The Best Independent Bookstores In Southampton

There is nothing quite like turning the cover on a brand-new book and, page by page, falling slowly into another world. However, with Kindles, free internet sites and audio books starting to take over, its knock-on effect has hit Southampton hard, and the independent bookstore market has definitely been impacted; it’s a shame to think some children nowadays won’t experience that ‘New book feeling’. Although we now find them few and far between, the independent book stores Southampton do have are of the highest calibre. Check out our list of the finest in town.

British Bookshops Sussex Stationers
Expect to find exactly what you are after, plus a price reduction, at this well-equipped bookshop. Books & stationery are displayed impeccably, allowing for easy browsing, and if you still can’t quite find what you’re after, one of the helpful & knowledgeable staff certainly can.

15 Above Bar Street
Southampton SO14 7DX
023 8071 0123
October Books

Founded in 1977, October Books, is a not-for-profit co-operative bookshop. Expect to find popular fiction, non-fiction and children’s books alongside the traditional range of specialised radical books and magazines, greeting cards, organic and fair-trade foods and green household items. There is no option to purchase online, but you can call into the shop or order by phone.

243 Portswood Road
Southampton SO17 2NG
023 8058 1030
Alpha 2 Omega Books
Alpha 2 Omega is an independent, online book seller and a member of The Bookseller’s Association. Offering free delivery to the U.K., you can have a wide range of books from biographies to fiction to collectables; new, used and first editions, all delivered straight to your door.

http://www.alpha2omegabooks.com/
Free Books Southampton
Located at the Third Age Centre, and although not technically a store, this community organisation ensures no books are being thrown away in landfills. Accepting donations and collections of any genre, from the people of Southampton, various businesses and charities, Free Books Southampton aims to find a new home for your old books, rehousing over 3,559 books in 2016.

3AC: 11 Carnbury Terrace
Southampton SO140LH
023 8071 1700

Southampton Comics
If comic books are more your thing, then you need to cancel your plans this weekend and head on down to Southampton Comics. Southampton’s no. 1 Vintage comic book store, they deal (buy and sell) in rare and collectible comics and host a gigantic range of geek-inspired jewellery, classic video games, consoles, records and merchandise.

Top Floor, The Marlands,
Civic Centre Road Southampton.
07870 830060 114

Mayflower Christian Bookshop
The Mayflower Christian Bookshop is a store dedicated to providing bibles, trustworthy Christian literature and books to the people of Southampton. With resources for children and adults alike, this is a great store to help you on your personal journey.

114 Spring Road
Southampton SO19 2QB
023 8044 9398
The Bookshop Alehouse
Sink into a fine ale as you sink into a great book. Sound too good to be true? Thanks to the Bookshop Alehouse, it isn’t! It’s a small and quirky pub/bookstore offering the finest in local ales, beers and ciders with a welcoming atmosphere.

21 Portswood Road
Southampton SO17 2ES
BookShopAleHouse@outlook.com

Southampton Bindery
With age, and use, it’s natural for a book to start to need a little TLC. At Southampton Bindery, the aim is restoration. Whether that be a collector’s item, an old classic or something of sentimental value, make sure you consider having it restored by Southampton Bindery, they’ve been in the business for about a dozen years and will certainly add a few more years of enjoyment to your favorite read.

397 Burgess Road
Southampton SO16 3BL
023 8178 7968