Great selection of used books and vintage vinyl here, although store is on the older side. The staff was also friendly.

The thing I like most about this place was its CHEAP prices!!! I found an original copy of Sgt. Pepper on vinyl from 1967 for only $15....other places charge up to $50 for that LP!! It's a decent size, big selection of books, and it's all neatly labeled by theme, makes it super easy to find what you're looking for. Plenty of CD's and records to choose from too, Records are also neatly labeled alphabetically, or by artist (Major Bands have their own sections). However, customer service here isn't great, the lady behind the counter was so focused on reading a book....hardly even acknowledged me when I came in and looked around. Good prices, But pretty bad customer service... read more

She Said Boom! - Bookstores Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

I recently took a good look thru the College Street location of She Said Boom! Records and Books. I have been there several times before, but this was probably my most thorough visit thru both books and records. Their largest section is literature/fiction books, most of which are in very good condition, and priced from about $5 - $20. There is also a varied section of science books from all disciplines, both recent and older volumes. Other notable areas are crime/mystery, sci-fi, arts and music, history. In the record section, I browsed thru their rock/pop sections and blues, finding lots of variety and again mostly in very good condition. Prices that I noted were usually between $10-20. There is also a section of cd's (not sure if they have dvd's), but I did not look thru them. I also do not recall ever selling anything there, so not sure what they accept for how much. Other than when paying for something, I have never had much contact with the staff, but they seem to be okay when speaking to other customers. The store is always very clean and organized, and pretty much everything there is of good quality, so I would definitely recommend a visit. read more

Good selection of books. Unfortunately the customer service at the College street location leaves a lot to be desired. I made the egregious mistake of peeking behind a half-opened curtain that is right next to a book shelf -- there was no sign saying customers are not allowed to do that -- and the 'gentleman' (actually a short, bald homunculus-like figure) who works there approached me like he was trying to intimidate me asking "Can I help you with something?" I said I was just browsing and he kept saying in this intimidating way "Can I help you?" I left quickly because it seemed like he was trying to escalate the situation. I have no idea why any businessperson would treat a customer like that. Big time loser. They've lost my business. Anyone with as little respect for return customers as that doesn't deserve my business. I would suggest they probably don't deserve yours either. There are plenty of better, more deserving bookstores in the city. read more

It can be tough to showcase a mixed collection of used items while maintaining a singular air that is palatable to the customer. I found She Said Boom to be inviting and interesting. When I came through the doors sounds of Dylan played over the speakers getting me in the mood for artistic discovery. Immediately I was greeted by interesting book-titles laid out before me. Easily I was able to navigate the small store and marvel at both their collection and its condition. I predominately spent my time in the vinyl section and was happy to find a wide variety of music in decent condition. The books may have been priced slightly high (as a result of their almost un-cracked bindings) but the vinyl was priced just right. read more

Great selection of pre-1950s jazz on CD. I have no interest in vinyl, but they had a bunch. Good prices, but the CDs aren't sorted, so you have to dig for a while. read more

This is the kind of community bookstore that could be great.. but it's not. While the books are reasonably priced and the selection is okay, the vibe is weird and uncomfortable. Coupled with the fact that I have never had a pleasant interaction with the staff. They always look like they'd rather be dead. I'd rather go to BMV read more

The absolute worst customer service ever!!! Went in the store, the clerk was playing avant garde jazz music very loud. It was grating. I asked her if she would play a record I was considering purchasing. I explained that I bought an album previously from the store that although looked great, played terribly. Crackles and pops throughout. She said " well the records only 10 bucks and it looks good to me, so I'm not going to put it on" wow , I thanked her for her fine customer service. I found about 5 albums that I wanted to buy, brought it up to the front and decided, nah, they don't deserve my money. This took place Thursday June 4 at 5:30 pm the female clerk had a tattoo of a naked lady on her arm. I hope the owner reads this and fires her. read more

Yep. Didn't even get a hello when entering or a good by on exiting empty handed. Small selection of vinyl. Good selection of jazz. But I wouldn't waste my time going back. Too many better stores out there happy to help read more

Great local book store. Seriously awesome. We have to support local places like this or we'll lose them! Cheers read more

An undisputedly superior collection of modern philosophical texts, as well as classic fiction collections. Prices are absolutely unmatched, and the store leaves little to desire, for it has it all. Only pleasant experience with the staff, a true staple of the community! read more

