Sydney has a thriving selection of used bookshops, which are ideal for readers looking for obscure gems. These quaint stores provide a wide range of genres to suit every reader's taste, from unusual finds to classic literature. It's a fun experience for customers to peruse through the stacks and find interesting titles at reasonable costs. Additionally, a lot of bookstores have a warm ambience that motivates customers to stay and browse. These secondhand bookshops are ideal locations for anyone wishing to add to their private library while encouraging sustainable reading habits, thanks to their friendly and informed staff who are always willing to help. Shout N Australia has put together an extensive list of Sydney's best second-hand bookshops. This list features several quaint bookstores, each with an assortment of gently used books that is distinctive. These stores offer a paradise for book lovers, whether they are looking for rare editions, classic books, or just a fantastic deal. Explore Sydney's pre-loved book scene with Shout N Australia's carefully curated list and immerse yourself in a world of stories and history.

1. Sappho Books

Sappho Books
Sappho Books, Cafe & Bar is situated at 51 Glebe Point Road in Glebe, New South Wales. This quaint business offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience by fusing a lively wine bar, cosy café, and second-hand bookshop. Sappho offers more than 30,000 books in a variety of disciplines, such as history, literature, and art, to satisfy the interests of all book lovers. The wine bar serves craft beers and wines obtained locally, while the café serves wonderful, freshly prepared meals with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Its communal vibe is enhanced by regular events like poetry readings and live music, which makes it a must-visit location in Sydney.
Name Sappho Books
Website https://www.sapphobooks.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9552 4498
Address 51 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
Services Offered Bookshop & Cafe, Bar & Live Music
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Social Media Facebook, Instagram
Working Hours Monday: 10am - 5pm
Tuesday: 10am - 6pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Thursday: 10am - 6pm
Friday: 10am - 8pm
Saturday: 9am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 3pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/dWa6ecCFDttmRcTH6

Google Review: “Loved visiting Sappho bookstore and café – went there after going to Glebe Market which is just across the street. Bought a secondhand book and spent a couple of hours in the cafe reading it while enjoying a very fresh and delicious meal. Such a pleasant way to spend an afternoon!” – Emilia Huang

2. Elizabeth's Bookshop

Founded in 1973, Elizabeth’s Bookshop is one of the largest and most cherished secondhand booksellers in Australia. Readers have long favoured this well-known brand, which has locations in Newtown, Fremantle, and Perth. The main store, located at 820 Hay Street in Perth, offers an incredible collection of books in more than 400,000 volumes, including rare and uncommon first editions as well as books in many different genres. Enthusiasts of music will discover a dedicated area for pre-owned vinyl records, and the unique concept of “Blind Date with a Book” brings an element of surprise. The friendly staff and inviting environment of Elizabeth’s Bookshop make discovering great books a delightful experience.
Name Elizabeth's Bookshop
Website https://www.elizabethsbookshop.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9550 5691
Address 257 King St, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
Social Media Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Services Offered Second Hand Books, Architecture & Building Landscape, Men's Magazines, Books on Flora & Fauna, Australian Flora & Fauna, Books on Boats & Maritime, Asterix & Tintin, Gift Vouchers
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday: 10am - 10:30pm
Tuesday: 10am - 10:30pm
Wednesday: 10am - 10:30pm
Thursday: 10am - 10:30pm
Friday: 10am - 10:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 10:30pm
Sunday: 9:30am - 10:30pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/6WEoFsZ7iqst5M8H7
Google Review: “This is a gem for bibliophiles who would like to strike a good deal on books! Lots of good finds and good organisation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, they have written recommendations or just ask.” – MJ Roxas

3. The Bookplate

The Bookplate
The Bookplate, a wonderful secondhand bookstore co-owned by a father and daughter team, is located at 173 Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby, NSW 2077. Its remarkable collection of over 35,000 titles across many genres is centred around antique and valuable books. The Bookplate’s cosy furnishings and cosy reading seats invite guests to remain and explore. Highly regarded for its unique, personality-driven book bundles, the store brings excitement to the book-buying experience. The Bookplate’s knowledgeable, kind staff is the reason why local book lovers enjoy it; they are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service.
Name The Bookplate
Website https://www.thebookplate.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9482 3454
Address 173 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia
Social Media Facebook, Instagram
Services Offered Kids Books, Antiquarian & Collectible Books
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday: 11am - 5pm
Tuesday: 11am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday: 11am - 5pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/fhvzXnAxeLDq6LXaA
Google Review: “Amazing catalogue of reasonably priced secondhand books, brilliant owners who are always friendly, and a relaxed atmosphere where you can easily lose yourself for hours. Gerard & Tania are legends!” – Alexander Moon

