Favourite Book Store

Does anyone have a favourite bookstore (new or used books) they'd recommend in their area or elsewhere in Australia?

Grubb St bookstore, Brunswick St, Melbourne. Used books, also on Abebooks.
Loads of interesting books and open late late. (It's dangerous having a glass of wine with a friend after work then deciding to 'just stop in and look at the books' at 9pm). Only caveat - I've decreased my visits in the past 4mths as some of their prices have crept up. They're weaker on mystery and science fiction /fantasy genre than some other 2ndhand stores.

Another time and money sink - Enormous used bookstore on corner of Lygon and Johnston Sts. Can't recall the name.

Don't know any Qld ones, sorry.

Thanks ryn_books - I'm interested in bookstores all over australia, because I like to plot them into my holiday travels (how sad is that?!) Some of the best trips I've been on included a lost morning in a foreign bookstore.

I know what you mean about the dangers of late night book buying, I've had some serious credit card hangovers the morning after a shopping spree at an online booksite.

More used book shops in Melbourne. 6 - 8 km north of the city.

Howard Bolton, near the Merri station in Northcote, is open only on weekends. His shop is the front room of someone's house and is full of old and new classics, all in excellent condition. Howard really knows his books - he'll answer your questions and make recommendations.

Fully Booked is in High Street, Thornbury. A little shop, absolutely full of books. All sorts of classics and oddities. A resident cat and two very friendly, knowledgeable young owners. Open from Wednesdays to Sundays from 11 (?) to 6.

The Archives Bookstore at 40 Charlotte St ., Brisbane, is a large secondhand bookstore, probably the largest in Brisbane. They can be quite expensive, though. Also if you can time your trip to co-incide with the Lifeline Booksales which are on at the Convention Centre in Brisbane twice a year, that would certainly be worth your while . They are HUGE, the range of books is impressive and they go on for several days. Also,the University of Qld has the Alumni Booksale (once a year, I think) which is also very good and very large (take your suitcase on wheels to the last 2!). You can probably find out more about these online.

Oh, I forgot - Folio Bookstore in Albert St Brisbane and The American Bookstore in Elizabeth St are also good for new books.

Books Kinokuniya in Sydney City is an interesting store for new books. It carries a large range and a lot of it is a bit different from the books stocked by the usual suspects. Their children's book section is spectacular.

>7 Sassm: Kinokuniya is a must-visit for me when I'm in Sydney!

In Hobart my favourite is Ellison Hawker. Small, but very friendly and knowledgeable, with the best selection of sci-fi and fantasy in town.

I once saw a leaflet in a second-hand bookstore in Hobart which had a map showing the locations of *all* the second-hand bookstores. Someone should put that in Google Maps :)

I know three great second-hand bookstores in Sydney's East: 'Swap Books and Music' in Bondi Junction; 'Booked Out' and 'Ts Book Shop' in Randwick. Between these three I pretty much can get any genre and book I want - and they will take a list from you so you can get your favourites when they come in if they don't have them in stock. I save so much money on each book but I buy so many more books that I think I am living in a false economy, but a very happy one.

edited to fix my typos as it is late

Years ago (in 2000), when visiting your wonderful country, I stopped at a great used bookstore in Lorne (not too far from Melbourne). Unfortunately I do not remember the name, but I guess it should not be difficult to find it, since Lorne is not a very large place.

the evil bookstore aka Bargain Books in Central Station in Sydney. Mainly remainders, but very cheap, and you will end up spending money, hence the alternative name.

Canberra has some of the best second-hand bookstores I have encountered in Australia. Lawtons of Canberra is good.

Gaslight Books in Canberra is fabulous if you like SF/fantasy or mysteries - they're a new and secondhand bookshop that specialises in those genres. They do mail orders too.

Searchable catalogue: http://www.gaslightbooks.com.au/

Okay, couple of things.
THANK YOU to everyone for aiding and abetting my addiction. My credit card company also thanks you.

Megami - I just realised you created this site, thanks for the post on the graduate group - I was beginning to feel like the only slacker Australian.

inner_artist - can you believe I've been at the University of Queensland for 3 plus years and never made it to their alumni sale? It always seems to coincide with the busiest uni period, have they no sympathy?

Pages and Pages, Military Road, Mosman. A family business, all of the employees READ the latest books. Very friendly.

Yes, agree with previous comments on Folio Books, American Bookstore and Archives in Brisbane. Yes, Archives is a bit costly, but there is a huge range, and the literary fiction section is impressive. Also popular/science fiction and poetry, art etc. Everything really.

Another second-hand store is Charing Cross Books at Annerley, but beware, it is very messy and an OHS disaster area! But this makes it all the more fun. There's also the excellent, humorous, smaller Bent Books in West End, run by the friendly Sean and his staff.

Avid Reader at West End, just along from Bent Books, sells new books, and is a terrific little shop with very knowledgeable staff, some of whom are writers themselves.

The Alumni Bookfair at UQ is run every two years, so the next one is 2009. Lifeline have their bookfest in Brisbane in January (around Australia Day) and June (around the Queen's Birthday weekend).

Outside Qld, I love Gleebooks and Abbey's in Sydney, and the huge Gould's in Newtown.

I'll add my support to fans of Folio Books and Avid Reader in Brisbane - great bookshops. I've become a regular at Readings since moving to Melbourne - less personal service, but a fine collection (and sticking it to Borders across the street). The Brunswick Street Bookshop in Fitzroy is more in the vein of Avid or Folio and is a fine, if expensive, shop. For an arty/design focus, Metropolitan Books on Swanston Street (up the stairs at Curtin House) is the bee's knees.

For second hand options: Grub Street Books is great as mentioned. There are a pile of small 2nd hand bookshops on Rathdowne St in North Carlton that are a little pricey but full of oddities and interesting finds. Also: the place on the corner of Elgin and Lygon as mentioned (although I can't remember the name either).

Galaxy and the Foreign Language Bookstore in Melbourne, Kinokuniya and Abbey's in Sydney, the little second hand store at the Lyneham shops, Canty's in Fyshwick, and Smith's Alternative Bookshop in Canberra (sounds like a porn store, but it's not). Oh, and the Lifeline bookfairs twice a year at EPIC in Canberra.

I like to frequent the University Coop bookshops when they have their remainder sales.

Guess where I live...

In Melbourne I liked Readers Feast in the city on the corner of Bourke & Swatson Sts and also Domain Rd Books in South Yarra; both for new books. On Chapel St in Prahran is an excellent photography bookshop, but I cannot remember the name; it has both new & used books.

In Sydney, where I have just returned to this year, I generally stay close to home in Glebe and go to Gleebooks (both stores) & Sappho, which has a little coffee shop in the back.

In Blackheath, Blue Mountains, NSW: Gleebooks

The book shop on the corner of Lygon and Elgin -which becomes Johnston- is Book Affair. cheers

In Canberra you can also find Canty's and The Bookery in Wollongong St Fyshwick - the range in each of those is fantastic. Really good for the History Buffs.

Cheers

For character and style, I can't go past Mary Martin's in Rundle Street, Adelaide. Expensive though!

Kinokuniya in the Sydney CBD. Bar none. It's like the Japanese/Chinese Aladdin's Cave (though Neil Gaiman reckons Aladdin was Chinese) that's huge and full of books, and you can get lost in there for hours, not because you are lost and directionless, but lost in the sense of you forget about the world outside...

Sun Bookshop in Ballarat St, Yarraville, Victoria. Excellent, eye-catching display, with recent reviews attached; inside the wonderful art deco Sun Picture Theatre.

I really like Gleebooks in Sydney; I also think Borders in Sydney is pretty good.

I now buy around 90% of my books online from The Book Depository in the UK. Not only are the prices 50% or more cheaper than Aussie prices but they send airmail express post free. Books arrive in 3 to 4 days which is faster than I can usually get them from Sydney which is just 90 kms away and for which I pay over-the-top postage rates.

