Are you or your kids tired of the reading the same old books on your bookshelf?
Here is my Melbourne bookshops list with the best Melbourne bookshops that stock both adults and children’s books and which offer local delivery.
Each Melbourne bookshop is sorted by area so you can find a bookshop near you!
If needed or preferred, bookshops Melbourne-wide can post your books out to you too, but Australia Post is reporting significant delays.
Find a Bookshop in Melbourne City
1. Hill of Content, Melbourne CBD
Hill of Content is a soothing bookshop in Melbourne CBD, with cosy carpet and wall to ceiling shelves. They stock a wide range of books, published both in Australia and overseas.
To purchase books:
- order online from Hill of Content;
- email melbourne@hillofcontentbookshop.com for books not in stock
- call on Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm 0396629472;
- Orders / reservations can also be collected during these hours
- free delivery, as always, for orders over $50.
Hill of Content, 86 Bourke St, Melbourne (03) 9662 9472
2. Paperback Books, Melbourne CBD
Squishy Paperback Books on Bourke Street is one of the most well-loved bookshops in Melbourne city.
They’ve been open since the 1960s, and stock a wide range of genres. They’re always happy to give a personalised recommendation, or they have suggested reading lists available on their website.
Paperback Books, 60 Bourke Street, Melbourne 03 96621396
3. Mary Martin Books, Southbank
Mary Martin Books has three stores in Melbourne, in Southbank, Port Melbourne and a stall at the Queen Victoria Markets.
Their online catalogue offers a comprehensive selection, divided into ages, for children and their entire catalogue is available for online purchases.
To order books you can go online, call at Southbank on 9699 2292 or at Port Melbourne on 9645 2058 or email info@marymartinbooks.com.au.
They can arrange postage to anywhere in Australia for $5 per item or free for all orders over $100.
You can also click and collect at either the Southbank bookshop or Port Melbourne bookshop.
Mary Martin Books, Shop G17 Ground Floor, Southgate, Southbank, 03 9699 2292
Mary Martin Books, 2 / 188 Bay St, Port Melbourne, 03 9645 2058
Mary Martin Books, String Bean Alley, Queen Victoria Markets
4. The Book Grocer, Melbourne
The Book Grocer is a discounted book retailer and wholesaler based in Tullamarine.
The chain had 14 shops nationally but have had to close quite a few of these sites and focus on their online business.
They’ve been trialling, with good results, bulk book boxes with different themed options. The Stay At Home specials include a Craft Bargain Book Box, Romance Bargain Book Box, Best of Fantasy Bargain Book Box and Happy at Home Bargain Box.
They offer $10 shipping anywhere in Australia to a home or business address. They offer FREE shipping for all orders over $50. Or you can click and collect in store.
The Book Grocer, 455 Bourke St (near corner of Queen St), Melbourne 0401 879 515 bourke@bookgrocer.com
The Book Grocer, Spencer Outlet Centre, Shop T19, Spencer Outlet Centre, Spencer St Melbourne spencer@bookgrocer.com
The Book Grocer, 263 High St Northcote 03 9482 7480 northcote@bookgrocer.com
3. Readings Emporium
Readings Emporium is an independent book, music and film retailer that offers Melburnians an outstanding range of products, from cutting-edge music and DVDs to classic texts.
The renowned bookstore has been operating for over four decades and continues to be passionate about Australian literature. The store also hosts free in-store book launches regularly that are open to the public.
You can find this gorgeous bookstore on level one near the footbridge to Myer.
Readings Emporium, Shop 1-016/287 Lonsdale St, 03 9810 0850, emporium@readings.com.au
Melbourne Bookshops Northern Suburbs
4. Readings & Readings Kids, Carlton
Readings‘ flagship Readings Carlton shop was established in 1969 and next door you’ll find Readings Kids speciality children’s and young adult shop.
Readings also have other Melbourne bookstores in Doncaster, Hawthorn, Malvern and St Kilda and State Library Victoria in Melbourne city.
To purchase books you can order oline at Readings with shipping within Australia is $6.50 flat rate; orders $120 and over are free. More detailed information online shopping terms.
Readings also hold regular events, with book launches and the opportunity to meet authors. Events are virtual and in person, and you’ll need to book in advance.
Readings Carlton, 309 Lygon St, Carlton 3053 03 9347 6633
Readings Kids, 315 Lygon St, Carlton 3053 03 9341 7730
Readings Hawthorn, 701 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn (03) 9819 1917
Reading St Kilda, 112 Acland St, St Kilda 3182 03 9525 3852
Readings Malvern, 185 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern, 03 9509 1952
5. The Little Bookroom, North Fitzroy
The Little Bookroom holds the title as the longest-standing children’s bookstore in Melbourne, as it opened in 1960. The Carlton store normally holds lots of author events, book launches and weekend and school holiday activities.
