I called Aquila a week and a half ago inquiring on having some *authentic first edition books appraised, the woman who answered the phone told me to call back in ten minutes and the owner should be able to contact me. I, given that I was out of town with family, suggested that the owner called me back to which she promptly replied, that wont happen, hes extremely busy and very bad at getting back to people, I then told her that I would appreciate if she passed on a different antique book dealer in town which I could contact to which she said no. It was an unfortunate phone call to say the least. Nevertheless, I called back - given that was my only option at the time - and finally got through to the owner, whose name is Cameron. I could tell within a second he just did not want to talk to me, but enforced a meeting for th following week, which just took place earlier today. A little history is necessary here in order for the prospective costumer to see exactly where Im coming from: my grandfather, and best friend, left close to his entire library to me when he passed... And, since they mean much to me, I thought I would get his collection of rare antique books appraised incase - God forbid - anything happened to my home. I packed some of my favourite (not best) books to give the dealer (Cameron) a taste of the kind of collection I have at home. There was the secret garden first Canadian edition, Ernest hemingways moveable feast and islands in the stream, sinclair Lewis Main Street amongst others, and all of them verified as first editions.... when I arrived to aquila, there was a written letter saying that they were closing due to economic factors (not costumer service) and that they would only be available now via appointment. Cameron met me, looked at my grandfathers books within thirty seconds and told me that they were worthless; I explained to him that I wasnt as interested in selling as I was an appraisal, but he stuck to his worthless estimate. All Im saying is this, I am so grateful that my grandfather left me with such a worthy collection that does have monetary value whatever a dead-beat ABAA dealer has to say, and that Ive done more homework than he could ever afford the time to since hes so busy. Honestly, I never write reviews - but I was so taken aback by this owners cruelty and refusal to even conversate with a lover of books, that I must let you know: whatever it is you want to sell, whatever it is youd like to inquire, or read... DO NOT GO TO AQUILA!!! DO NOT SPEAK TO CAMERON... it is simply not worth an ounce of your time.
Terrible experience, owner is absolutely mental, he was making up stories, lying to us. What a shame, that someone like that is allowed to do business in Calgary.
Great place. Closed Sunday and Monday though
The owner of this place honestly hates people, very rude and plain stupid.
I think some of the negative reviews for this place are unfair. My own experience with the store's owner was quite pleasant. He is a bit eccentric and chatty, but incredibly knowledgable and passionate about his business. There is a difference between a used bookstore and an antiquarian bookstore, which I think is something that not everyone appreciates or understands. There are only a few independently owned bookstores left in the city and I really hope this unique one survives!
Aquila Books is a Canadian Book Store based in Calgary, Alberta. Aquila Books is located at 826 16 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 0J9, Canada.
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