If you’re visiting Manchester, be sure to check out one or two bookshops while you’re there. Below we’ve featured 10 of the best bookshops in Manchester.
1. Paramount Books
Paramount Books has been in business since 1965, and have been run by the same family ever since. They sell second-hand books and comics. If you are not sure what you want to pick up, they will be happy to suggest something for you!
They carry books on a whole range of topics and cover all sorts of genres. Of particular note is their comic book collection, where you can find lots of vintage issues. If you are looking to get rid of a few copies, they also buy US and UK comics and graphic novels. Paramount Books also has quite an impressive sci-fi section too!
The best way to get in touch with them is to pay them a visit as this shop is truly old school!
2. Chorlton Bookshop
Chorlton Bookshop was opened in 1983. This family-owned book shop sells a range of hardback and paperback books, alongside a selection of toys and gifts, such as Jellycat plushies. If a book you want is not on their shelves, they will try their best to order it for you.
The main feature of Chorlton Bookshop is its children’s section, which features a range of childhood classics alongside new releases. They also support NHS workers and book groups with a discount, alongside working with local schools if they need to procure their next class read.
Get in touch with them to learn more about what is in stock.
3. EJ Morten Booksellers
Founded in 1959, EJ Morten Booksellers specializes in selling not just new books but antiquarian and second-hand volumes as well. They are Manchester City fans and have copies of a book signed by many players on offer, alongside other sporting volumes.
A lot of the rarer books on offer are on subjects such as military history, sport, and English literature. They also have a range of volumes that are signed by historical figures. All ages are welcome though, as EJ Morten Booksellers also have a children’s room with all sorts of stories for little ones too.
Reach out if you are interested in some of their specialties.
4. Alexandria Library
Despite its name, Alexandria Library is a book shop in the ‘Curry Mile’ of Manchester. They are a registered charity and aim to bring different cultures and languages together through their books and work.
They have books in lots of different languages, including being the only stockist of the UK’s biggest supplier of books in Arabic and Asian languages. They also have a range of Christian literature, too.
If you want to learn more, ask them a question.
5. UNITOM
If you are looking for something a bit different, UNITOM is likely the book shop for you. They specialize in books on art, design, fashion, and photography, and their clean, white store reflects this aesthetic.
Don’t think that everything they sell is clean-cut though. UNITOM also stocks a lot of counterculture literature, magazines, and books, including self-published and small press titles. They also sell a range of homewares and gifts.
Start a conversation with UNITOM if you are interested in what they offer.
6. Catalog Bookshop
Catalog Bookshop is unique in comparison to the other stores on our list so far. The reason for this is that instead of having a traditional storefront, they sell books and magazines from the back of a converted bicycle! They are keen on being sustainable and try to limit their carbon footprint as much as possible.
They specialize in independent magazines, but also offer a range of other books too. You can find issues from all over the world, including Japan, on subjects such as art, fashion, music, and photography.
You can find them on Oxford Street, so stop by.
7. Queer Lit
Queer Lit was opened in August 2021 and aims to be Manchester’s best bookshop for the LGBTQ+ community. They have grown rapidly since they opened their doors, and even donate over 100 LGBTQ+ books a month to schools across the UK!
The books come from a range of different genres, such as sci-fi, crime, and romance, and they also have a range of non-fiction titles too. Also on sale in the store are various gifts, accessories, and greetings cards.
Say hello to Queer Lit and explore their shelves.
8. Urmston Bookshop
Urmston Bookshop sells a range of books for both adults and children alike. They have a range of second-hand titles too. If they don’t have what you are looking for, they can usually order almost any book that is in print for you, sometimes with next-day delivery.
Urmston Bookshop also stocks gifts, stationery, and toys. Not only this, but they have a room at the back of the store with a SMART board which can be rented out for events such as author meet and greets, book clubs, meetings, and more.
See what they have to offer here.
9. Waterstones
Waterstones has had a branch in Manchester since 1987, and it is located within a Victorian storefront in Deansgate. They offer an assortment of new books, in all genres and subject matters.
Waterstones also hosts a range of events and author talks. These happen almost every week, so there are plenty of reasons to come back regularly. They also sell stationery and gifts. You’re never too far from a Waterstones shop in Manchester, as you can also find stores in the Arndale and Trafford Centres.
If you have an inquiry, get in touch.
10. Blackwell’s
The Blackwell’s book shop in Manchester is on University Green and was opened in 2019, the 140th anniversary of Blackwell’s inception. They host regular events, including readings and author meet and greets.
They sell every genre of books under the sun, including fiction and non-fiction titles. On offer alongside this are a range of gifts, stationery, and board games. You can also get your hands on signed copies of up-and-coming titles, perfect if you are a particular fan of an author!
Reach out to them to learn more.
