7
181 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4, Canada
Hamilton, Ontario L8H 3Z4
+12893892477

Great bookstore, with various selection of books including local authors endorsement. Sometimes I go in to hear the good music playing in the background

Stopped in for the first time today to pick up a used book that I ordered on the website. The store is quiet, spacious, organized, and very well stocked with used and new children’s books.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The owners of The City and The City are super knowledgeable and very friendly. They recommend the perfect books and take care to understand the needs of their customers.

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The City & The City Books — Book Store in Hamilton

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The City & The City Books

Book Store at 181 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4, Canada. Here you will find detailed information about The City & The City Books: address, phone, fax, opening hours, customer reviews, photos, directions and more.

Opening hours

  • Sunday
    11 AM–5 PM
  • Monday
    10 AM–6 PM
  • Tuesday
    10 AM–6 PM
  • Wednesday
    10 AM–6 PM
  • Thursday
    10 AM–6 PM
  • Friday
    10 AM–6 PM
  • Saturday
    10 AM–6 PM

Rating

5
/
5
Based on 7 reviews

Contacts

Categories:
State:
Ontario
Address:
181 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4, Canada.
City:
Hamilton
Phone:
Postcode:
L8H 3Z4

About The City & The City Books

The City & The City Books is a Canadian Book Store based in Hamilton, Ontario. The City & The City Books is located at 181 Ottawa St N, Hamilton, ON L8H 3Z4, Canada.


Please contact with The City & The City Books using information above: Address, Phone number, Fax, Postal code, Website address, E-mail, Facebook. Find The City & The City Books opening hours and driving directions or map. Find real customer reviews and ratings or write your own review.

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ALL reviews about The City & The City Books

  • John Dorosh
    Added 2025.11.16
    Great bookstore, with various selection of books including local authors endorsement. Sometimes I go in to hear the good music playing in the background
  • Claire K
    Added 2025.09.19
    Stopped in for the first time today to pick up a used book that I ordered on the website. The store is quiet, spacious, organized, and very well stocked with used and new children’s books.
  • HE LLO
    Added 2025.08.12
    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.
  • K K
    Added 2025.06.08
    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.
  • Mark Leslie Lefebvre
    Added 2025.05.13
    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.
  • PK Lawton
    Added 2025.03.21
    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!
  • Karen Sutherland
    Added 2023.07.18
    The owners of The City and The City are super knowledgeable and very friendly. They recommend the perfect books and take care to understand the needs of their customers.
  • By owner
    Added 2023.07.20
    Thanks so much! We really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Glad you enjoyed our store.
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