General
Q: What kind of books do you carry?
A: All of the books are new, with a mix of fiction, non-fiction and kids’ books — from buzzy bestsellers to local finds and things the team just really likes. There’s also a small selection of gifts and other things for book people. Most of the current book inventory is available to browse online.
Q: Where did the name “Meant Well” come from? And the logo?
A: The short answer: it’s about trying your best.
Meant Well Books was started by a mom and daughter. When the idea was taking shape, friends who ran small businesses kept giving the same advice: you just have to start. Not perfectly. Not with everything figured out. Just start, learn as you go, and keep improving.
It was something they talked about at home, too... that it’s okay to make mistakes when you’re learning or trying something new. The phrase “Meant Well” showed up in something the mom was reading and felt like the right fit. The logo was inspired by her daughter and her drawings.
Finding Us
Q: Where is your new bookshop?
A: Find us at 2534 Estevan Avenue in Victoria’s Estevan Village, surrounded by other small businesses and just a few blocks from the beach.
Q: When does the bookshop open?
A: We’re open! Find our current hours / days on the Find Us page, and check Instagram for any events or changes.
Q: Where does the book truck pop up?
A: All over (well, in the sunnier months)! You’ll find the truck at markets, festivals, neighbourhood pop-ups and events around Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island. Upcoming stops are posted on our Find Us page and Instagram.
Q: What are Reading Parties?
A: Reading Parties are community gatherings with dedicated time to read, plus time to chat, browse and connect. We host them with Simon Says and other local partners, usually with the book truck and a few other good things to eat, drink or do.
Our Fleet
Q: What kind of truck is it — and where is it from?
A: She’s a 2006 Suzuki Carry, imported from Japan. Our friends at Platform Garage in Shawnigan Lake helped bring her over and get her road-ready.
Q: Did we hear you now have a book scooter as well as a book truck?!
Yep, in May 2026, we added a book scooter to the Meant Well Books fleet! 🛵📚
Our scooter will be used for smaller pop-ups, neighbourhood events, and local deliveries where the full book truck setup isn’t needed (OR alternativley big events where MORE books are needed - because their can never be too much, right?).
Our website and event listings will always indicate whether an event is a book scooter stop specifically, as given the proportions, it will have less stock on-hand.
Partnerships
Q: Can Meant Well Books pop up at my event?
A: We love being invited. In the sunnier months, the book truck and scooter pop up at markets, festivals, neighbourhood gatherings and other community events around Vancouver Island.
Pop-ups are a little less frequent during the rainy season (books and rain aren’t exactly best friends!).
Availability depends on the date, location and event. Send a note below with a few details about what you have in mind, and the team will take it from there.
Q: I’m a local author - do you take submissions?
A: Meant Well Books carries a selection of local authors, along with a growing Canadian section. We’re not actively looking to add more local titles right now (limited shelf space!), but you’re always welcome to introduce yourself and your book. Send a note below with your name, book title, genre, a short description, and why you think it would be a good fit for the Meant Well community.
We know how much care goes into each book, and we appreciate you thinking of our little shop as a home for yours.
We may not be able to reply to every submission. It is, after all, a mom-and-ten-year-old operation (one has another full-time job, and the other has homework due). They mean well.