Two additional benefits are that the books are sometimes hardcover editions that were not released in Australia and you come across books that were never published here in the first place. And another thought: sometimes way in advance of Aussie publication dates.

I know that this doesn't support Aussie bookshops but when one buys several hundred books a year, the saving is enormous (which can then be spent buying more books :-) ).

I really wish you had kept the book depository to yourself. The last thing I need is yet another place to buy books from. I went to see the website and immediately bought 4 books....how could you?

Sorry about that ..... no, I'm not! ;-)

I must warn you (and everyone else) that it's really addictive: I sometimes buy 15 or more books in one order. And, oh, how I love finding my post office box stuffed with white packages from TBD (each book is sent separately).

I just hope they never add postage charges. I haven't bought from Amazon for quite some time now as their postage costs sometimes exceed the cost of the book.

I buy from the Book Depository all the time now -can't recommend it enough. AND I found out about it from a member (Bluetyson, thank you again) on this site. I prefer the British publications too. It amazes me that I pay half as much for the same book NEW on the Book Depository as I would in a shop here. In fact it is sometimes cheaper than what I would be charged in a second-hand book shop! But I like to support them too.

Don't laugh too much at this: the books also arrive separately in a lovely envelope that 1.fits easily into my letterbox so no trekking to the P.O.; and 2. I can re-use the envelope for my Bookmooch posts!! Bonus!!

I have noticed just recently, since our exchange rate has improved so much, that some new books from the states have DECREASED in price to less the $14 for paperback. As they should! The price increases in the stores, very promptly, when the rate goes down.

>>29 Lman:

Actually, almost all the books we get in Australia ARE the British publications. The price in pounds on the back is a dead giveaway. It's also why our covers match the ones on amazon.co.uk but not on amazon.com

>>26 Murmurs:

For the most part, even the hardback versions of books are available, it's just that most bookshops don't stock them because they don't sell as well.

I know I have bought things from bookdepository.co.uk as well, but when there's not much difference in price, try going down to your local independent bookstore. We need your money more than any large shop or chain.

I beg to differ here on all all accounts as I buy quite a lot of books both UK and US editions.

Firstly a standard paperback UK publication costs from $21 to $23 new in Australia and it will cost no more than $12 on Book Depository (including credit card charges for overseas currency exchange).

Secondly US publications - cheaper but nastier - are widely available now (there was legislation enacted years ago to allow USA/Canadian publishing to be sold in Australia) often months before the UK edition arrives here. US editions are around $19.

As for the overpriced oversized trade size (IMO) they cost over $35!!!

I find the price of books in this country very sad - as I feel it is not the authors getting all this money.

ETA: I wonder who is?

I can tell you now that it isn't the booksellers either (at least, not the small ones). Most of us are being squeezed out of the market by huge multinationals like Borders who can negotiate better deals with the publishers.

I never said that books in Australia were cheaper, just that they are usually the British editions...and this is still true for at least 90% of our stock. Although that may be because the bookshop I work in tends towards the more literary works rather than junky American genre publications.

"I know I have bought things from bookdepository.co.uk as well, but when there's not much difference in price"

I really do have to differ with you on that one too. The TBD price averages 50% of the Aussie price.

This week Bernard Schlink's latest, Homecoming in hardcover, arrived. It cost me $28-00. Price at A&Rs $47-99 and Dymocks $45-00.

As did Paranoid Park (the basis of Gus van Sant's new movie). This cost me $13-00 (hardcover). A&Rs $23-99.

I buy a lot of gay-oriented fiction as well which is not generally available in Australia but when it is, the price is really loaded. I can save a lot more than 50% on those ones and no postage costs.

"the hardback versions of books are available, it's just that most bookshops don't stock them"

There is no way I'm going to buy a paperback version of a book when I can buy the hardcover edition for a lot less than the Aussie-priced paperback.

I do feel sorry for bookshop owners and I would like to be a philanthropist but as I said above, I buy several hundred books a year and I just can't afford to pass up those savings offered by TBD.

Another Book Depository fan here too! :) Even with the crummy exchange rate we get with the British pound it is still much cheaper (and as mentioned, faster) to use the BD.

New books I've bought recently in Australia were from Myer, when they had a 35% of all books sale. The range is very limited - naturally - as they are not a bookstore. I also use Dymocks (with my membership card) for Penguin Classics and Oxford World's Classic, which are usually priced about the same as the BD.

My nearest Borders is a round trip of 1.5 hours and requires pricey parking - so even with their vouchers its usually not worth it.

Edited to add that I live in the suburbs and there are no decent second-hand bookshops within cooee...

I'd like to apologise to Murmurs...I didn't mean to sound so dismissive in my previous post. But I think you missed the point of my original post.

I never said that the books in Australia were cheaper...that's just blatantly untrue. I was merely suggesting that on the occasions where there is only a minimal price difference, say $1 or $2 (this does happen - quite few of the books I was interested in worked out at similar prices to what was available here) then you should invest your book-buying dollars in helping small independents.

Well, I think that's enough from me on that topic...I never meant to be such an irritable advocate, but I just can't let an argument go... :)

I don't want to add another website to become addicted to, but take a look at www.BetterWorld.com, no postage paid if you are in the US and ONLY $2.47 (no matter the size of the order) if you are in any other part of the world.
Ever since I discovered it, I have bought hundreds of books and NEVER been disappointed.

I just checked out that site - thank you (I think) but it says $2.97 per book shipping worldwide. Has that been changed since the change in US postal charges perhaps?

BTW: still looking good!

Goodness gracious! I think they increased the price!
Sorry........
But it still is wonderful, I can guarantee it.
I just took a look at the Book Depository, and realized there are no used books there!! I looked for some writers I like and, for at least one of them, they listed all the titles, but none was available :-((

The only book I bought from BetterWorld took more than 3 weeks to arrive. Was it because of the carbon-free shipping? Must have come by camel ;)

A camel that swam across the ocean, I guess!
:-))

I don't care! I am so happy - I just ordered this book from Betterworld that I couldn't find anywhere for a reasonable price; well I couldn't find, full stop, let alone buy.
Thank you aluvalibri! I don't mind if it takes 3 months - though it won't as they have taken away surface shipping in the states; which is probably why the price increased. As you say - still wonderful. And I like the idea of helping fund global literacy too...

Yes, Lman, the chance of being able to help funding global literacy was the first reason I was attracted to the site. Happy reading!!

Paola :-))

Thanks,aluvalibri! Just what I needed: another book place to spend money!

UPDATE: Just ordered a book from them to try them out. After checking my credit card account, the book (with postage) is about $4-00 dearer than TBD. Now to see how long it takes to arrive. (PS The exchange for the Aussie $ makes it too easy to buy books at the moment!!!!!)

For some reason books, things I buy on eBay etc. take a LOT longer to come from the US than they do from the UK. Australia (and I think the UK too) now only has airmail options at the post office while the US still uses surface mail.

I usually buy my secondhand books via Abebooks ALWAYS giving Aussie book dealers the business if the price is right.

dreammilkcheese (going to have to convert you to veganism),

"I think that's enough from me on that topic...I never meant to be such an irritable advocate"

No, it's not ... and you aren't (at least from what I read from so far ;-) ).

Cheers,
Ron

I agree with #2. New Grub St is totally wonderful and now that they have opened up a great ice cream parlour next door, it is very VERY dangerous. I can't believe how often I wander in for a 'quick look' and walk out wondering how I am going to eat for the next week...

I have bought several Australian books on Ebay, from Australian sellers, and I must say they always got here (the US) pretty quickly.
I am afraid the postal service in this country has worsened in the last couple of years. I have been told by one of the local postal clerks that the worst state to get mail from is Florida. Go figure!!!!!

At this point I'm not too impressed with Betterworld over The Book Depository. Apart from the book being $4-00 dearer, it's five days now and they still haven't shipped it.

I think I'll stick with TBD (my book lust resulted in ordering 19 more books in the last three days from them but that's it: I'm, errr, 'embarrassed' for funds for a few weeks and, hey, I don't like eating anyway!).

