Are you looking for the best bookshops in Glasgow? We’ve put together the following list to help.
1. Voltaire & Rousseau Booksellers
Located on Otago Lane in the West End, Voltaire & Rousseau Booksellers is the oldest second-hand bookshop in Glasgow! They sell second-hand and antiquarian titles in a range of topics, and also have a shop cat for you to pet!
They get fresh stock in on a daily basis, so it’s always worth a repeat visit to see what’s new. Voltaire & Rousseau have books on subjects such as Scottish and English history, theology, the sciences, and more. You can even find some sheet music and comics hiding in amongst the shelves!
To see if they have what you are looking for, get in touch.
2. Caledonia Books
Caledonia Books is a second-hand book shop on Great Western Road that specializes in antiquarian and out-of-print volumes. They were founded in 1986, and have remained a family-owned and operated business for over 35 years.
They’re pretty good at finding rare copies of books, so they are always happy to listen to your request. Books they sell come in a range of subject matters both fiction and non-fiction alike. They are also more than happy to buy your old books in order to stock them on their shelves.
If you are looking for a particular text, why not give them a call?
3. Hyndland Bookshop
Hyndland Bookshop is situated on a street with the same name and has been in this location since 1997. However, the shop goes back farther than this, as they have been in business since 1982, giving them over 40 years of experience as an independent bookseller.
In stock is a range of books, including some that are about Glasgow’s history, architecture, and culture. You can either head on down to their brick-and-mortar store, or go online to purchase some of the titles that they have on offer.
Why not check them out?
4. Calton Books
Calton Books is located on London Road and heralds itself as ‘the best wee radical bookshop in the world’! Alongside books, they also sell clothing, accessories, and flags.
Books are on a wide range of topics, primarily based around social and ethical issues, such as animal rights, work and welfare, and anti-capitalist literature. They also represent a variety of oppressed cultures, including books on music and history.
If you are looking for a book that says something different, drop by.
5. Thistle Books
Located in Glasgow’s West End, Thistle Books is a second-hand book shop that was established in 1998. They boast an impressive Scottish history and literature section, alongside many others.
Thistle Books will also buy your used books from you to add to their collection. Not only this, but if there is a particular book that you are looking for but you cannot find, they have a book-finding service where they are happy to search for it for you.
Their friendly staff would love to help you, so why not reach out?
6. Category is Books
Category is Books is an independent LGBTQ+ book shop in the Southside of Glasgow. It was founded in 2018 by Charlotte and Fionn Duffy-Scott who wanted to make sure LGBTQ+ individuals were represented in their community.
They sell a range of new and second-hand books, magazines, comics, and zines. If you are unable to purchase a book they also operate a pay-it-forward system to make sure everyone is included and supported in being able to access their books and literature.
Visit them on Allinson Street to see what is in stock.
7. Outwith Books
Outwith Books had humble beginnings as a writers’ studio back in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit a year later, they converted into an independent book shop. Owned by Natalie Whittle, Outwith Books is also helped out by its canine assistants Leonard and Freddie!
They host a range of events including author meet and greets, and the space is available to rent if you wish to hold your own bookish occasion. On sale are many books from varying genres, including signed copies. There is also assorted stationery and gifts on offer too.
Say hello to Outwith Books.
8. Cooper Hay Rare Books
As you would expect from their name, Cooper Hay Rare Books specialize in rare copies and antiquarian books. They were founded in 1985, and you can find them on Bath Street.
Although the store is small, it’s full of many gems and surprises. If you can’t find what you are looking for, they are also happy to hunt it down for you! You can find all manner of books here, including ones with beautifully painted fore-edges, and ones on Scottish culture and history.
Inquire with Cooper Hay Rare Books today.
9. Good Press
Located on St Andrews Street, Good Press focuses on selling books and zines from independent publishers and writers. They specialize in books and zines related to writing and the visual arts. They have been in business since 2011.
If you are not sure what to pick up, they offer a subscription service, where they will carefully select books and zines for you. This is perfect if you like a surprise or something a little different! They also operate a bookmaking studio, so if you are looking to print and publish something yourself then they are the place to go.
Contact them to find out more.
10. Waterstones
Part of a chain spanning the length of the UK, there’s only one book shop that can claim to be the largest in Scotland, and that is the Waterstones on Sauchiehall Street. At the back of the store is a gorgeous art deco atrium, the perfect atmosphere for looking for your next read!
Alongside selling all manner of books, Waterstones also has two cafés, and a licensed bar if you are looking for something a little stronger! They also have a Harry Potter common room if you are a fan of the series.
Why not explore all of their book rooms?
