Betty's Books

Betty's Books Closed permanently October 1, 2021. For many years we offered quality used books beside our garden in Chase, BC. Continue to read and build your own collections.

Permanently closed.

Our clients became familiar faces: we'll miss you very much! Much love, Betty & Ralph A former school teacher and librarian, Betty was always lost in a book and she couldn’t resist keeping books she loved for her daughters to read. By 1998 bookshelves lined odd places in her 1940s home and she thought for the first time about downsizing. She began selling her own book collection online through ABE Books, many which turned out to be rare and in demand, but not worth as much as one might hope. Betty learned a lot about other readers and collectors and their interests. As the cost to use ABE books and Canada Post rates both increased steadily, it made sense to pick up popular books at garage sales and re-sell them to help pay the online overhead. With the help of her husband Ralph, Betty eventually turned the former cow barn on their one acre family property into a bookstore with shelves from floor to ceiling. In between building book shelves and meeting people who stopped in for books, Ralph and Betty kept a list of books their clients were looking for. This became the key to their excellent selection. Rather than just line the shelves with any books available, Ralph combed library book sales, thrift shops, and yard sales searching for books that people were interested in. Online sales took a back seat and the colorful book store surrounded by old trees and gardens became a favourite haunt of locals and summer people. Betty’s attempt to downsize had failed: her original collection of 1500 books had grown to over 15,000!

09/30/2021

Memories of the golden years at Betty’s Books. Dedicated to our wonderful customers and our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren!

ONLY 4 MORE DAYS FOR for us to help you build your family library! 📚 50 % OFF EVERYTHING! 📚 (Shopping by appointment on...
09/27/2021

ONLY 4 MORE DAYS FOR for us to help you build your family library! 📚 50 % OFF EVERYTHING! 📚
(Shopping by appointment only, call 250-679-3032😊)
On October 1st the bookstore will become our own family library and guest space, marking the end of our time as book sellers.
We’ll miss it…and we’ll miss you! Words can’t express how much we have appreciated your patronage and support over the years!

We’re down to the home stretch! By September 30, we’ll close our doors permanently, ending the 50% off sale extended for...
08/16/2021

We’re down to the home stretch! By September 30, we’ll close our doors permanently, ending the 50% off sale extended for private book shopping appointments.
Q: So what happens to the bookstore?
A: We’re transforming this space into a family library and guest room. 😊
Feel free to call 250-679-3032 for any final book-browsing!

July 24, 1965. She could see the smoke from a forest fire on the mountain west of Chase as she entered the church, but t...
07/24/2021

July 24, 1965.
She could see the smoke from a forest fire on the mountain west of Chase as she entered the church, but the young bride was oblivious to any danger.
100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The 23 year old groom felt suffocated in the high collar of his red serge. Coming from Prince Rupert he was completely unprepared for summer in the southern interior.
The wedding took place at 7:30 pm.
“There was no air conditioning and I thought it would be cooler,” says Betty. “Looking back, we should have had it at 7:30 am!”
(This photo was taken later at the reception of 250 people at the Underwood Hotel. In addition to their attendants, two local RCMP were drafted to stand in and balance the photo.)

Happy Anniversary, Ralph & Betty!

Happy Birthday, Betty! I’m not sure what year this photo was taken, or where I found it, but here’s a young Betty sittin...
07/12/2021

Happy Birthday, Betty!
I’m not sure what year this photo was taken, or where I found it, but here’s a young Betty sitting in front of the very same house on Shuswap Avenue.

Happy Birthday, Ralph!
06/29/2021

Happy Birthday, Ralph!

It’s always seemed like time stood still here—until now. This is the summer it all changes. Construction of the new high...
06/17/2021

It’s always seemed like time stood still here—until now.
This is the summer it all changes. Construction of the new highway access will remove a large corner on the western side the property—fruit trees and all. The position of a new driveway remains unclear.
We understand that the activity will begin in July but we don’t know exactly when or how. Regardless of what’s happening, though, you can still book an appointment to browse the 50% off book clearance @ 250-679-3032. (If machines are at work on the demolition, you’ll find easy parking across the street.)
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone for our last book store summer!

Betty’s better half, Ralph, has great recommendations for men’s books! 📚Maybe not how you’d picture a “bookworm”—retired...
06/03/2021

Betty’s better half, Ralph, has great recommendations for men’s books!
📚Maybe not how you’d picture a “bookworm”—retired logger, active hiker, former RCMP—Ralph is an avid reader across a wide range of subjects.
📚With Father’s Day approaching, don’t forget that 50% off doubles the bang for your book buying buck!
📚Call 250-679-3032 to schedule your private book shopping appointment, or ask for a Ralph-recommended book bundle to fit your budget!

A quick “Hello!” and some FAQ:📗Q: Are you still open?A: Yes and no...We’re not open with regular store hours, but offer ...
05/28/2021

A quick “Hello!” and some FAQ:
📗Q: Are you still open?
A: Yes and no...We’re not open with regular store hours, but offer private shopping by appointment and all stock is 50% off.
📘Q: How do I go about this?
A: Just call me at 250-679-3032 and we’ll set up an appointment!
📕Q: Do you have many books left?
A: YES. 😳 When the pandemic changed everything last year, we were still actively collecting popular and hard-to-find books for the store. The decision to wind down the bookshop was made for us at a time when we were fully stocked and looking forward to a summer season. So yes, there are literally thousands of books left! (And the selection is superb!)
📙Q: What “COVID protocols” are in place?
A: The usual mask and sanitizer. (Thank you so much for your cheerful cooperation with all this! We know you’re tired of it all, but we sure appreciate your good nature!)
📚Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine that follows this soaking rain!

05/20/2021

Stock up your cabin with off-line entertainment for the whole family!
50% off everything: books, DVDs, jigsaw puzzles...
By appointment only. COVID protocols in place.

Address

313 Shuswap Avenue
Chase, BC
V0E1M0

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