“Second hand books are wild
books, homeless books; they have come together in vast flocks of variegated
feather, and have a charm which the domesticated volumes of the library lack.”
- - Virginia Wolf
Adelaide, South Australia has been appearing in the radar as one of the best places to live with its bohemian vibe, wine regions, crowd-free beaches, pedestrian-friendly lanes, music and art festivals throughout the year, and vibrant cafes and restaurants.
What has not been mentioned is the treasure trove of small bookstores
and second hand bookshops scattered in the city.
Step out into the central business district with your book bag and you
will likely have your book lover’s heart swooning.
Oxfam Second Hand Bookshop
Adelaide 5-6 Hutt Street
Open: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
I would say this is the best second hand bookshop in the city (raise
your hand if you know of a better one)! Books in almost mint condition are neatly
classified in shelves, there's a continuous stream of new book arrivals, it has accommodating staff and truly bargain prices! It also helps that when you
purchase a book, you know that the proceeds go to a good cause.
Adelaide’s Pop-up Bookshop
Central Market
10 Gouger St., Adelaide
Open: 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday
9.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m. Friday
9.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. Saturday
The place to go for discriminating bibliophiles. The bookshop boasts of superbly curated literature, edgy modern fiction, cult classics, and iconic genre
titles. If you’ve been searching high and low for a book in your hard-to-find list,
chances are, you’ll find it here. The bookshop also carries beautiful first
editions and special signed copies. No mass-marketed books in this shop.
New Morning Books
155 Frome St.
Adelaide
Open: 10.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday
Stepping into this bookshop is like finding a treasure chest. Dusty volumes are precariously stacked all
over the place. Utterly delightful, the bookshop’s collection ranges from the
classics to the mundane. Don’t forget to have a look at the charming art prints
also for sale!
Central Market Books
Stall R40, Central Market
Gouger St., Adelaide
Check out this bookshop if you’re out for a romp and have several
minutes to spare for aimless meandering. Popular mainstream literature,
magazines, and cookbooks abound. If you’re patient, you could be rewarded with
finding a complete set of the Last Kingdom series!
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