Since the advent of the e-book, there has been a lot of doom and gloom about the future of the local bookstore. Despite these pessimistic predictions, bricks-and-mortar bookshops remain vital parts of the communities in which they operate
Good bookshops offer expertly curated ranges and equally expert staff. Very few other shopkeepers can rival the knowledge and passion booksellers have for their treasures. Hand written endorsements, honest discussion and that blissful sense of tranquility all help make bookshops wonderful places to idle away an afternoon. But, of course, they can be great for last minute gifts, and other panic purchases, which is why it’s so helpful when they have no minimums on card payments. It’s a little thing, but it’s definitely a factor in making these seven booksellers so superlative.
The Brunswick Street Bookstore has been attracting loyal customers for almost thirty years. Offering a cherry picked range of new releases, classic fiction and nonfiction titles, this bookstore is perfect for browsing, and it’s highly likely you’ll find your next favourite read standing proudly on its shelves. The store offers a great range of art and design titles, as well as architecture, cooking, gardening and travel books. Most importantly, the passionate, friendly and educated staff are always happy to chip in their two cents with fantastic recommendations – sometimes it feels like they’ve read everything in the store.
Bookshops are magical places, and the Little Bookroom is a fine example of providing that magic to adults and children alike. Stocking everything from picture books for toddlers to young adult fiction, comics, graphic novels and a carefully curated range of fiction and non-fiction for adults, the Little Bookroom has been supplying tomes to locals since the 1960s. Card use is encouraged, with no minimum spend or extra fees for card use.
South Yarra’s Avoca Hill Bookstore is a little slice of paradise for booklovers. Stocking all the latest fiction and non-fiction releases as well as a large range of design books, the staff at this store know how to hook up locals with the best books in the market. Cards are welcomed for all purchases, from small books for children to more expensive cookbooks.
Discover Time Out original video
