Brisbane’s best bookstores

LET’S set the record straight - it’s impossible to curl up with a good e-book. Sometimes, for a really good read, you need the real thing. Here’s our top picks of the city’s bookshops.

LET’S set the record straight - it’s impossible to curl up with a good e-book. Sometimes, for a really good read, you need the real thing.

Here is our list of some of the best book shops in Brisbane.

Archives Fine Books

40 Charlotte St, Brisbane

Hamish Alcorn, co-owner of Archives Fine Books. Picture: Jono Searle.

Located on the ground floor of heritage-listed building John Mills building, Archives Fine

Books is one of the largest second-hand bookstores in the world.

The shop claims to have a million books on every topic, including literature, philosophy,

politics, sport, military history, religion, law, and business…the list goes on…and on.

It is also one of the oldest second-hand book-stores in Australia.

Established in 1985, the stores has vellum and leather-bound books dating from the 16th century.

Fans remark on its “Dr Who’s Tardis” feel – tiny on the outside but a huge wonderland once

you’re through the door.

Title

2/60, James Street, New Farm

Title is a very well-stocked store that includes enough books, CDs, DVDs and vinyls to cater

for all tastes.

It’s the perfect place to while away the hours on a carefree Saturday or Sunday. You may

not have a specific purchase in mind, but you will likely leave with a new favourite author to

add to your collection.

Slightly geared towards music enthusiasts, it’s still well worth your time even if it’s not your

regular forte.

Bent Books

205a Boundary St, West End

Bent Books in West End.

This secondhand bookshop has been an icon of West End for nearly two decades.

It has a diverse collection of quality titles and unusual treasures, and, despite the name, the

books are all in excellent condition and beautifully arranged.

The titles are diverse and there is every chance you will stumble across an hidden treasure.

As well as selling books, Bent Books also buys and trades by appointment.

Avid Reader

193 Boundary St, West End

Children's author Natalie Jane Prior reads Where The Wild Things Are to Harry Arend , 4, and Zac Arend, 2, at Avid Reader.

Avid Reader has been a part of West End culture since September 1997 when a group of

friends, Fiona Stager, Kevin Guy, Verdi Guy and Colleen Mullin, decided that the

community was in need of a bookstore specialising in new, quality fiction and non-fiction.

Since then the award-winning store has grown from strength to strength and now also

includes a café.

The great thing about Avid is its frequent in-store events including book launches, signings,

various book clubs and introductory nights for fledgling and established book clubs.

In March last year, the kids section was moved into its own space, which means adults can

now browse the shelves in peace.

Folio Books

Mary St, Brisbane City

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd browses the selection at Folio Books. Picture: Jono Searle

For over 30 years, Folio Books has given Brisbane book lovers a wonderful experience, with

an extensive, unique and wonderful range of titles from publishers across the world.

One of their nice little touches is the customer-specific orders, as well as being great at

providing recommendations if needed.

The business recently launched an online store, giving customers the chance to buy from

the comfort of their own home, although we think visiting the store is always a delightful

way to spend a few hours.

Annerley Community Bookshop

12/478 Ipswich Rd, Annerley

Paul Hodges and Cathy Holliday at The Annerley Community Bookshop. Picture: Peter Cronin

Bookworms rave about this humble secondhand bookshop, which is run by volunteers and

stocked by donations.

It’s a not-for-profit community enterprise and is the only one of its type in Australia.

This store is ideal for those wanting to brush up on the classics, because the shelves are

heaving with many great literary titles.

Most of the books come under three categories: classic literature, Australian literature, and

general fiction.  

The store has a quaint lounge feel, with red couches a coffee table and even a chess board.

The only thing missing is a coffee shop.

Riverbend Books
193 Oxford Street, Bulimba

Suzy Wilson at Riverbend Books. Picture: David Kelly

Another favourite with former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Riverbend Books is a warm and friendly store with a beautiful Queenslander deck out the front.

As well as browsing for books, visitors enjoy delicious meals and snacks on the deck, as well

as great coffee or a glass of wine.

The bookshop also runs an extensive program of author events, poetry evenings, workshops

for children, and book clubs.

The name Riverbend harkens back to the early days in Bulimba when Indigenous Australians

called the area Tugulawah, which translates as Riverbend.