top of page
Writer's pictureThe Publishing Post

Second-Hand Books

By Shuangyue Zhao, Holly Presswell and Tamara Wilson


Reading is a pleasure that should be available to all. In today’s issue, we reveal some of the best second-hand bookshops around the country to help you know where to find brilliant books at a great price!


R and R Books, 4 Nelson Street, Stroud, GL5 2HL


Situated on the outskirts of Stroud, R & R Books is a second-hand bookshop with over thirty-five years of bookselling experience. The bookshop is a handy spot for both local booklovers and tourists, adding to the cultural atmosphere of the market town.


Specialising in collecting old books, R & R Books list the condition of all books they stock in detail on their website. You can also find a specific explanation of their terms to describe condition. For example, “cockled” refers to the fact that the paper has got damp at some stage and rippled. Helpfully, R & R Books provides postage services both within the UK and overseas.


Oxfam Bookshops


Oxfam’s bookshops can be found across the country, in many cities and towns. These shops are the some of the best kept secrets in terms of shopping for second-hand books. These shops often have rooms filled with books, with prices starting at £2.50. They offer books from all genres, and if you’re lucky you may even find some signed copies hidden in the shelves!


Paramount Books, 25-27 Shudehill, Manchester M4 2AF


Paramount Books, located in the heart of Manchester, is a family run business which opened in 1965. This second-hand bookshop takes an old-fashioned approach to the way the shop is run, encouraging customers to keep their phones in their pockets while browsing the shelves. The shop stocks second-hand books as well as new releases and an impressive collection of vintage comics books and magazines. If you cannot make it this beautiful store in person, then you can visit them via their website.


The Book Nook Stirling, 24 Upper Craigs, Stirling, FK8 2DG


The Book Nook is a Scottish independent bookshop and café with a pretty appearance, spacious interior space and extensive second-hand collections. The store’s stock is focused on both adults’ and children’s fiction. The shop’s café serves homemade cakes, toasted bagels and hot drinks, making it a perfectly cosy place to spend time.


The idea to open this exceptional shop came from two Stirling University graduates, who realised their dream in 2020. You can find their hand-picked recommendations on their website, as well as various beautiful gifts, stationery and merchandise.


Armchair Books, 72-74 West Port, Edinburgh EH1 2LE


Photo by: Armchair Books’ website

This snug family-run second-hand bookshop is located in Edinburgh’s hallowed West Port. In view of the historic Edinburgh Castle, and above the colourful and vibrant Grassmarket, it can’t be better situated. The shop features a wonderful selection of literature, from vintage to contemporary books, organised in “very nearly alphabetised chaos!”


Bookmongers, 439 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8LN


Bookmongers is a much-loved, second-hand bookshop that has been located on Coldharbour Lane since 1992. It is an eccentric and eclectic bookshop that will be sure to charm you. As well as an interesting and ever-changing selection of second-hand books, the shop is also home to a cuddly former stray cat, who can be found dozing on one of the many shelves!

0 comments

Comments


bottom of page