Bookstores and Bookshops in Auckland
List of Best Bookstores in Auckland
Here are the most popular bookstores in Auckland. These bookshops are popular due to their extensive collections, unique offerings, and commitment to celebrating diverse authors and genres. They provide a warm and welcoming environment for book lovers to explore and discover their next read.
- Time Out Bookstore, Mount Eden: Known for its unique and quirky window displays and extensive selection of new releases and classics. It has won many awards, including New Zealand Bookseller of the Year.
- The Women’s Bookshop, Ponsonby: Celebrates female writers and the diverse interests of women. It provides a safe space for books by, for, and about women.
- Unity Books, High Street: Specializes in New Zealand and international literature, poetry, history, and non-fiction. It also offers the best new releases across all genres.
- Little Unity, High Street: One of the best children’s bookshops in Auckland. It offers books for kids and teens from Aotearoa and beyond.
- The Open Book, Ponsonby: Offers a selection of second-hand books which you can rent or buy. It also hosts regular talks and events throughout the year.
- Hard to Find Bookshop, Eden Terrace: An iconic bookstore that holds over 90,000 titles. It offers books crammed into every conceivable nook and cranny, with rooms dedicated to science fiction, art, and New Zealand authors.
Second Hand Bookstores in Auckland
Here are some of the best second-hand bookshops in Auckland:
- The Open Book: A delightful secondhand bookstore in the heart of Ponsonby. It has seven themed rooms with neatly categorised sections so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
- BookMark Secondhand Books: Located in Devonport, Auckland, with over 20,000 books in stock. It offers quality second-hand, used, and rare books.
- Blue Hills Secondhand Books: A cozy second-hand bookshop located in Parnell, Auckland.
- Jason Books: Deals in secondhand books and is located on O’Connell Street in Auckland Central. It has a wide-ranging stock that covers most areas of interest.
FAQ
The oldest bookstore in Auckland is Rare Books, established in 1968. It is New Zealand’s leading antiquarian bookseller, specializing in fine and early books. The store is located at 6 High St, Auckland 1010.
The bookstore with the largest collection of books in Auckland is Hard to Find Bookshop. It boasts an incredible showcase of more than 300,000 book titles, which includes classic first editions, antiquarian treasures, old-time hardbacks, collectors’ items, and books that have simply disappeared from the literary limelight.
If you’re in the mood for something more contemporary, the bookstore also houses a nice selection of second-hand paperbacks. It’s located at Eden Terrace, with a second store in Dunedin. You can discover over 140,000 books in their online catalogue and 90,000 in store.
Buy Books or Borrow from a Library?
The decision between buying a book or borrowing from a library depends on several factors:
- Personal Preference: Some people prefer to own books so they can annotate them, re-read them, or add them to a personal collection. Others prefer borrowing to save money and space.
- Availability: New releases might not be immediately available in libraries, so if you want to read a book as soon as it comes out, buying might be the better option.
- Cost: Borrowing books from a library is usually free or very low cost, while buying books, especially new ones, can be expensive.
- Convenience: Some might find it more convenient to buy books online and have them delivered. Others might enjoy the experience of visiting a library and browsing the shelves.
In the end, it’s a personal decision based on your reading habits, budget, and preferences. Both options have their own benefits and can complement each other in a balanced reading lifestyle.
