If you live in Wales, or are visiting and love to read used books, there are some great places to buy them across the country. We’ve featured 10 top second-hand bookshops in Wales in this post.
1. Troutmark Books
Located in Cardiff, Troutmark Books is a second-hand bookstore that’s here to help you build your collection of literature. This shop stocks a wide range of used books in all genres, ideal for all reading tastes. Whether you’re into fiction or non-fiction, there’s a title for you here.
Book options here include first editions, comics, annuals, rare books, unique books, novels, and general fiction. Alongside selling books, Troutmark Books also purchases books. If you wish to hand your collection in, make sure you call the team before you arrive.
Find the bookshop online here.
2. Broadleaf Books
Broadleaf Books is a used bookshop located in the town of Abergavenny. This southern bookshop provides all types of literature, and the shop has been building the collection for over 15 years. This family-owned store is always ready to help, so don’t hesitate to ask for a suggestion when you visit.
Genres here span all options. From photography to railways, every niche is covered. Broadleaf Books stocks 35 different sections, ensuring guests always have something new to read. If you want a quick peek before you visit, explore Broadleaf Book’s page AbeBooks. This can be accessed via the team’s website.
Contact the bookshop online here.
3. Books Llangollen
Books Llangollen is here to bring a wealth of second-hand books to the Llangollen area. If you’re looking for a used bookshop in the northeast area, this could be the stop for you. Books Llangollen is independently owned and child-friendly, perfect for family visits.
This bookshop covers all literature needs. With a stock of over 100,000 second-hand books, there’s always something new to browse. Categories available here include craft books, military books, sport books, philosophy books, humorous books, plays, natural history, sci-fi books, and many more.
Visit the bookshop online here.
4. Hay On Wye Booksellers
Based in Hay On Wye, Hay On Wye Booksellers is an independent bookshop that has been in the business for over four decades, proving their commitment to reading. Second-hand, antiquarian, and new books are on offer here.
Books here can be purchased in-store or online for your convenience. Alongside sales, this team purchases second-hand and antiquarian books, and the team will travel nationwide to inspect potential books. Call the team or contact online today to know more.
Find the bookshop online here.
5. Madoc Books
Situated in Llandudno, Madoc Books specialises in antiquarian books. If you’re looking for a rare or unique title, this team will help you find it. This specialist team is knowledgeable about all-things literature, and they’re always ready to help you search for specific rare books.
Madoc Books hold a range of books, but they have a particular interest in Welsh books, North Wales books, history, literature, topography, private press, and travel. Madoc Books also buys old books, and you can get in touch online today to check whether your old books are of any value.
Contact the bookshop online here.
6. Pendleburys
If you’re looking for a second-hand bookshop in the Llanwrda and Brecon Beacons area, Pendleburys should be on your list. This is an independent used bookshop that strives to offer high-quality, interesting titles to all visitors. Online delivery is free throughout the UK.
Pendleburys stock over 26,000 second-hand books in all topics. From poetry to biographies, keen readers can find their next title here. Other options include transport, literature, cookery, architecture, botany, fiction, topography, philosophy, and more. Pendleburys buys books from auctions and private collections, but you can contact the store to sell your own old copies.
Visit the bookshop online here.
7. Green Ink Booksellers
Located in Hay On Wye, Green Ink Booksellers is a new second-hand bookshop that focuses on recycling high-quality books through different generations. Why throw your old books out when they could be enjoyed by another?
Green Ink Booksellers specialise in books in philosophy, literature, modern fiction, history, and children’s titles. If you want to explore their collections, find their AbeBooks link online today. This team also buys customer books, and you can get in touch with the team online now.
Find the bookshop online here.
8. Carmarthen Free Books
In need of a budget-friendly option? Carmarthen Free Books is here to help. As the shop’s name suggests, this is a community bookshop that offers second-hand books for free. That’s right! To support local families, this organisation ensures knowledge and stories are hidden behind paywalls.
Carmerthen Free Books provides books in all genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and more. The shelves are always filled with unique titles here. Alongside books, the shop offers CDs, DVDs, and second-hand bric-a-brac. Donations are always accepted, but check out their list of acceptable donations online before you visit.
Contact the bookshop online here.
9. Great Oak Book Shop
Based in Llanidloes, the Great Oak Book Shop provides a variety of books, including a large range of second-hand books. This team covers all literature needs, so whether you need antiquarian texts or used books they’re able to help. New books can also be found here.
The second-hand books at this store are all listed on the Great Oak Book Shop. However, an in-person visit is the best way to explore the full collection. Popular picks include history, biographies, medical textbooks, travel guides, annuals, and more. Titles are also available in German and French.
Visit the bookshop online here.
10. Rhos Point Antiques & Collectables
Located in Rhos-on-Sea, the Rhos Point Antiques & Collectibles shop is a family-owned second hand bookshop. Since 1984, this team has been building an impressive collection of used and antiquarian books with a focus on Welsh history. If you’re located in the north of Wales, make sure you visit this team.
Rhos Point Antiques & Collectibles currently holds over 20,000 second-hand books and collectables. Paperbacks are available here, alongside hardbacks and rare editions. Some modern used books are also on offer. The team also provides a book search service, ideal if you need a specific copy.
Find the bookshop online here.