Murmurs:

If you look carefully at Betterworld's shipping policy it says all international orders take 7-21 days:

International (7-21 business days)

$2.97 per item

International orders are shipped "Standard Mail" - given to your local postal service after transit of 7-14 business days. More remote locations can take a bit longer. Western Europe and Mexico/Canada are normally the fastest.

And new books are not stored at their central distribution centre - so I am expecting it to take longer than TBD.

Having said all that; how good is TBD after all this - huh? Between both of them (as betterworld did have a book no one else had) I will be in the same difficulties as you. LOL!

I probably misunderstood the shipping policy. I assumed the 7-21 days meant the time it would take to reach me after it was posted (which it still hasn't been at this time).

It's annoying that the book I ordered from Betterworld was in stock at TBD (and four dollars cheaper). If I had ordered from them, I would have it now.

I'll stick to TBD: I ordered a book from them last Sunday and it arrived yesterday (Thursday local time). The Concorde must be back in service! :-)

(PS It's a pity there isn't an option in our profiles to set message posting times to show local time: this comment was posted Friday 18th 7:57am.)

>49 Murmurs: Your book may have already been shipped but perhaps hasn't shown up as 'shipped' yet in the status details, if that makes sense.

The book I mentioned that I bought from BetterWorld took 28 days to get to Australia. It was never listed as 'shipped'. About 3 weeks after I purchased I contacted them to say it had not turned up and got a response - "We're sorry to hear your book did not reach you. It was definitely shipped on ." With a blank space for the shipping date! I then got a PayPal refund. A few days later my book arrived so I paid for it again and let them know. All in all I thought them a bit disorganised but at least they were friendly and willing to refund. Fortunately it wasn't a book I was in a great hurry to receive.

Hi digifish_books,

Thanks for that info. I like the idea of Betterworld so I'll just leave it for a month and see what happens.

Cheers, Ron

One online book service that is fast falling out of favour with me is Abebooks.com.

I placed an order with them last Sunday. On the same day I received an email from the US seller saying the order had been processed, my credit card was charged, and the order was marked shipped.

Now, two days later, I receive another email stating, "Unfortunately the following item(s) are no longer available and cannot be shipped", and a refund has been arranged.

It's bad enough when I order a book and am then told it's unavailable, but to be told the order has been processed, charged and shipped when it hasn't been, to me, borders on dishonesty.

I wanted the book badly and I found another seller in the US through Abebooks and placed an order against my better judgement. Why? Because postage cost is AU$19-00 for up to 45 days delivery time which is blatant stealing as far as I'm concerned.

Planet Books in Mt Lawley, Perth is my favourite book store. It has only been around since 2006 and has a great variety of "out of the ordinary" books. It seems to be taking over where Arcane left off when it closed in the way of lesbian/gay books, which have a lot in common with hen's teeth in Perth! It is open until late and on the coffee strip...heaven!

Elizabeth's Secondhand Bookshops are good, too. The one on Hay Street has a great range of secondhand comics at a reasonable price in really good condition, too.

As for shopping online...I've never done it...I like browsing through the shelves too much.

My latest purchase from The Book Depository includes a FREE bookmark! Woo-hoot! ;D

OOOOH! What sort of bookmark? I just get flyers for UK only deals with mine!!

....*sulking*...want one!

...sorry, pic is a bit small!

I just got a dozen with my last purchase from BetterWorld. I will be happy to send them around. If interested, drop a note on my profile page with your address.

:-))

I'm a bit disappointed with Better World.

I received my first order from them this week and they sent the talking book CD version by mistake. It was also sent in a thin cardboard envelope and the contents were squashed.

It cost me $8-00 to send the CDs back and now I have to wait and see how BW handle the return and replacement.

The Book Depository rules for me from now on.

PS Still waiting on the book I ordered from BW on Jan 12 (Msg #43). I am beginning to wonder if their eco-credentials are along the lines of the company in this discussion:

http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=29044

Thanks to all those above who mentioned The Book Depository - I placed my first order last Sunday and the books arrived today. It was the easiest shopping experience ever and the prices are amazing. If not for the fact that I love browsing the shelves I need never enter another bookshop ever again! (like that's going to happen...)

>56 digifish_books: digifish

Very nice. I will just have to order a (nother) book from TBD and hope I get a nice bookmark too.
I have to concur with everyone - they are my favourite too.

:( Still waiting for my book from Betterworld - nearly forgot I ordered it; have forgotten when I ordered it! Maybe I will get a bookmark from them too!

ETA: BTW, I don't need another bookmark - but that was sweet, aluvalibri, to offer some around - and I'm tempted. I can't read a book without one.

Lman, they are available, just say the word!
:-))

Murmurs, I am very sorry about your bad experience with BetterWorld. It appears they are reliable only when they ship to US addresses, then.....what a shame!
I have not tried the Book Depository (yet) because of the unfavourable exchange rate dollar to pound. Also, from looking at their website, it seemed to me they only carry new books...or am I wrong?

"they only carry new books...or am I wrong"

No, you're right, aluvalibri, new books only.

However, one of TBD's benefits is that they carry an enormous backlist. I have bought books from them that were published many years ago and which are just not available new anywhere else.

As for TBD bookmarks: I have bought over 500 books from them and have found a bookmark in just about everyone of them. I started putting the bookmarks into the recycling bin a long time ago!

I too am a TBD devotee. There has only been one book that has ever gone astry in shipment, and a replacement was quickly sent - in fact I ended up with 2 copies, as it seemed that 2 seperate people handled my query (it was too late to be the original shipment), so I had an instant christmas present for my mum! Their prices are hard to beat, and I agree, when you order a lot of books, the savings do add up. And there is something so exciting about the books arriving separately too!

I have since looked at BW, and will make a point of checking them out regularly for those OOP books I am looking for.

Hi - I joined this group momentarily, to suggest that everyone start threads for your favorites by city in the Favorite Bookstores group. Great resource for travelers.

Three great (secondhand) bookshops at which I've always made purchases each visit are Mr Pickwick's Fine Old Books & Antiques at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains NSW, Avant Garden Books at Daylesford VIC and The Merchant of Fairness at Balwyn in Melbourne.

Re: Better World. I ordered some books 30 days ago and I am still waiting. Grrrr. This is why I have a deep and abiding passion for bookstores: they actually give you the books when you pay for them.

my favourite bookstore is in melbourne and is called Minotaur. It's on Elizabeth Street near flinders st, just after collins street... i forget the address... anyway, the sign is purple, it's hard to miss.
It's a great store! It specialises in comics, anime/manga, scifi and fantasy books and paraphernalia. The prices aren't too bad either.
Any Melbournians, I advise you to check it out!

A haunt in Sydney for all bibliophiles is Abbeys in York St not ar from the Town Hall and across the road from the QVB. The Language Bookshop is upstairs and Galaxy for Science Fiction is two doors up the street. "Where is human nature so weak as in a bookshop".

I did the seachange thing and the only thing I really miss about living in the city is the great variety of bookshops (and that they are generally open on Sunday). Ariel in Paddington and Abbeys in the City and the Constant Reader in Crows Nest are favs.

# 65 Merchant of Fairness is GREAT. They have piles of stuff everywhere, totally chaotic, but the staff know exactly where EVERYTHING is. It has wonderful stock, too.

I love the way the staff at the Infinitas Bookshop at Parramatta email me as soon as the next book becomes available in any series I am reading. Their monthly newsletters helps to keep me up to date too. Only a small shop but lots to keep fans of science fiction/fantasy happy.

Mr Pickwick's is a great bookshop. And there are several more secondhand bookshops in Katoomba. Unfortunately I don't know their names, but they are all on Katoomba Street.

Book Lore, Wattle Street, Lyneham (Canberra) is well worth a visit mostly 2nd hand.
also
Florilegium, 145 St johns Road, Glebe (Sydney) if your intrerest is mostly Horticultural, New & 2nd hand.