To purchase books:
- You can purchase books via their online shop which is open 24/7;
- order a picture book Seasonal Subscription with three Australian picture books delivered to your door every three months for $45 to $85 including delivery by courier Australia wide;
- You can place phone orders on 9387 9837 or email orders@littlebookroom.com.au
- collection of pre-arranged purchases online or by phone between 10-3pm, Monday – Saturday
- They offer free local delivery daily except Sundays. Free delivery is available:
- Every day (except Sunday) to Northcote, Clifton Hill, Thornbury, Brunswick, Carlton North, Princes Hill and Fitzroy North
- Mondays and Wednesdays to Collingwood, Abbotsford, Fitzroy, Carlton, Parkville
- Tuesdays and Thursdays to Preston, Reservoir and Coburg
- Fridays to North Melbourne, Kensington, Flemington, Travancore, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Essendon, Strathmore, Pascoe Vale and Pascoe Vale South
- The Little Bookroom also offers extended free delivery Australia wide for purchases above $60. For orders under $60 it’s $5.
Every Thursday at 10:30am you can watch storytime online via The Little Bookroom’s YouTube channel.
The Little Bookroom, 220 St Georges Rd, North Fitzroy (03) 9387 9837
6. North Melbourne Books, North Melbourne
North Melbourne Books is a small local bookstore in the heart of North Melbourne village.
Staff can be contacted in store on 9041 4216 Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 3pm to order and purchase books.
North Melbourne Books has free delivery to North and West Melbourne, or contactless pick-up from their front step during opening hours.
North Melbourne Books, 546 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne 3051 (03) 9041 4216 northmelbournebooks@gmail.com
7. Brunswick Street Bookstore, Fitzroy
Brunswick Street Bookstore is a small, independent bookstore located in the vibrant, bohemian Brunswick Street Fitzroy.
You can order online or phone the Brunswick Street Bookstore between 10am – 5pm daily to place your order. Contact free collection is available, free local courier delivery for orders over $20 and free postage for orders over $50.
Brunswick Street Bookstore, 305 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, books@brunswickstreetbookstore.com.au, 9416 1030
8. Pictures and Pages, Coburg
Pictures and Pages is an independent bookshop located in the heart of Coburg’s shopping strip, specialising in Children’s Picture Books, Junior Readers, Young Adult Fiction and Graphic Novels.
To purchase over the phone or if you need help with selection please call Lee or Sharon 9041 6398 or email your enquiry to pictureandpages@optusnet.com.au. You can also purchase books online at Pictures and Pages website.
Pictures and Pages, 400 Sydney Road, Coburg, Victoria (03) 9041 6398
9. Brunswick Bound, Brunswick
Brunswick Bound is an independent bookstore in the heart of Sydney Road, Brunswick.
As well as lots of books, you can browse stationery and gifts in their bricks and mortar or online stores.
You can contact them at info@brunswickbound.com.au, or call the shop on 03 9381 4019 for purchases, enquiries, recommendations, orders and for organising deliveries and pickups.
You can also online from Brunswick Bound for delivery via Australia Post.
Brunswick Bound offers Book Club, Junior Book Club and virtual and in store Events.
Brunswick Bound, 361 Sydney Rd Brunswick, 03 9381 4019
10. Neighbourhood Books, Northcote
The ‘grown ups’ version of The Little Bookroom offers the same excellent curation and friendly customer service as their little sister store.
Neighbourhood Books offers pickup 10am – 3pm Monday – Saturday, or free local delivery is available as follows (orders placed before midnight will be delivered the next day):
- Daily Monday – Carlton North, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Clifton Hill, Northcote, Thornbury, Brunswick (including East & West)
- Monday & Thursday: Coburg, Preston, Reservoir
- Tuesday: Carlton, Parkville, Abbotsford, Fitzroy
- Friday: Pascoe Vale, Ascot Vale, Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Kensington
- If you’re further afield, they also offer free freight Australia wide for purchases over $60.
Neighbourhood Books, 55 High Street Northcote, 03 8679 6777
11. Fairfield Books, Fairfield
Fairfield Books is an independent bookstore with a wide range including a particular strength in children’s books. They’re open for shopping online or phone through any enquiries.
Staff are in store between 10-4 Monday -Saturday and 10 – 2 on Sundays to take your calls and emails and organise pick ups.
Fairfield Books, 117A Station St, Fairfield (03) 9017 4748 books@fairfieldbooks.com.au
12. Eltham Bookshop, Eltham
Eltham Bookshop, Australian Bookseller of the Year, is based in Eltham. They aim to promote a passion for books and host a wide range of literary events.
Eltham Bookshop, 970 Main Rd Eltham, books@elthambookshop.com.au, 03 9439 8700
Bookshops in Melbourne South / South Eastern Suburbs
13. Coventry Bookstore, South Melbourne
A hop skip and a jump from the bustle of South Melbourne Market is the relaxing South Melbourne bookshop Coventry Bookstore.
