The only thing better than a good book is a shop full of them. Here are the best bookstores in Melbourne.
There’s something so satisfying about curling up with a good book and a cup of tea on a grey Melbourne day, so it’s probably about time to bulk up your reading list by visiting the best bookstores in Melbourne
When it comes to books, buying from local, independent bookstores is the best way to indulge your reading habits – the word ‘ebook’ is just offensive. So if you’re serious about books, there’s a particular art to shopping for your next read. Steven King once said, “books are a uniquely portable magic”, so it makes sense that these bookstores feel utterly bewitching.
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Readings
If you ask any Melburnian where to go for books, they’ll probably say Readings. Since the first Readings opened its doors in 1969, the business has flourished – moving to its now iconic storefront on Lygon Street before opening six more sister stores around Melbourne. Readings is the type of bookstore you’ll get lost in, with records, magazines and just about every book you’ve ever heard of.
Find Readings’ flagship store at 309 Lygon Street, Carlton. Other locations are listed on the Readings website
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City Basement Books
Need a good read but feeling a little low on cash? City Basement Books is the perfect spot. Descend the staircase and you’ll find a hidden gem right by Flinders St Station filled with more secondhand books than you could shake a stick at. While they may not have new releases or ultra-specific picks, they’ve got a ton of classics and the prices are amazing. You’ll also be able to get a good old-fashioned blast from the past, with archives of old cook books, magazines, special interest books and more for you to browse through and even take home.
Find City Basement Books at 342 Flinders St, CBD
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Neighbourhood Books
The big sister of Carlton North’s The Little Bookroom, Neighbourhood Books feels like your own cosy nook, stocked with everything you’ve ever wanted to read. The independent bookstore popped up in Northcote in 2018 and fast became a hub for book-loving locals. If you’re lucky, you might run into a local author amongst the shelves or catch someone jamming on the store piano.
Find Neighbourhood Books at 55 High Street, Northcote
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Dymocks
Okay, Dymocks may be a big chain bookshop, but it still feels personal thanks to the plethora of staff recommendations that pepper the shelves. The staff have great taste as well – they’re always suggesting super-cool alt-lit and literary fiction. If you’re patiently waiting for a new release, Dymocks is pretty much guaranteed to carry it, but it’s also just a lovely place to browse if you’re spending a lazy day in the city. Just beware, it’s hard to leave with your hands empty.
Find Dymocks at 234 Collins St, CBD
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Brunswick St Bookstore
If you ever find yourself in Fitzroy with some time to kill, make your way to Brunswick St Bookstore – you’re guaranteed to get lost. There’s something intrinsically homey about this bookshop and making yourself comfortable is encouraged, with lounges just begging to be nestled into while you take your new books for a test run. Not only can you pick up all the best titles, old and new, but there’s always a literary event happening between these walls.
Find Brunswick St Bookstore at 305 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
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Happy Valley
Happy Valley is one for the bookworms whose tastes stray from the typical. Rather than cluttering the shelves with trashy fiction, you’ll find a curated offering of classics, non-fiction, poetry, graphic novels and design books. That’s not to say you can’t pick up fiction here, just don’t expect to see any Nicholas Sparks. Not only is the offering of novels enough to make you drool, but there’s also a smattering of records, jewellery, magazines and other bits and bobs.
Find Happy Valley at 294 Smith Street, Collingwood
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Shelves of beauty! Photo by @the.imperfect.library #bookshelf #bookstagram
Brunswick Bound
Brunswick Bound is a Sydney Road staple stocking an eclectic range of books, vinyl, gifts and more. Plus, you can join their book club to meet up with like-minded book lovers or head in for one of their in-store book launches. And, for those eager to support the local literary community, the team at Brunswick Bound have even put together a handy Local Author Directory so you can check out some reads penned by Melbourne authors.
Find Brunswick Bound at 361 Sydney Road, Brunswick
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Hares & Hyenas
Specialising in queer, gender diverse and intersectional titles as well as stocking a selection of erotica and coffee table books, the range at Hares & Hyenas is perfect for anyone looking to broaden their knowledge on LGBTQIA+ history, feminism, gender, sexuality, art and much more. With an onsite cafe and late-night license, it’s an all-inclusive bookstore by day and performance venue by night. No matter who you are and what you’re into, you’re welcome here.
Find Hares & Hyenas at 79 – 81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda
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