FAQs
General
Q: What type of books do you keep in stock?
A: We carry a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books – from buzzy bestsellers to niche and local finds.We also keep a small selection of giftable items for fellow book lovers. The large majority of our stock is also viewable online.
Q: Who runs Meant Well Books?
A: Meant Well Books is run by a book-loving mom and her nine-year-old daughter. The daughter is the unofficial "Head of the Kids Section," selecting most of the children's books and bringing the energy and cuteness (don't be surprised if you see her cartwheeling behind the check-out stand) to most of our pop-up stops – though not every single one, because she is nine, after all!
Q: What inspired you to start a mobile book business?
A: Reading, writing, and supporting literacy has always been a big part of our lives. It's been a dream to start a bookshop, but this felt like a much more accessible way to do it, outside our nine-to-five/elementary school.
We also realized that people who love books often love the experience of browsing and connecting over books just as much as reading itself. And the truck creates an engaging, natural space for that to happen.
For people who haven’t picked up a book in a while, it can be an invitation. For people who already love books, it can be a new, shared experience, often in a beautiful location!
Q: Where did the name “Meant Well” come from? And the logo?
A: The short answer: it’s about trying your best.
The longer answer is that when this idea was forming, friends who run small businesses kept saying, “You just have to start.” Not perfectly. Not with everything figured out. Just start, learn as you go, and keep improving.
That’s something I talk about with my daughter too – it being ok to make mistakes and not get things perfect if you're just starting out or learning something new.
I came across the phrase “Meant Well” in something I was reading, and it captured that spirit. The logo itself was inspired by my daughter and her drawings.
Q: Where do you pop up?
A: In our first summer, we focused on Greater Victoria – from Fairfield, to downtown markets and festivals, to the West Shore, and neighbourhood pop-ups across the broader city. It's an incredibly supportive place and we're greatful to everybody who came out!
For our second year, we’re looking at broadening our scope a bit more (can you say road trip?!)! Open to your suggestions.
Q: What are "reading parties"? When is your next one?
A: Reading parties are community gatherings where we bring the truck, set aside dedicated time to read together in a relaxed setting, and leave space to chat, browse, and connect. Think: blankets, books, and good company. We often have other vendors there with food, drinks, and more books, as well as our partner and host, Simon Says, who helps build community and connection.
We usually host them during the less rainy months on the West Coast. For upcoming dates, check our Events page or follow along on Instagram for the latest updates.
Q: How many books are on the truck?
A: At our most recent stop, it was just under 400. The shelves are always shifting as we bring in new titles and see what resonates.
If you’re ever curious before heading out, you can browse the majority of our current stock online. And feel free to drop us a note if you're looking for something special.
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 you pop up at my event? And how does that work?
A: We love being invited. Availability depends on the season and schedule, but we’re always happy to hear about potential collaborations and appreciate you thinking of us.
Our set-up is small and self-contained (mini book truck + checkout), and we typically pop up for a few hours on weekends.
If you’re interested, just reach out through the contact form below and let us know a bit about your business and the space you have available. We’ll take it from there.
Q: I’m a local author — do you take submissions?
We’re always grateful when local authors think of us, and supporting Canadian / a diverse range of authors is important to us.
Because space on the truck is limited, we usually spotlight one local author at a time, depending on availability and fit.
If you’re interested in having your book considered for consignment, please reach out through the contact form below.
Please include: author name, book title, genre, short description, any information on why you think it would be a great fit for the Meant Well Books community.
Note: If space is available, consignment would include drop-off and pickup of books.