I like Book Lore. It's good for second hand textbooks (including linguistics: my favourite :) ).

Another one for the Book Depository here. Never get shafted paying Australian retail again.

As for second-hand, there's an sublevel place on Swanston St I'm fond of; can't recall the name, though.

>72 citybohemian: - Gleebooks now have a secondhand bookshop at Blackheath - which has a wide range of titles. It's not too far from Katoomba.

76 - mrspenny - Just in case it's not clear to others: Gleebooks in Blackheath, Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia is not *only* a second-hand bookshop - it also stocks new books. We are so glad to have a decent bookshop here at last. BTW there's a sale on this long-weekend.

77> Thrin - there is also another very good second hand book shop at Mount Victoria - Blue Mountains. It has only books (no art or craft items) and it it on two levels. I cannot remember its name but it is on the opposite side to the hotel off the highway in the row of art and craft shops and is well worth a visit for rare books.

If you are going to G/b's sale- I hope you find many bargains.

Another TBD fan, here. Was introduced to it by an Aussie (pamelad, I think). It's handy to get UK books prior to their release in the US (i.e. Ian Rankin) or authors not published here (i.e. Gail Jones). Interestingly, they have never sent more than one book in a package at a time.

I did use BWB for used books for a time, but found there was really no financial advantage over ABE. As far as new books, I'd rather buy my US books discounted from Amazon and spend the savings on whatever charities I support. BWB is a for-profit business, cleverly marketed as a non-profit (I actually heard this from Tim Spalding). Now, I have no doubts that they do indeed give to these charities and if buying from them makes you feel good, then do it! However, it's quite possible that they spend no more on charitable giving than Amazon or other companies. The bookstore I worked for (US) gave away a lot to local charities and schools through prizes for awards, gift certificates for charitable raffles, discounts for teachers, schools...etc. So, if you wish to give to local charities check out what your local bookshops are doing (I imagine dreamlikecheese can speak to this)

edited to add: BWB has been great for finding some of the more academic books, and also for being able to find more than one off the list of titles I might be looking for (which is a much more time-consuming adventure on ABE)

Thanks to those who have listed bookshops in the Sydney area! Does anyone know of bookshops in the Port Douglas or Alice Springs area? New or used books?

I hope you have a great trip when you get out here. In the interest of keeping your luggage heavy, I dug up some info on bookshops for you.

Port Douglas is not very big and the retail there is mainly aimed at tourist trade so I don't know what their book selection is like (I only went for a week so I had enough books with me that I didn't have to go looking for more). It seems they have 2 bookshops - Pages Bookshop which looks promising and "Wickedly Good Cheap Books" which actually seems to be a bit of a catch-all business as they do movies, souvenirs ice-creams etc as well so I don't think they'll be the best bookshop in history.

Alice Springs is a bigger town and has a bit more selection. There is a specialist Aboriginal/Australiana bookshop called Red Kangaroo Books in the Todd Mall which could have some interesting hard-to-find titles. They also have the usual chain bookshop or two, such as the Dymocks in the main shopping precinct. Most of the shops will be along Todd Mall, and many of the art galleries also sell related and local books. There also seems to be a local independent bookshop in the Mall called Bookworm, but other than that I can find no more info about it.

I'd just like to add that you are absolutely right about local bookshops supporting local causes. We regularly donate book vouchers to school fundraisers, charity raffles and so on. In particular, as an arts/theatre/film specialist bookshop, we support a lot of local art groups, artists and writers.

Interesting thread.
I avoid bookstores as much as I can because I always spend much too much money in them.
However, I do use some bookstores, and then they tend to be independent small booksellers, and for text books either Uni Books or Dymocks.
I have no difficulties with buying second hand books, and my favourite / only book buying place for the last 5 years has been Alibris. It's similar in concept to Amazon, but I find the layout, way it works more comfortable. As many have said of the Book Repository it is unbelievably cheap. I have not had one book of less than beautiful condition, and although the postage rates are often more than the cost of the book (usually $A14.00 per book) I just factor this into the cost of the book
eg Jane Jacob's The Death and Life of Great American Cities new Modern Library edition hardback $3.00 + $14.00 = $17.00. It was impossible to get in Australia.
The only disadvantage of Alibris is that they insist the bookseller send the book to them first before being sent on. A recent book I bought went from Queensland to USA and then back to South Australia.
I wish there were an Australian web based operation that operated as well as Alibris or TBR .
I suppose small, independent bookshop owners, and second hand book operators are more interested in books, and don't have the skills to set up a good web site.
I always search Books and Collectibles before going to Alibris, but even so the example above of a book available from a Queensland seller affiliated with B&C did not turn up when I searched there, but came up on Alibris.

Denise, have you ever tried Abebooks? I find it better than Alibris, which I occasionally use.

Thanks for the hint.
I just tried The Book Respository, and although they listed the book I wanted, it was not available.
An google search of the internet for the author's biography brought up a new paperback version of the book available from Amazon.
I don't like paperbacks, they just don't last.
I ended up buying what I wanted, hardback, and as it happens 1st edition tho' that is not a primary concern, from Alibris.

I only read your post after the purchase, but tried it out.Abebooks came up with the same seller, and book.

Since they search Australia and New Zealand first, I'll try them again next time, before I buy.

Denise - booksandcollectibles.com.au is also a good site.

Addall is also another good site for used books as it searches a whole list of second book sellers. If you go to addall.com and click on new search, a window will open up and you can see the list at the endo of the request page.

I have used both sites in the past with good results for titles I was searching for.

I haunt a fine secondhand bookshop in Geelong, vic., called Barwon Booksellers, at 2 James Street. It is plentifully stocked and has a wide range including great art and photography and design, a lot new but at secondhand prices. It's a gem.
I know what you mean about those parcels in the letterbox. They are a delight. I must go now and check out the Book Depository - or is it Repository?

My father disgustingly calls it The Book Suppository.

Very funny. I made an order from them and was pleased to get it quite a bit cheaper than it would have been in a shop here and had it in my hands within a week. The absence of postal charges is fantastic. I can join with the others here and recommend it. Dangerous but nice.

As per #4, I highly recommend Howard Bolton's shop in Northcote. The books are always in good condition and reasonably priced. It may be a small shop, but titles are chosen for quality, not quantity. There's Australian first editions plus history, fiction, crime fiction, children's books, poetry, classic fiction, biography ... Howard even remembers that I'm looking for Dorothy L Sayers in Penguin. He's a Melbourne (if not national) treasure!

Closton and Hall Booksellers academic remainders in Fyshwich, ACT - they mainly have a catalogue (printed or e) but they also have a warehouse that you can visit. I have bought many interesting titles from them over the years.

#89 - thanks for that one! I have bookmarked it. There are some good titles there.

Does anyone know what happened to the uk book depository? I know it was a favourite store of many posters here, and I certainly bought a lot there, but all of a sudden they seem to have removed the bulk of their discounts (now only a few pence off rrp, rather than the usual >20 feach:% discount). Fishpond have also reduced their discount on many books down to a couple of cents off for many of the bestsellers - was there some big book pricing war last year that is over? Or is it that the recession has pushed all our favourite stores to the wall?

kirstygm: I noticed that too :(

Updated website and some of the prices have gone up quite a bit. And no notice of a change, or explanation either. I guess I won't be buying books for a while.....

My favourite bookshop, without any doubt, is Amazon.co.uk.

Most bookstores in Australia only stock the latest publications but I can get books which were published years ago, either new or second hand if I buy online.

Arrg. I should never have looked at this group. Stupid Book Depository. Bad. Bad. Bad Book Depository. I think this is a bad idea... But anyway, I'm now about to buy 4 books. $20 cheaper than amazon :)

I should have come here a year ago... would have saved me lots of money. I'm now going off to spread the word :D

Hello folks, new member here, just thought I'd introduce myself and let you know of my favourite bookshops; one online and one traditional bookseller.

