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The ABPBC mourns the passing of Madeline “Mel” Bolen

January 5th, 2017

madeline-bolen The ABPBC is saddened by the passing of Madeline “Mel” Bolen, founder of Victoria’s Bolen Books, who died on December 21 at the age of 72. As noted on Bolen’s website, “She was a pioneer in early entrepreneurship for women in the seventies and eighties and took chances in expansion of her business in the face of competition.” Bolen’s opened in 1975 and expanded to become one of the largest single-location independent bookstores in Canada. When she retired in 2010, Mel sold the store to her daughter Samantha; her granddaughter, Madeline, has worked in the store since 2014.

Customers are invited to visit Bolen Books and share their memories in a book of condolences. Our thoughts are with the Bolen family.

In memory of Mel Bolen and Jim Munro, who both died in 2016, the Western Book Reps Association is donating $500 to a charity of each store’s choosing.

The WBRP is encouraging others to match its contribution. To donate, contact Jennifer Fyffe at (778) 847-3511 or jfyffe@penguinrandomhouse.com.