Yesterday I rang the Elsternwick store at 10 am and asked if they had a certain book. I was told they had one at another location and it would be transferred to Elsternwick between 1 - 3pm and they would call. At 4pm I rang again, it still had not come in. By 6pm still no phone call from the bookshop. I needed this book as a present for the 7pm birthday party I was attending.

I could have gone to another bookshop and had it by 1pm. But I wanted to give a local bookshop a chance.

I am extremely disappointed by the way I have been treated and will NEVER shop at Avenue Bookstores again.

This is my favourite bookshop - it has a great range. Also good for gifts, kids books and cards. I also collect points there when I buy things and it seems to add up to some vouchers quite quickly.

This is my favourite bookstore. They've been around since 1986 and hopefully for many years to come. I love the atmosphere here, I can get lost in the books for hours. They sell the usual little knick knacks that bookstore sell so you can usually find something if you're looking for a gift. I find all the staff friendly and helpful and they really know their stuff. Bought Jane Austen which they had plenty of versions of in stock, so I'm happy

with so many bookshops going the way of the big department stores, it is great to find a bookshop that remains individual and non-franchised. a fantastic selection of books in every category, helpful and knowledgeable staff, that will do their best to locate even those hard to find books - who could ask for more?

If I have to buy new books (I usually buy them 2nd hand), I come here. The woman who handles the children's/YA section is amazing. She is so knowledgable! Even though I don't buy many books here, over the past couple of years I've amassed enough points through their loyalty club to receive a $25 voucher.

a huge selection, very helpful staff, a wonderful kids range, gift wrapping, a frequent buyer program that actually gives you something (!) and great coffee next door - buying books doesn't get any better than this - in my opinion the best book store in Melbourne. But beware - upon entering expect to be spellbound for a least an hour!

the best bookstore ever. it's not too big, but somehow it always has everything. The range of design, art, travel, home, cooking, architecture, design books is amazing. They have really niche stuff. There's a great childrens' section, excellent fiction - they have mc sweeney's, wallpaper guides, all the most amazing, beautifully published books. they let you browse for ever, it's not a chain - it's run by peple who love and care about books.

The Avenue Bookstore has a vast array of fabulous books. The kids section is excellent. They also have a great selection of cards.