The online US-based Better World Books is great for used and new purchases with the added "inner glow" bonus of a percentage of each purchase being put towards world literacy programs. The postage to Australia isn't bad either. You can vote at the moment for them as the best social enterprise (honest I don't work for them :)

Living in the Blue Mountains my favourite bookshop is undoubtedly GleeBooks at Blackheath and I mention this because we are stopping there today on our way to taking the kids for a visit. Blue Mountains Books at Katoomba also gets an honourable mention.

Best to you all

Hallo sremmah - welcome - I was very pleasantly surprised last time I visited Blackheath to find Gleebooks had moved in - Another favourite of mine in the Blue Mountains is Mr Pickwick's at Katoomba..

Thanks kindly for the welcome mrspenny.

I was in Mr Pickwick's yesterday -- I love its rabbit warren nature, upstairs is my fave part of the shop :)

I just stumbled across the best site for us aussies that love our books!

www.booko.com.au - I'm embaressed to say that this site is like heaven on a stick for me

Such a great idea and it will save me trying to work things out in a spreadsheet!

Wow great site thanks winterpaws. Booko bookmarked and ready to go!

Hello all, I am a newbie and fwould like to say hello and to add a suggestion.

For Melbournites can recommend the little Alice's Bookshop in Rathdowne Street North Carlton together with Grubb Street in Brunswick St Fitzroy already referred to. My favourite new bookshop is the ownderful Reader's Feast because of their wonderful habit of including as much of each author's 'back catalogue' as possible in stock and on display - heaven!

In Sydney the Leichhardt branch of Berkelouw's bookshop in Norton Street is terrific.

Cheers,
renasof

Hallo Renasof - welcome - If you are in Sydney, Berkelouw's also has a wonderful bookshop in Oxford Street Paddington - similar to Leichhardt - new and 2nd Hand books and delicious coffee!! but my favourite is store is Berkelouw's Book Barn at Berrima - in the Southern Highlands (NSW) So many books!!! and a lovely day out in the country.

Apparently there is a Berkelouw's in Newtown now... I'm yet to find it (it got dropped into conversation with some fellow bookish friends last Tuesday). Off King St, on O'Connell (Connell?) St.

And that booko website looks far too tempting!

I do have to say my favourite bookshop in Sydney is Better Read Than Dead in Newtown. Lovely service, nice range, open late, within walking distance. That last one may not work for everyone, of course. ;)

Hey all, not quite sure how this works but here goes. Joined Book Thing a few days ago, already listed 200 books, just waiting for PayPal funds to clear so I can join and list the rest. Can't believe how many Aussies are members! Fav bookstores, Kinokuniya and the Bargain Bookstore under Central station in Sydney are musts for me when I go. Always take a wheeled bag into town on the train, feel dorky, but who cares! Recent discovery, the Big Book in Glen Innes NSW. Real old fashioned bookstore, scary piles of books all around, complete fire hazard, not the cheapest, but has some fascinating old stuff, including books by the metre (to make your bookshelves look pretty). Found a copy of the Lord of the Rings (3 in 1) that my dad gave me to read when I was 11, which I loaned to a friend and they never returned. Was able to give to my dad and stop feeling guilty after 29 years. (Yeah, I know, long time to feel guilty.) Look forward to trying some of the stores listed for Brisbane (my home town) and must remember to stay away from the websites, at least until the end of semester.

For those looking for inexpensive books in Canberra try Academic Remainders at Fyshwick for new books. They have a mail order catalogue and make regular interstate visits to Sydney and Melbourne. The other store to visit is Canty's also in Fyshwick which has new and used books. In my experience Canty's is usually less expensive than any of the other second hand book stores for its remaindered or used books. Wonderfully helpful and happy to buy back any of the books it sells. Our overseas and interstate visitors regularly use these stores - no parking problems.

For Sydney:
The Berkelouws in Newtown is well stocked and looks stunning; roomy, cosy and lots of wood. I found Berkelouws in Berrima a bit costly, though they had a tempting selection, also seemed to be a longer drive ( from Manly ) than it looked on the map.
Favourite for interesting (largely non fictional and academic) selection is definitely Abbey's on York St. and Galaxy next door to it for SF. There is a sale on right now (till month's end I think) I have found two armsful already.
Bargain Bookstore under Central station can have some excellent offers, but much is both remaindered and overpriced. For remaindered bargains I like Humphrey's on the Corso in Manly, there is usually something here and often at only 1.95 or 2.95.
Beware Elizabeth's, I have often spotted the same stuff as at Bargain Bookstore here, but at full price.
Kinokuya has an extensive range, but the coffee shop is absurdly overpriced and doesn't allow browsing unpaid goods, though they have a big sign offering the chance to read and drink.
To browse possibilities and drink coffee, whilst ensconced in a comfy chair I like Borders at Bondi Junction - the Pitt St. Mall branch has closed.

My favourite :-)
www.berrybooks.com.au

Not only is Berklouws at Newtown a fabulous, comfortable, friendly bookshop ... it serves a wonderful weekend breakfast. Strongly recommended.

Yes, I made it to Berkelouw's in Newtown the other day (via Better Read Than Dead and Elizabeth's) and thought it was all very wonderful. Ran unexpectedly into a friend while I was there however, so I didn't get a chance to look at the books because we were too busy catching up over a late brunch upstairs. Another time...

I'm crossing the ditch on Sunday for a couple of days in Sydney. I'm about to go and read this thread with pen and paper, but can one of you lovely Sydneysiders please tell me if Berkelouw's in Newtown (or Better Read than Dead or Elizabeths?) is walking distance or easily reachable on a bus from Redfern/Surry Hills? I've just read the last few messages and I think I need to go there...

Cushla - hope you enjoy your time in Sydney - if you start at the city end of King street, Newtown and take a leisurely stroll down King street you will find several 2nd hand bookshops (and coffee shops for refreshment)and Berkelouws Newtown is in O'Connell Street, which is off King Street. Don't miss Gould's book arcade is is probably the last bookshop on the King Street Strip heading away from the city (I think the direction is south-west:-)) it usually has a thousand treasures - beware of excess baggage on your return trip!!

It's not far between Redfern/Surry Hills, but I wouldn't quite call it walkable. To get to Newtown you can catch a train (from Redfern Station or Central) and hop off at Newtown, it's only two stations from Redfern (Central - Redfern - MacDonaldtown - Newtown). Walk up the stairs, when you get to King St, turn right and keep on walking. Better Read is a block or two ahead on your left, Elizabeth's is on the same side a block or two further ahead, and Berkelouw's is around the corner another block or so along. (There's also Books on King, which isn't bad, but isn't as much fun as the others. That's between Better Read and Elizabeth's.) You can stop for brunch at any of the MANY cafes on King St (I like Cinque next to Better Read, and I did have some yummy poached eggs at Berkelouw's cafe last week).

If you'd prefer to catch a bus, catch the 422, 423, 426 or 428 from Castlereagh St in the city or from Railway Square (outside Central). Get off on King St - either at Newtown Station and walk back as above, or get off on Missenden Road and do the walk in reverse.

And Gould's is there too. I don't like Gould's (I find it oppressive, so many teetering piles of books...), but it's on King St and the bus even stops outside it (one stop before Missenden Road, I'm sure the driver could drop you off if you asked for Gould's bookshop).

mrspenny, I think Gould's is the first if you're heading away from the city - it's the last if you're heading towards the city.

Unless we're in some sort of mirror world. :)

I wonder if anyone could recommend decent bookshops/second hand and new, in the far west of Sydney? By that I mean Penrith, Blue Mountains.

I am aware of Gleebooks in Blackheath and Blue Mountains Books and Mr Pickwick's in Katoomba, but was looking for suggestions elsewhere inthe Mountains and Penrith as that's about how far I travel on a regular basis.

Thanks guys - so cool to see your speedy replies!! I love LibraryThing. I'm getting very excited now... as Lola would say, "I can't wait! I can't wait!".

