Adelaide's Pre-Loved Books

“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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