Shop online anytime at Coventry Bookstore or call between 10am and 4pm every day for purchase and same-day contact-free collection of in store items.
Coventry Bookstore, 265 Coventry St, South Melbourne (03) 9686 8200
14. Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park
All branches of Avenue Bookstore offer friendly service and great reads.
You can also order online, contact on 03 9690 2227 or email customerservice@avenuebookstore.com.au.
Avenue Bookstore 127 Dundas Pl, Albert Park 03 9690 2227
Also branches at:
Avenue Bookstore 434 Glenhuntly Rd, Elsternwick 9523 6405
Avenue Bookstore 91 Swan St, Richmond 8456 0627
16. Ulysses Bookstore, Sandringham
Uncover some lovely books for the family or friends at Ulysses Bookstore. You can also:
- Ring 9521 8020 10:30am – 2:30pm Monday – Friday , or
- Send an email to orders@ulyssesbookstore.com.au
- they can arrange payment over the phone and contactless collection is available from their store;
- Or they offer a free delivery service for purchases over $70 And are within 5 km of the store.
Ulysses Bookstore, 1/33-35 Melrose St, Sandringham (03) 9521 8020
17. The Grumpy Swimmer, Elwood
The Grumpy Swimmer offers free same day delivery for orders over $25 to Elwood, St Kilda, Ripponlea, Gardenvale, Brighton, Elsternwick, Prahran, Windsor, Armadale, Caulfield, Caulfield South, McKinnon, Ormond, Bentleigh, Murrumbeena, Carnegie, Malvern, Malvern East, Glen Iris, Hampton, Highett, Mentone, Black Rock, Sandringham, Middle Park & Albert Park.
If you want delivery and live elsewhere, just phone the store to discuss.
The Grumpy Swimmer, 110 Ormond Road Elwood, info@thegrumpyswimmer.com.au, 03 9525 7488
18. The Leaf Bookshop, Ashburton
No pickup is currently available, but The Leaf Bookshop are offering local delivery Monday – Saturday (usually the same day if your order is placed before midday), for free within 5km of the shop.
The Leaf Bookshop, 3 / 283 High St Ashburton, sales@leafbookshop.com.au, 03 9885 1900
19. Beaumaris Books, Beaumaris
If you’re after a bookish present Beaumaris Books can offer free gift wrapping! And advice over the phone too.
Beaumaris Books are offering delivery for $7.95 Up To 3kg and $12.95 Over 3kg Australia Wide, but not local delivery.
Beaumaris Books, 24 South Concourse Beaumaris, read@beaumarisbooks.com.au, 0422522007
20. Avoca Hill Bookstore, South Yarra
Purchase online at Avoca Hill Bookstore or over the phone for contactless collection from the store front between 10am – 4pm 7 days.
They are also offering free local delivery for orders over $50 for locals in South Yarra and its surrounding suburbs (3141, 3142, 3181).
Avoca Hill Bookstore, 80 Toorak Rd South Yarra, hello@avocahill.com.au, 03 9939 5224
21. Our Bookshop, Hawksburn
Our Bookshop, Hawksburn is home to a wide variety of wonderful books ranging from adult fiction to children’s books and also sells a good selection of puzzles and games. If there is something that you’re looking for that isn’t on their shelves, the team at Our Bookshop would be more than happy to order it in for you.
Our Bookshop, 513 Malvern Road Hawksburn, ourbookshop@collinsbooks.com.au, 03 9077 3565
22. Jeffreys Books, Malvern
Jeffreys Books is one of Melbourne’s longest standing bookshops and a one-stop shop for your local stationery needs.
You can shop online with Jeffreys Books and phone 95095133 on Monday-Friday 9am to 5pm and they are happy to hand-deliver locally!
Free delivery is available Monday-Friday for purchases over $50.
Jeffreys Books, 140 Glenferrie Rd, Malvern VIC 3144+61 3 9509 5133
23. Benn’s Books, Bentleigh
Order from Benn’s Books store who are offering home delivery and click & collect services from 9am to 6pm. Orders can be placed via the online store, email or over the phone.
You can also collect if you’re local, and they’ll put your items in the boot of your car if you call them when you’re in their Godfrey Street Bentleigh car park.
Benn’s Books, 437 Centre Rd Bentleigh, info@bennsbooks.com.au, 03 9557 3969
24. Farrell’s Bookshop, Mornington
As of the moment, Farrell’s Bookshop is only offering click and collect services until further notice.
You may order by phone or online and collect your orders at their store on Weekdays from 10am to 4pm and on Saturday from 10am to 2pm as they are closed on Sundays.