> 112 - you are absolutely correct - Gould's is the last if you are heading towards the city - it does depend if you like rummaging around in boxes of books for the treasures you seek as to whether Gould's appeals or not..

>113 sremmah: Do you visit the Katoomba Book exchange or is that the one you refer to as Blue Mountains Books? It is a little further along from Mr Pickwicks.

#115 and #111, teetering books sounds great to me...

#115: Oh, I like showing Gould's to people (it's pretty gobsmacking), I just tend to stay outside. I find it all far too claustrophobic in there! My mind strays to death-by-being-crushed-by-toppling-piles-of-books and once it's there, it never really comes back.

I remember being a braver, younger soul, clambering over the toppled piles of books up the back searching for various treasures. I've obviously grown up into a wuss. :)

sremmah, can't help you, sorry. I rarely make it out that way.

Thanks mrspenny I have popped in to the Katoomba Book Exchange on occasions

117 - Teetering mounds of mouldering mulch mind you.
Not worth the trek all the way to the end of the road.

#113 I can recommend The Turning Page in Springwood for it's variety and I've found books at the two second hand bookshops there as well. However, I haven't explored Penrith well enough to know if there are more bookshops there than the usual large chains.

#113 - At Parklea Markets at Blacktown there is a secondhand seller. She has a great range of books. Open Sat/Sun/Public Hols.

She also has a website www.parkleabooks.com.au

Hi nellista, I thought about recommending Parklea myself but wasn't sure if sremmah was looking that far down the line. I think it's worth the trip though because I've sometimes been unable to find one book out of an old series and it's turned up at Parklea.

Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to MrsPenny and wookiebender (110 and 111) for the advice about Sydney bookostores!!

I had a fantastic day in Newtown on Monday ... started at Gould's thinking I'd see if they had any Virago Modern Classics. I'd just spotted three or four on the main shelves when I looked up and saw at least 60 on the top shelf, then another 60 on the other side. I've never seen such a collection, or such an overcrowded book cave. Then I spent the next half hour trying to decide which ones to buy and contemplating luggage. After that I went to Elizabeths, Books on King, and Better Read than Dead (and Cinque - very nice!). All were fantastic. Berkelouws will have to wait for my next visit...

Now it's home to 9 degrees...

Cushla - glad to hear you had a good day on monday - and found some green treasures in Newtown... plenty to read now during your cold winter:-))- I love your description of Gould's as a cave - it is spot on.. haven't visited for about 2 years but must get there again soon...

I love to drive (or ride my bicycle) around NSW and I'm always looking for great second hand bookshops. Here's three that I think are excellent and which I would revisit, to purchase more books, at any time. They are in order of excellence:
1. Book Lore, 144 Albury Street, Harden NSW 2587. This is probably the best used book store I have seen outside the USA. In Harden! Who guessed? HUUUGE collection and it's all organized! The owner/manager has all titles databased and can find anything you ask for. Its in an old church, its centrally heated (ducted air! luxury!) and there is just row upon row of books entirely filling the church. Harden is not that far west of Canberra and not far off the Hume Highway. Coming from the north turn west at Yass and coming from the south turn west at Jugiong. Interested in bushrangers? Visit Flash Johnny Gilbert's grave, near Binalong, on the way from the Hume. He rode with Ben Hall before being shot by police where he is now buried.
2. Burnets Books, 46 Bridge Street, Uralla, NSW. Another significantly sized collection and with a high-brow tone. Looking for good authors and literary works? You might find what you want here. Uralla is just south of Armidale in the north.
3. A used book and antique shop at Taralga, north of Goulburn. Taralga is worth visiting for its own sake. Historical village, huge catholic church, delightful cafes and hotels and a great, but smaller, collection of used books.

cmt, what an excellent bookshopping day! I've got plans to revisit Berkelouw's for brunch again, this time with my Mum. We won't be distracted from the books!!

Oh goodness....I am fainting!!!!!!!
All those Viragos!!!!!!!!!!!!! Cushla, I want to go too!!

>126 shanemichael: - I agree -I couldn't believe my luck when I discovered Book Lore one Saturday afternoon last October - several treasures I couldn't resist..

I was not aware of the book and antique shop at Taralga so will detour next time I am in the area.
There is a similar store in Robertson in the southern highlands you might like to check it out next time you are on a road trip - just up from the railway crossing on the eastern side of the street. This store has smaller collectibles -
e.g. china and glassware but also a good selection of books.

Lesley McKay's bookshop in Queen St Woollahra is still a treat. Small but packed with little treeasures plus it is a step aways from Bill's.

Making a flying visit to Melbourne to see Brack art exhibition - any suggestions on 'must visit' secondhand bookshops in or near city including antiquarian. I am a bookbinder so don't mind looking at stores with books with broken spines! Thanks for any help.

msprint - time your visit for a Saturday and the book fair will come to you! There is always a Saturday booksellers market in the Atrium right outside the entrance to the Gallery!

There are a couple of specialist secondhand booksellers a short walk from the gallery - one in Swanston and one on Flinders Street. There is also Kay Craddock Antiquinarian Booksellers at 271 Collins Street - top end of the market for price but worth a look for the "drool factor"

Just so all the Canberrans and those close by know - Academic Remainders are having a big sale on Friday 10th July - they are unpacking a mountain of stock from Oxford University Press

They say "A Sale - the like of which has not been seen in Canberra since 1980"

> 132 australwind/msprint - for someone who hasn't been to Melbourne for a while, where is this gallery that has a booksellers market --> I plan a trip to Melbourne in October to do some lead pushing (wargaming) and that would be the best way to fill in time

Finally - when work takes me to Sydney I always find time to go to Basement Books (Its a remainder shop) right in the heart of Central Station's Railway Square, from the airport to the skytrain to the bookstore - and there is always something interesting there

Cheers

>MacBeth - the gallery mentioned is the NGV Federation Square - right in the city opposite Flinders Street station.

http://ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvaustralia/

Thanks Australwind,

how good is that - rest assured I will give this a look as soon as I find myself a Saturday in Melbourne

Cheers

Its quite good value too as it offers a wide range of subject matter, remainder stock as well as preloved, plus the adjoining cafe does great cofee and cake!

I have just returned from a trip to Canberra where I made my acquaintance with Book Lore in Wattle street, Lyneham.

I found sufficient books to accompany me home warranting the salesperson to offer me a supermarket 'green bag' instead of the normal plastic one for all my purchases.

Helpful and knowledgeable staff - pleasant environment considering how cold it was and more than enough well ordered and good condition books to keep me occupied for longer than I had planned!

This shop has a larger companion store housed in a church in Harden. Unfortunately my trip home was timed that I could not make the detour to visit on the way back to Melbourne. Both shops are open 7 days from 10am - 5.30pm.

Whilst in Canberra I also made my way to Book Passion (an old friend with new and remainder stock) in Dickson and to Electric Shadows (new books and DVDs) in Lonsdale Street. There was the possibility that Electric Shadows may well have offered up more than I was in a position to find on that visit as I had a friend with me who wasn't in the mood to browse!

11 titles in all - however I was very restrained having left at least four I was a little reluctant to commit to (price was the only factor here - there was a sort of budget in operation).

I hate it when the budget gets in the way of the fun. :(

My restraint in the first instance was guided by the fact that I thought I may have managed to go to the Harden store - there are twice as many titles to choose from there... so I wanted a little in reserve!

I still managed much fun!!!

Australwind, you have stumbled into two of my other haunts, although I don't go there as often now that I live in the deep south of Canberra. {We Canberrans turn a bit funny about the 30 minute drive right across the city :) }

Book Passion is a wonderful shop. I went there one day during the Christmas to New Year week and saw a book in a series but wasn't sure if I had it or not (my wishlist was at home) so I organised to make another trip and take my girls to the Dickson Pool.

Turned out that they didn't open that day, but I found the lady who was working there at the pool and she opened up especially for me to get the book.

Gotta love that service.

