookstore+ is a gem and one of Vancouver's most endearing shops. It is a serene and magical bookshop curated and maintained with extraordinary love and care. The subjects are diverse but all feel important. A dangerous place for those who spend too easily on beautiful books.
They also have a great selection of oracle decks, gemstones and much more.