The Best Independent Bookstores in Adelaide, Australia

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Warning: if you dive headfirst into Imprints’ elegant wooden bookshelves, you might never re-emerge, such is the depth of its catalogue. First opened in Adelaide’s West End in 1984 and a fixture on Hindley St since 1999, Imprints boasts more than three decades’ experience filling those shelves with an eclectic array of new and second-hand books.

Located in Station Arcade just across the road from Adelaide Railway Station, O’Connell’s Bookshop is the oldest purveyor of antiquarian and second-hand books in the city. Reg O’Connell opened the shop in 1957 and six decades later his grandson Benjamin is at the helm, curating an extensive collection of rare and unusual publications across a range of genres.

The leafy surrounds of the quaint Adelaide Hills are almost as beautiful as the tomes on the shelves of this quality bookshop. A Stirling institution for more than three decades, Matilda’s book-loving staff are always quick with a recommendation from their extensive selection, which features a particularly strong kids section.

There are two great reasons to linger at Booknook and Bean. One is the charming wall of donated pre-loved books, which are sold to raise funds for a micro-loan charity. The other is the ethically sourced coffee roasted by De Groot Coffee Co., which is complemented by Tweedvale milk from the Adelaide Hills as well as a menu of tasty sweets and brunches.

Treloar’s has looked after an incredible catalogue of out-of-print and antiquarian books since 1976, giving them a deep understanding of the rare book market. Stock is maintained at the main outlet opposite the State Library of South Australia as well as the Antique Market Book Room on Grote St, home to 30,000 titles that are sure to keep book lovers browsing for hours.

Situated in the heart of the Parade in Norwood just east of the city centre, Dillons is the largest independent family-owned bookshop in the state of South Australia. Pop in to peruse its assortment of new release and classic books, as well as CDs, DVDs and gifts at the ABC Centre inside.