Cheers

I can't imagine why you find it so hard to drive across town? It is so easy by comparison to any other of our state capitals!

That's the kind of service you find rarely but is highly appreciated. I guess its the difference between people enjoying what they do and just collecting the paycheck!

My favourite second-hand bookstore is just across the road from Berkelouw's in Paddington. It's called AMPERSAND BOOKS and has a cafe. Full of treasures. I think I bought all their Viragos a few months ago, for my overseas collector friends, e.g. Paola.

#142> Oh yes, you did!
:-)))))

#137 Just to clarify for anyone thinking of visiting Canberra, Electric Shadows is actually in Mort Street (parallel to Lonsdale St).

australwind, if you came in on the weekend you might have even seen me there.

Apologies, dreamlikecheese, for getting the street name wrong...someone else was driving and I was working from memory!!

I was working over the weekend - I was there on a Tuesday and had lunch at the bakery a couple of doors down! Some fascinating photographs on exhibition there BTW.

I know it's already been mentioned several times, but Abbey's in Sydney is great. When I moved from Sydney to Perth a few years ago, one of the things I missed most about Sydney was this shop.

I remember one time taking my wife (usually she refuses to accompany me, as I used to spend hours browsing there!) to spend my "reward dollars". I took out the $250 worth of tokens and paid for an armload of books.

"How much did you have to spend to get that?" she asked me innocently. I looked at the teller. He looked at me. "Don't ask" I responded quietly, hoping she wouldn't notice the One Reward Dollar for every ten dollars spent! sign nearby. Ahh yes... those were the days. When I could happily spend nearly $3,000 a year on books without a care in the world...

Unfortunately (from a bibliophile's point of view), but magnificently, two baby daughters, and a new home has interrupted this habit. I still get their hard copy Abbey's magazine in the post every month!

Perth has a lovely, primarily non-fiction, store charmingly called Boffins. It's not Abbeys, but it's a nice store nonetheless. I try to support local bookshops, but the ridiculous prices charged here are starting to irritate me. I travel frequently to the US and marvel at being able to pick up paperbacks for less than $10 (including exchange rate).

I've also recently become a fan of the remarkable Book Depository online bookshop. Free shipping worldwide and rapid delivery! Quite often my only choice were I to want a particular book. For example, the only place I could find the back catalogues of Steven Saylor and Alan Furst. And yes, I bought the lot!

>146 omaca: omaca - I agree with you about Abbeys - I don't live in Sydney either but make full use of Abbeys mail order service which is prompt, efficient and overnight.

you have to visit Cheesefreaks in Healesville if you're ever there. We went last summer just before xmas.

Gorgeous cafe with 2nd hand bookshop. I found a 1926 edition of Samuel Pepys diary for $13.50 and some other great books too.

And this is the antipasto platter for two....



PS. The smoked trout with the caperberries was gorgeous

edited to reduce the photo size

It looks worth visiting for that antipasto alone!

Worth the trip from New York for these goodies (books AND antipasto!)

>148 ryn_books: Looks great, ryn! I've added the shop to the list of LT venues/bookshops. I shall endeavour to pop in there if ever I'm in Melbourne/Healesville :)

Wow! I'm heading down to Melbourne next month. Looks like a trip out to Healesville is in the cards...

Oh dear... there goes the diet!!!

Healesville - day trip coming up!

I hope others get to go there too.
Is one of the few cafes where I've said "Stop, let's take a photo first" :-)
And there were some interesting old books in there too!

There's meant to be a sister cafe in Yarra Glen, but I've not been to that one.

I just checked online for correct spelling of the place and it turns out it's Cheese Freaks. There's 2005 mention write up on Getaway website, link is here: http://getaway.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=64016

We hope to head that way again this year and will remember the camera as well as the book bag.

2nd hand bookshop in Burwood Road Burwood, near the corner of Parramatta road. I dont know what it is called. They cover all their books in plastic. Reminds me of school.

Booktalk in Swan Street, Richmond, covers all the bases: new and used books, great coffee and food, friendly staff. It's become my Melbourne 'club' when I'm in the big smoke.

I'm travelling again and this time I am in Broken Hill - in Argent Street there is a bookstore called Browzers. Its a combination of new, ABC shop, remainders and secondhand books. There's a little bit of everything!

Very very helpful and friendly staff - new stock coming in all the time.

The secondhand material is reasonably well sorted and ranged across all disciplines. Prices were fair. I managed to find a copy of a Katherine Susannah Prichard title in hardcover with dust jacket that had so far eluded me. They had one other of her works on the shelf in hardcover that is also bit hard to find.

Lucky you, australwind!
I am a great fan of Katherine Susannah Prichard but, in the Northern emisphere, it is difficult to come across her books. In fact, all those I have I either got through internet or when I came to Australia, in 2000.

Send me a list of what you are looking for and I will see what I can find for you!

Do you also have the works by her son Ric Throssell? He wrote a biography of KSP's husband, edited works of hers after her death and wrote of his own childhood. These books provide an interesting insight into her life, the nature of the society here in Aus at the time and the cultural influences on her work.

If you are happy with secondhand books (online even), I can recommend:

http://brotherhoodbooks.org.au/

Melissasyd (message 160), thanks for the great tip about brotherhood books, I just ordered 8 that I had on my 'to read' list and with delivery less than $40. Yaaay.

>161 tandah: they're fairly new so I wanted to spread the word.

I got 5 off my wishlist (postage included) for $28.

Plus there is no "adding to Mount TBR guilt" because it is for a good cause :)

Thank you, australwind, I will get to think about it!

Thanks melissasyd, I will check that out immediately.

I am developing an addiction bordering on morbid fascination with Kinokuniya in Sydney. They have such a huge range with so many Art books and graphic novels. Highly recommended!
Seamusoz

SeamusOz,

Of course! How could I have forgotten? Kinokuniya is a great bookshop. I will, of course, always have a soft-spot for Abbeys, and I love to support independent booksellers, but KK is great. Agree wholeheartedly on their art range.

Just waiting for the right moment to buy I'm Charles Saatchi and I'm an Artoholic (touchstone not working) and The Power of Art by Simon Schama.

I'm heading to Melbourne this Friday 23/10 :) to push lead around a table in the evening.

LTers can look out for me at the NGV Atrium's booksellers market on Satureday Morning

Cheers

Have fun, Macbeth.....

I have just spent part of my day rearranging my bookshelves....and I need more! I will try and avoid the book market this weekend!

167,

What book market this weekend? I'm in Canberra too if you hadn't guessed.

There was a mini bookfair at Weston last weekend. We picked up a few books, mostly mysteries for SWMBO as it happens.

168
The book market I was referring to is held every Saturday in the Atrium of Federation Square in Melbourne....which is where Macbeth will be this weekend.... as for markets in Canberra, I'm afraid I have no idea!

Here I am (10:00AM) enjoying a mocha and watching the book market set up.

I will be breezing around for much of the day - I have to see my brother and catch up with a freind. Any LTers at the book market that see a shabby bibliophile at the market wearing a Melissa Etheridge T shirt should come up and say "Hello Macbeth".

Surac,

I was at the Weston bookfair as well - my little warband spent more than I did, but I managed to find some Military History Magazines and some cheap double ups of old favourites that I could pass on to friends.

Cheers from Melbourne - back in Canberra tonight.

Good hunting Mac - in all endeavours!

Thanx Lyn,

Overall the trip was fun - I managed to catch up with my parents and my siblings and still get to the Wargames Tournament on Friday (where I was soundly trounced :( ).

Saturday I caught the book market, then saw some old freinds from my highschool days - ones I haven't seen in 10+ years and still managed to buy presents for the girls in my life (wife & 2 daughters).

Cheers

What did you think of the market, MacBeth?

I have never failed to find something of interest there when I have gone in....

Commiserations on your defeat..

Thanks Australwind,

I really enjoyed the book market - it was a pity I had to cut my trip through there a little short when I had to head up Swanston to the baths to meet my brother and pick up my diary (left behind the previous day). Once back at the Fed Square end my freinds had arrived so we pushed off to lunch.