She Said Boom is a solid store for used books, cds and even comics. I often come in here just to take a quick peek at what's on display, because they seem to have a pretty high turn over of interesting books. These on display books range in topic from literature to cultural theory to all sorts of other interesting stuff. They actually have a great selection of books too. Books you want to read. Books you've heard of. Books you're looking for. It's nice, y'know? Finding books you're looking for in a bookstore. A rare feat amongst used book stores. I think that (and the other thing) are a real testament to the people who work there read more

Stumbled upon this store last month and was really impressed. Excellent selection of used books, and i ended buying 6. Had some really nice jazz and blues playing in the background and the sales lady was really good about letting me know the artists and albums. Customer service, selection of titles, overall vibe all excellent. A gem of a find. read more

She Said Boom! The first non-claustrophobic used bookstore I have encountered in a long time. The floor was wide open, and allowed easy browsing of materials. The lighting was bright and welcoming, unlike the lady behind the counter (who seemed rather unconcerned about her customers, and annoyed that her reading was being disturbed). The store has a wide selection of items, with a mix of common and unfamiliar titles with the typical genres. Books line the walls, while the center is open for bins of movies, cds and records. Prices were a bit steep in some cases ($11 for a paperback book from the 1990s), and were inconsistent. Two copies of the same edition of Dracula of similar quality were marked $10 and $6. read more

A great bookstore, with a surprisingly wide selection for such a small shop. I recently found a few things here that I had been unable to locate at larger chains or even online, and for extremely good prices. Hooray! read more

She Said Boom! isn't a large store, and its prices can be a little high (for instance, trade paperbacks are rarely less than $8-$10 each), but the selection of books is top-notch. One time I emerged from She Said Boom! with three books in my bag and a handwritten list of 15 others that I now wanted. It's also a well-lit, welcoming store with friendly, funny employees. Going in is always worth it! read more

recently moved to the are and the last time i popped in randomly to check it out, i had a lovely quaint experience! the associate in the store was very sweet and helpful and she let me take my time to browse and i ended up finding a beautiful book of prose/mini stories that i love!! :-) read more

Love this place. I can't think of a used bookstore (actually, of any bookstore) in this city that is so carefully curated and fun to spend time browsing in. I always find something I was looking for, and often I'll also find a copy of some cool book I've heard about and wouldn't have remembered if it wasn't for seeing it on a shelf. I've also found some good music here, and enjoy how they always have something interesting playing in the store. Definitely worth checking out! read more

I always find something on the shelves or in the stacks of vinyl. The staff usually can help if I'm looking for a certain genre, title etc. I find the prices really decent. I've found a couple good pinup books, and some really great modern lit books just by popping in and taking a browse. I like the organization of the store, its semi chaotic, but not in an overwhelming way. Great shop. read more

i'm laughing at the negative reviews left by people who don't have enough confidence or self-assuredness to not get upset when a book store employee doesn't say hello to them. you people need therapy. anyway, this store has the greatest book selection in the city. the best literature, philosophy, poetry, you name it. If i'm ever looking for something a bit esoteric or hard to find, this place always has it. And the people who work here are totally friendly. Love this place. read more

Cool shop located on the north side of College about a 5 minute walk west from Spadina... Was a little hesitant when entering as there were few CD's to choose from compared to most of the used stores I have visited in the last few years and a great abundance of books to choose from, but was surprised by the quality of artists and the selection of musical varieties in the CD section... Found 3 CD's to purchase... A good selection of vinyl also available...Asked about a particular artist that I did not recognize and was offered to have a listen if I wanted...The store employee was courteous and helpful... I would recommend taking the time to check out this store when in the area.... read more

This store had an alright selection of records, unfortunately the lady behind the counter was a jerk. It was lame becasue she was more than friendly, willing to help out and even play two whole records for another customer, but when I was done browsing and wanted to hear a record she sort of got spazzy. First she told me (in an irritated tone) that I would have to wait for the other customer to finish. I politely agreed and stood at the counter. Overhearing this, the other customer said that I could go ahead, I turned to her and thanked her. Then the lady behind the counter kept asking me "what in particular" I wanted to hear. I said I only wanted to hear a few and said that we could start with the record on the top of my pile. I pulled it out and attempted to hand it to her only to be snapped at, "Don't get your fingers on the record..." at this point I was getting pissed off as I hadn't touched the inside of the vinyl at all (I've been dealing with records for 22 years) Her behaviour made me question what the real problem was. Then she capped it off by muttering "It's only a $6 record.." at this point I saw red. This was the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE I've had all year. I took my pile of records, placed them all back in the bin, wished her a good day and split. I'd gladly spend my money at Sonic Boom where the staff are relaxed and friendly. read more