Top Up Your TBR Stack at the Best Bookstores in Brisbane

Settling down with a cuppa and a good read is one of life’s simple pleasures. And to be honest, so is browsing through a bookstore (especially when you have zero distractions or time constraints).

If you’re searching for something new to read, or want to find a beautiful gift for someone special, take a stroll through one of these bookstores in Brisbane. From secondhand reads that have already seen a little love, to a crisp new hardcover fresh from the press, these Brisbane bookstores have an incredible range.

You’ll also happen upon some unique gifts for book lovers or that person who is a little harder to shop for.

Avid Reader

Shoppers in West End are quite spoiled when it comes to books. If you’re not uncovering treasure in some of the op shops or secondhand book stores, visit Avid Read to pore over their beautifully curated collection of new books.

You’ll find books in every genre on the shelf here, with colourful and varied staff recommendations peppered through the store on little flags. From cookbooks, to travel, to politics and literary fiction, Avid Reader promises a broad scope, a beautiful store and friendly advice to readers of all types.

193 Boundary Street, West End

Riverbend Books

A long-time favourite amongst book lovers, Riverbend Books is an essential shopping destination for any bibliophile.

Opening its doors in 1998, Riverbend is named for the traditional place name of its home – Tugalawah (Bulimba). Tugalawah translates to riverbend, and so this little store found its name.

This community hub is also beloved for its verandah cafe, where you can enjoy fresh, light meals alongside tea, coffee or Australian wine. On the calendar of this bookstore in Brisbane, you’ll discover a delightfully extensive program of author events, poetry evenings, children’s workshops and book chats – where staff will give their reading recommendations to groups.

If all of this wasn’t enough to convince you to pay the store a visit, you might be interested to learn that Riverbend has won the award for Queensland Independent Bookshop of the Year eight times and Australian Independent Bookshop of the Year twice!

Riverbend also works to give back to the community. After launching a program in 2004 to fund literacy programs in remote Indigenous communities, it grew exponentially to become a Foundation. The Indigenous Literacy Program continues to be an intrinsic element of the bookstore’s operations and efforts to this day, not only by supplying culturally appropriate books to communities but also by publishing over 80 books written by community, some in their first language.

4/77 Oxford Street, Bulimba

Shelf Lovers

One of the newest shopfronts on the independent bookstore scene is Shelf Lovers in Woolowin. Located next to the Woolowin train station, this Brisbane bookstore is quite the hidden gem, unless you happen to be a lucky local!

Specialising in LGBTQIA+ and romance books, the friendly staff here really know their stuff – and they’re happy to share advice, anecdotes or recommendations for something new to read, or a gift for someone special.

Not only are the shelves stacked with a veritable rainbow of reads – but you’ll also find cute and geeky gifts for any occasion. Think mugs, pins, bookmarks, and crocheted goodies - all with bookish puns and references that will make someone’s day!

Shelf Lovers also hosts author readings, drag storytime, book club and fun release events. Fostering an inclusive and welcoming community is just part of the team’s DNA, so if you’re looking for more book-loving friends, this is the place to be.

1 Dickson Streer, Wooloowin

Archives Fine Books

The Brisbane CBD is home to Queensland’s second-largest used bookstore; Archives Fine Books. Archives boasts an inventory of over one million books, covering every topic within its walls... and when you step inside you’ll believe this claim to be the pure and unadulterated truth.

With high shelves stacked full-to-bursting with books, and so many nooks and crannies to tuck yourself into, you can easily lose an hour or two inside Archives and leave with many treasures to call your own.

40 Charlotte Street, Brisbane

Pulp Fiction CBD

A stalwart of the independent bookstore scene in Brisbane, Pulp Fiction has called the Brisbane CBD home since 1995. They may have moved around a few times since then, but you’ll now find them on Adelaide Street – serendipitously close to the Noosa Chocolate Factory.

Within the four walls of this bookstore in Brisbane city, you’ll discover a mix of science fiction, fantasy, crime and mystery reads, along with friendly service and plentiful recommendations for  a new world to lose yourself in.

Blocksidge & Ferguson Arcade, Shop 4, Level 1, 144 Adelaide Street

Bent Books West End

Bent Books is one of Brisbane’s most beloved bookstores. This cosy little store is stacked high with shelves full of secondhand reads, ready to find their way into your heart (and your bookshelf).

Not only can you add to your TBR stack here, but you can also ease the burden on your bookshelves, by selling some of your books back to the store. They’re open seven days a week, so make a morning out of it and visit one of the best restaurants in West End for lunch, then take a stroll to Bent Books.

205a Boundary Street, West End

Now that you’ve discovered the best bookstores in Brisbane, what’s next on your TBR list? Check out our guide to the Australian books you should read in your lifetime. Looking for somewhere nice to relax with your newest read? Spread out a picnic blanket in one of these parks in Brisbane.