Still, I found two interesting books. The venue was excllent and the coffee shop made an excellent mocha :)

Cheers

O'Connell's Bookshop on Rundle Street in Adelaide...

I normally shop at charity stores as people have tossed out the most interesting books normally; and we pick them up. Library book sales are okay, but I don't shop there anymore.
Otherwise, I love QBD. I'm a regular at Garden City here in Queensland. And when I'm in Brisbane City, my regular haunt is 'Archives: 1,000,000 Books' on Charlotte Street.

Isn't archives a top spot :)

I don't often get up to Brisbane but whenever I get there I always check the place out.

Cheers

Fav book store in Canberra would have to be Cantys (2nd hand bookstore) and Gaslight Bookstore (new and 2nd hand) both are in Fyshwick. I know it sounds odd but the Dymocks in Belconnen has a great range of books and staff are really helpfull.

My most favourite book shop for kids is Bloomin Books I can't belive it is not on this list over and over again it is a little treasure trove in Southern Sydney it takes me 3 hours to get there by public transport but it is so so worth the journey. The owner loves childrens books and has a wealth of knowledge beyond any I have ever met in 25 years as a Children's librarian. I thoroughly recommend Bloomin Books of Carringbah.

I was in the Gold Coast on holiday for New Years and highly recommend a browse in the Coolangatta 2nd hand bookstore there. I think it's actually called "The Book Shop Coolangatta" and is in Griffith? St there.

Lots of mystery, fantasy, science fiction and other fiction paperbacks. Actually a VERY vast range of these, and they were kept in very good alpha order in each genre so it was easy to find books by author.

Amusingly, they had a couple of sections labelled "Vampire Romance" and "Clogs and Shawl" : which summed up those sub-genres rather well I thought.

Prices were surprisingly good for a)holiday region and b)some rarer authors.
I got two relatively hard-to-find-in-Australia books for $16.50 and they're in good condition. So saved me buying them from amazon.

I live in Launceston so we're pretty light on for book shops and range here. A nice one in Launceston is Petrarch's Bookshop in Brisbane Street. They are a small independent locally owned shop. Much rather give them my business than Angus and Robertson who seem to have a smaller range each time I go in.

In Melbourne my favourite is Reader's Feast in Swanston Street
And I'll endorse the comments about Book depository.

Another Melburnian here. I generally pop into Hill of Content or the Paperback, both the top end of Bourke, as they're close to where I live and some nice cafes. I'm also a fan of Polyester for some more esoteric items or Brunswick St if I'm feeling flush and foolish.

Don't think anybody has mentioned Daylesford. Avant Garden in the middle of the main drag, and The Book Barn beside the lake. The former, last time we visited, was more professionally run - they ask for identification if you're selling - but the latter is just so quaint!

I know Cheese Freaks. The food's great, but the book stock's a bit limited.

>183 dajashby: The Lake Daylesford Book Barn is wonderful!

I remember visiting the bookbarn beside the lake at Daylesford in Victoria a few times on holiday. Yes, it is good. Berkelouw's bookbarn near Berrima in the NSW Southern Highlands is also worth a visit on the way past.

The various book shops in Newtown are my usual haunt. Elizabeth's in King street and also their shop in Pitt St. in the City. I find Gould's huge old bookshop in King street in Newtown awe inspiring but ultimately annoying. It is just too disorganised, there is too much junk (e.g. obsolete software manuals that should be recycled) and the books are being damaged underfoot.

>184 digifish_books:, 185 I returned to the Daylesford Bookbarn after first visiting it in about 2003. Has it changed hands..? Part of it is now a coffee shop and the number of books seemed to have reduced dramatically :( I much prefer the Paradise Bookshop in the main street with its quirky collections and great displays.

For cookbooks and books about wine and food try Books for Cooks, Gertrude St Fitzroy half new, half vintage and antiquarian
http://www.booksforcooks.com.au

Books for Cooks is a great store, on a tram route so easy to get to, is on Gertrude St just up from the Smith St corner.

don't forget to look at cookbookers group

Sad new is that Reader's Feast is closing in the city (cnr Bourke & Swanston), there looking for a new venue but will have no store for now, closing sale on now.

^ That is sad news indeed, to hear that Reader's Feast is closing down. :( It was my favourite bookstore in the city. I hope they are able to find a new venue soon, and the store doesn't just disappear for good.

On the other hand, it looks like I need to make a trip down to the city ASAP to check out their sale!

A good excuse to visit my favourite bookstore, City Basement Books. if only they had a café in there...

My favourite book haunts are garage sales, there are four this sunny Saturday morning in my little township.

New to the thread in Melbourne:

The Owl Bookshop (Secondhand Books) - 8 Margaret Street, Moonee Ponds

This relatively new bookshop is opposite the railway station and is open 7 days a week. Newly fitted out so is clean and tidy - the owner tells me that she has at least three times what is on display in her computer catalogue and that the shop will be trading online sometime late January, early Feb 2013.

If you are 'training' it - opposite Kensington station in Bellair Street is Wayward Books. Wayward began life in Flemington some years ago, had a holiday for a year or so while Judy was OS and has been firmly reestablished in its current location for a little while now. Judy's range of books is always interesting and of good quality.

There is a guy that sets up a few tressle tables outside the St. George bank in Newtown (Sydney) in the evenings. I'm not sure what nights he is there. He has a very good selection of (second hand) literary fiction. Nearly every time I look I find something to buy.

PS. If anyone knows who he is, we should add him as an LT Venue.

I am visiting The Lane Bookshop in Claremont, WA more and more. They have a wonderful selection of non-fiction, non-technical books art, music, religion, travel, cookery, gardening, etc as well as the latest fiction paperbacks which are all piled in a corner.

I try to avoid it as I always come out with too many books.

Who's to say what's too many? I think you just need to adjust your expectations and you'll find you don't come out with enough!

bernsad Where were you when I was feeling guilty about having spent 4 times the value of the Xmas gift card at Readings last week????

There are never enough books....just never enough shelf space or money!

#194> I think he's also there on the weekends during the day (once the bank is closed). But I'm having difficulty working out if he has a schedule, or is just randomly popping up. Nice choice of books though, I almost always leave with something (or wish I had the shelf space to leave with several somethings).

#197 I'm available for hire, I'm always up for a trip to a bookshop and I'm happy to whisper in your ear, "Go on, just one more. You'll find room. It's only a little one. You'll hardly even notice." etc...

My favourite book shop is my local Vinnies, every week I usually walk away with at least three, if i see a book that I really enjoyed I sometimes tarry and suggest to another browser, this last week I spied a copy of The Secret River by Kate Grenville, I pointed it out to a mother and teenage daughter mentioning that it was one of the 10books etc, at the time they did not seem interested, however on the way out of the store they found me out in another section and said that they had purchased it!! The three of us were all smiles!!!

This girl cannot help herself.

Mr dajashby has a t-shirt emblazoned with "You Can Never Have Too Many Books"!

Both our local independent bookshops (yes, we have two of them handy) have frequent buyer points schemes. The cunning buggers know that you're not going to just spend the $25 you've accumulated and leave it at that. Unfortunately our most frequented shop is next door to the cafe where we eat on our weekly foraging expedition to the market - that's why it's the most frequented, of course!

#200> Not St Vinnies for me, but the local op shop run by a church obviously has a generous donor with great reading taste. I keep on picking up almost new recent releases for a pittance! (They were also extremely cool helping out with Halloween costumes for the kids last year, who insisted on going as Mad Eye Moody and Bellatrix LeStrange.)

#202..I live in a small coastal town and often feel that I may know the people who donate these books, I do get some real gems at times, we could have a good time discussing some of these.

So Canberrans ..

who will be at the Lifeline Bookfair at EPIC this weekend.

I am heading there with the little warbands (not so little now) as soon as they finish school today.

Cheers