The Book Garden — Local services in Bountiful

I went into the store with a dozen books that I wanted to part with and figured I could get some credit, and perhaps buy a book or two with that. Well, when I started to sign up for their credit, the young woman at the counter said there are two types of credit, one for books on the lower floor and the remainder. I said I wasn't sure which I would want and she said we can give you both. Ok, so then she said, we are busy and can't determine how much credit we will give right now. I said that's ok but since you don't accept every book, can you look at mine and see which ones you would accept. Most of my books were hardcovers and published by established publishers; a few were not. So, she went about the process of reviewing the books by scanning the barcodes. When she finished, she accepted only two of them, both softcovers. I found this puzzling and asked why did she accept only those two, when there were others that not only were better books but in better condition. She said she couldn't explain that because there were many "variables" -- she didn't use that word, but apparently it had something to do with the barcode. On reflection, it's possible that could relate to whether the book was still in print. But she didn't say that and refused to explain how the books were assessed. Some other person in the back interceded and claimed staff goes through a six-month training period to learn how to do that. I had to laugh at the ridiculousness of such a comment; the only thing the girl did was scan the barcode. She didn't examine the condition of any of the books. All I really wanted was a basic explanation but they wouldn't give it to me, because apparently the girl at the counter had no idea what it was. In any case, I got very upset and departed for the local library where I donated all of the books. If you want to cater to intelligent people, you shouldn't treat potential customers like ignorant fools because the only people you are fooling are yourselves.

In response to your comment. I didn't directly call her a name; I said the policy of not explaining how you assess books is IGNORANT, and I maintain that. That was what upset me. When you withhold information, then you become authoritarian, which is contrary to the values of education. Apparently, your system is connected to the barcode. You could've given me a basic explanation that it relates to some computerized or programming method you use. That's all I was requesting. But what upset me was that you refused to answer my question. I guess you have some secret method of assessing a book connected to the barcode -- of course you didn't say that and if so, you don't have to explain the details. But it's not like you're the NSA or CIA and I doubt giving me a simple, basic explanation would compromise the bottom line of your store. Or maybe it was my request to have you check which books you accept and don't accept put you off -- because your daughter said people don't usually request that. Then it becomes personal. In any case, the library and its patrons can at least benefit...

First off, after reading some of the bad reviews for The Book Garden, I will never understand people that leave bad reviews after one single incident that most likely was a misunderstanding or the customer is just a bitter person in general and is never happy with anything. Some of these bad reviews are so petty and ridiculous. The only very rare couple of times I have left a bad review somewhere was when I gave a particular place at least two or three chances, and they still persisted in their treatment of their customers. And that is rare. Have some empathy and patience, people! The Book Garden is honestly one of my favorite places. I am there almost every single week. I am a book hoarder, I fully admit! I am a bibliophile to my core. I have been to nearly every independent bookstore in Utah from Layton down to Sandy, scouring bookshelves and losing myself in a world outside my own. Out of every single bookstore I visit or have visited, The Book Garden is hands down, THE best. The store is clean, the books are cheap, and there is a ton to look at. I am always there at least an hour or two every time I go. Other bookstores in Utah are extremely overpriced for used books and the employees are nearly always stuck up and pretentious and do not even acknowledge you. The Book Garden employees are generally friendly and leave you to your browsing and are always willing to help you find something if you need it. Because I spend so much time there, I just wish they would convert the window area when you first walk in into a sitting area with a couple tables or sofas where you can read a bit of the books you are interested in before buying them. They have stools down every aisle which is awesome, but you cannot really read there for very long if there are other customers wanting to look down the aisle you are in. But that is so cosmetic and a selfish add-on that I would love haha Anyways, do not listen to the bad reviews, people are just salty. The Book...

This place is an absolute gem--I hope it prospers for ages and many generations.

I'm 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...