On Saturday 10th August, it was National Bookshop Day here in Australia. Admittedly, my visits to bricks and mortar bookstores have decreased these past few years – not because my interest has waned or my purchases have moved online but because I simply no longer buy as many books. One of the perks (or curse) of working in a library is the amount of books, magazines and DVDs you mange to accumulate on your account and before you know it, you have reached your limit. It may also be the fact that I no longer have as much room to store the books at home – for now.
As a belated celebration, I thought I’ll highlight my two favourite bookstores in Melbourne. The first is the Brunswick St Bookstore. It’s a great little store filled with a great selection of books. There are comfy chairs towards the back for you to sit and flick through books. The second is Readings, an independent chain in Melbourne. My favourite store is its original location on Lygon St. It’s a big space, filled with a large range including books, CDs and DVDs. I always find something new and interesting here. I especially love the dark wooden shelves and the attached ladders to reach those higher shelves. Readings also produce the cutest little bookmarks featuring a cartoon-style portrait of well known authors that you can take with you. Most of all, I think the reason why I love these two bookstores the most is because they both stay open until 10-11pm which makes them a great destination after you’ve finished dinner and dessert!
Where are your favourite bookshops?
Nice post – in the UK, Foyles is definitely one of the best 🙂
I went to Foyles when I was there a few years ago. Yes, definitely one of the best!
Oh, love bookshops that are open later in the evening, Mae. I don’t know Brunswick Street bookstore so must check it next time we’re in Melbourne.
You’ll love the Brunswick St store, Sue. It’s on a great shopping strip too and great restuarants. One of my favourite streets and the bookstores are the icing. There’s a great little second hand store too that’s open til 10pm.
Now I just have to make sure my aging brain remembers it when next we are in Melbourne!
There is no local bookshop that I love, but when I’m in Dublin I love paying a visit to Chapters. It has nothing to do with the American/Canadian? chain, but is a standalone mix of new and secondhand books. I’ll admit I usually go straight for the second hand section 🙂
I work in a library as well, so I usually have a stash of books nabbed from boxes sitting on my desk. Its all a question of finding the time
I love those store with cute little literary or bookish names like Chapters. 🙂 I do love those stores that have a mixture of new and second hand books. I don’t think I’ve ever come across them in Melbourne though.
I haven’t been to the Brunswick St bookstore. Next time! I do like Readings Carlton though – eat, read, eat…
I also love Kinokuniya in Singapore. It would be great to be locked in there overnight!
Oh, I LOVE Kinokuniya in Singapore as well!!! We bought so much when we were there earlier this year. What a wonderful collection. The Sydney store isn’t too bad either.