4. Love Vintage Books

Love Vintage Books is an interesting journey for individuals who like rare and collectable books. It is located at 563 Willoughby Road, Willoughby, New South Wales 2068. With an emphasis on rare, out-of-print, and used books, the store offers an extensive inventory of titles in the following categories: Australiana, art and architecture, history, travel, military, transportation, and nostalgic literature. In addition to books, Love Vintage Books also sells rare magazines, rare post cards, and maps, making it a collector’s paradise. Love Vintage Books’ competent staff who offer individualised service and its warm, inviting atmosphere have helped it to develop a dedicated following and actively engage the community through literary activities.
Name Love Vintage Books
Website https://www.lovevintagebooks.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9967 0017
Address 563 Willoughby Rd, Willoughby NSW 2068, Australia
Social Media Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram
Services Offered Art and Architecture Books, Transport, History Books, Travel, Australiana, and Modern and Nostalgic Literature
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10am - 4pm
Wednesday: 10am - 4pm
Thursday: 10am - 4pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: Closed
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/SH77qBTxXFLrxFYh7
Facebook Review: “My beautiful book arrived today. Thank you that it was so carefully packaged. It was a pleasure dealing with Love Vintage Books over the phone. Great customer service!” – Clodia Pulchra

5. Gleebooks

Gleebooks
Gleebooks is a renowned local bookstore located at 49 Glebe Point Road in Glebe, New South Wales, that has been providing the Sydney literary community since 1975. Gleebooks serves a diverse variety of readers with a wide variety of both new and second-hand books, featuring rare editions and educational materials. The bookshop organises various events such as book releases, author talks, and workshops that promote a flourishing literary culture. Plus, Gleebooks offers a nice café where visitors can unwind with drinks and browse the book selection. Because of its friendly staff and attentive service, Gleebooks continues to be a favourite among Sydney book enthusiasts.
Name Gleebooks
Website https://gleebooks.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9660 2333
Address 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe NSW 2037, Australia
Social Media Instagram
Services Offered Second Hand Books, Antiquarian & Collectible Books
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard
Working Hours Monday: 9am - 6pm
Tuesday: 9am - 6pm
Wednesday: 9am - 9pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Friday: 9am - 9pm
Saturday: 9am - 9pm
Sunday: 9am - 6pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/whgDsGFYe7bR1TbZ7
Google Review: “Not only the bookstore, which is always wonderful, but now the cafe too! We tried the steak and the croquettes, and both were absolutely amazing. A perfect place to go for dinner and to have a browse !” – Jane Opie

6. The Bookshop

The Bookshop is a beloved store in Sydney’s LGBTIQ+ community, situated at 207 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, New South Wales 2010. It was founded by Wayne Harrison and Les McDonald in 1982 and has been a welcome place for almost 40 years, specialising in literature that honours LGBTIQ+ themes and history. The Bookshop is renowned for its pleasant and knowledgeable staff that makes personalised recommendations and offers a varied variety of fiction, non-fiction, biographies, and graphic novels. The store encourages community involvement by holding events like book releases and author lectures, and its online platform makes its distinctive inventory accessible to a global audience.
Name The Bookshop
Website https://www.thebookshop.com.au/
Contact No. (02) 9331 1103
Address 207 Oxford St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia
Social Media Instagram, Facebook
Services Offered Books on Flora & Fauna, Architecture & Building Landscape, Men's Magazines, Australian Flora & Fauna, Books on Boats & Maritime, Books on Asterix
Payment Mode Cash, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay
Working Hours Monday: 10am - 6pm
Tuesday: 10am - 6pm
Wednesday: 10am - 6pm
Thursday: 10am - 6:30pm
Friday: 10am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Directions https://maps.app.goo.gl/agvMVvUXfbSu6tXz6
Google Review: “ The Bookshop is an iconic Sydney queer institution. And the new management has a wonderful vision that will ensure this space continues to thrive for generations to come.” – Danny Cowan
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