In recent years e-books have become a major hit and many people are now using them, but bookstores remain relevant despite the lighting-fast pace of technology. Below we’ve featured 10 top bookstores in South Australia.
1. Matilda Bookshop (Stirling)
Set in Stirling in the Adelaide Hills, Matilda Bookshop is owned and run by a team that couldn’t be more passionate about books. They have a great selection of new release fiction titles, children’s books, and non-fiction topics, including gardening, history, cooking, current affairs, and more. Matilda Bookshop is open seven days, with hours of 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on weekdays and 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on weekends.
Matilda Bookshop offers free delivery in the Adelaide Hills area, as well as $5 delivery throughout South Australia. As well as their great selection of titles, Matilda Bookshop regularly has events including book launches, author meet-and-greets, and readings. Contact Matilda Bookshop to learn more.
2. Adelaide Booksellers (Clarence Gardens)
Located in the Adelaide suburb of Clarence Gardens, Adelaide Booksellers is a huge bookstore and has the largest online catalog of any bookstore in Adelaide. Adelaide Booksellers first opened their doors in 1979 and has grown to become a leading seller of secondhand and antique books.
With over 40,000 books in their store, there’s something for every reader. However, they specialize in Australian history, art history, militaria, biographies, and also have a great selection of fiction titles. Shipping is available for both Australian and overseas customers. Contact Adelaide Booksellers here.
3. QBD Books Tea Tree Plaza (Modbury)
QBD Books has locations right across Australia, including in Tea Tree Plaza in Modbury, SA. This large bookstore features a wide range of titles, suitable for readers of all ages with varying interests. QBD Books is also a retailer for Australian Geographic products, including books, activities, games, and other products.
The QBD Books at Tea Tree Plaza is open from 8:30 am until 5:30 pm on weekdays (opening hours extended until 9:00 pm on Thursdays), 8:30 am until 5:30 pm on Saturdays, and 11:00 am until 5:00 pm on Sundays. Contact QBD Books Tea Tree Plaza for more details.
4. Mostly Books (Torrens Park)
As the name suggests, Mostly Books sells a range of products, but mostly books. Located in Torrens Park, SA (inside Mitcham Square), Mostly Books is an independent bookstore that first opened their doors in 1977, which makes them the oldest operating bookstore in Adelaide. Mostly Books is open from 9:00 am until 5:30 pm on weekdays (opening hours extended until 9:00 pm on Thursdays), 9:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturdays, and 11:00 am until 4:00 pm on Sundays.
Mostly Books has a diverse selection of titles, ranging from topics like art and design to food and drink, or biographies. They also have a great inventory of fiction titles, plus an extensive selection of children’s books and educational titles. Contact Mostly Books with any questions.
5. Adelaide’s Pop-up Bookshop (Adelaide)
Adelaide’s Pop-up Bookshop is located in the Adelaide Central Market, but occasionally pops up in other locations such as at cafes or markets. The bookstore was opened by book lovers Kate and Nick, who thought that Adelaide’s bookstores were lacking a little diversity. As well as their permanent location and pop-ups, they also have an online store where their titles can be browsed.
Adelaide’s Pop-up Bookshop has a diverse and eclectic collection of titles. Their genres include biographies, art books, original first editions, history and Australiana, and rare books. Learn how to find Adelaide’s Pop-up Bookshop here.
6. Dillons Bookshop (Norwood)
Dillons Bookshop is a family-owned bookstore in Norwood, SA, and is in fact the largest family-owned and independent bookstore in South Australia. They have an incredible selection of books, including some hard-to-find titles that aren’t readily available in other stores.
The team at Dillons Bookshop is always ready to help you find whatever title you’re looking for. They have a great selection of fiction works, as well as non-fiction titles on a range of topics. There are also lots of fun gift ideas if you’re looking for the perfect present. Contact Dillons Bookshop for more details.
7. Blackwood Books (Blackwood)
Blackwood Books is open Thursday through Monday, 10 am to 5 pm. Located in Blackwood, SA, this bookstore has over 60,000 titles in stock, with something to suit every reader. They specialize in art and music titles, as well as cooking, biographies, feminism titles, and Australian fiction.
All of the books at Blackwood Books are pre-owned. While an online store is coming soon, for now books can be purchased at their beautiful store in the southern Adelaide Hills. Contact Blackwood Books here.
8. Imprints Booksellers (Adelaide)
Located in the West End of central Adelaide, Imprints Booksellers is the ultimate one-stop bookshop. Since first opening their doors in 1984, they have carried a quality selection of titles from authors all over the world, including locally based writers. They stock books on art, biographies, history, gardening, as well as literature and children’s titles.
Even if the team at Imprints Booksellers can’t find the book you’re looking for, they’ll do everything they can to order it for you. Currently, Imprints Booksellers is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays and holidays). Contact Imprints Booksellers for more details.
9. East Avenue Books (Clarence Park)
East Avenue Books is known for its great range of titles and affordable prices. Located in Clarence Park, SA, they specialize in both general and Australian fiction, poetry, biographies, children’s books, and classic literature.
As well as their regular titles, East Avenue Books has a large selection of rare books, signed copies, and original first editions. They also have boxes of books where all titles are available for $1 – you never know what you might find! Contact East Avenue Books here.
10. The Book Shed (Stirling)
The Book Shed is a not-for-profit bookstore with a great range of secondhand books on offer. Located in Stirling, SA, this community-run bookstore stocks quality books and is open from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. They feature a great selection of genres, including cooking, lifestyle, health, biographies, children’s books, and a wide range of children’s books.
Visit The Book Shed not only to find a great book, but also to contribute to the local community by providing funds to emergency relief and other essential activities and programs. Learn more about The Book Shed here.