Farrell’s Bookshop, 143 Main St Mornington, info@farrells.com.au, 03 5975 5034
25. Thesaurus Books, Brighton
Order online, via phone, or email, and then get your orders through contactless pickup every Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm or through free local delivery. Orders further afield can be sent via post.
Thesaurus Books, 29 Church Street Brighton, info@thesaurusbooks.com.au, 03 9591 0811
26. Top Titles, Brighton
Top Titles is a small independent bookshop in Brighton Melbourne. They are open 7 days a week for click and collect. You can contact them on 95538033 for more information.
Top Titles, Shop 3 Dendy Plaza, 26 Church St, Brighton VIC 3186+61 3 9553 8033
Melbourne Bookshop Delivery Eastern Suburbs
27. Escape Hatch Books, Kew
Escape Hatch Books are a specialist children’s bookstore that’s open 9:30am – 4:30pm Tuesday – Wednesday, and 9:30 – 5pm Thursday – Saturday. The store is offering free delivery within 6km of their shop plus Click and Collect services to those who would like to purchase.
Order over the phone or via their website.
Escape Hatch Books, 9 Strathalbyn St Kew East, info@escapehatchboxes.com.au, 03 7015 3318
28. Collins Booksellers, Croydon
Collins Booksellers are a national chain but they often have a feel of local booksellers.
With Collins Booksellers Croydon you can order online or come to their front door as staff will be at the store every day to help you with whatever bookstore services you may need.
You can also order by phone 9723 5577, mobile 0409 872 326, email or on the Facebook page if ordering online isn’t working for you.
Collins Booksellers Croydon, 130-132 Main Street, Croydon VIC 3136
03 9723 5577
29. The Kids’ Bookshop, Mitcham
Owner of The Kids’ Bookshop in Mitcham Erin Wamala, is a Teacher Librarian with over 20 years’ experience working in bookselling and publishing – so you know you’re in good hands!
Erin has a passion for matching books to readers and enjoys nothing more than chatting to kids and their carers about books they will love.
The range at The Kids’ Bookshop caters for everyone – from board books for babies through to novels for teens, non-fiction, activity books, puzzles, games and even some treats for grown-ups!
The Kids’ Bookshop, 30 Britannia Mall, Mitcham VIC 3133, (03) 8578 5122, 0492 981 391, hello@thekidsbookshop.com.au
Melbourne Bookstore Western Suburbs
30. The Sun Bookshop & The Younger Sun, Yarraville
The Sun Bookshop and The Younger Sun have very knowledgeable and friendly staff, a wide range of books including an excellent graphic novel section. Their Facebook page is full of ideas if you’re looking for a new book to catch your eye.
Order online at The Sun Bookshop
- Email them at info@sunbookshop.com or call them on 03 9689 0661
- Click&Collect Orders can be picked up from The Younger Sun (26 Murray Street, Yarraville) from Monday – Saturday between 10am – 5pm, and Sunday 11am – 3pm.
- They are offering free local delivery to Yarraville and Seddon, Kingsville, Footscray, West Footscray, Spotswood, Newport, South Kingsville, and Williamstown daily (except Sunday).
- Postage for orders further afield is $6.50 within Victoria or $10 interstate
The Sun Bookshop, 26 Murray Street Yarraville Vic +61 435 741 700
The Younger Sun, 26 Murray Street Yarraville 03 9689 0661
31. Seddon Book Alley, Seddon
Seddon Book Alley is a secondhand bookstore in Seddon Village stocking children’s books, biographies, art, and top-selling Australian and international crime and fiction.
To purchase books you can get a ‘Brown Bag of Books’ delivered to your door or letterbox. It’s like a bookish lucky dip!
You just select the genre (including childrens/YA titles) and $dollar amount and Robert will select the books and deliver them to you. If you have any specific titles in mind he will even scour the shelves and stock out the back to see if they have it.
Seddon Book Alley has also introduced a Choose Your Own Bookshelf service, where you Facetime Robert to select books.
- If you are looking for a specific book, email info@seddonbookalley.com.au and Robert will check the shelves and store room
- Payment via bank transfer or phone
- Price options: Small Big of Books $20, Medium Bag of Books $40, Big Bag of Books $60
- They are currently offering free local delivery for customers in Seddon, Footscray, Yarraville, Kingsville, West Footscray and Newport areas who are medically or self-isolated, or are choosing not to venture due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
- If an order is placed via website or over the phone before 2pm Thursday, your bag of books can be delivered by Friday.
- If an order is placed before 2pm Sunday, your bag of books will be delivered to you that afternoon.
Seddon Book Alley, 107 Victoria Street Seddon, 0419 524 320
32. Book and Paper, Williamstown
Book and Paper is a local favourite in Williamstown for books and gifts.
Book and Paper, 36 Douglas Parade, Williamstown 3016 (03) 9397 7784 contact@bookandpaper.com.au
33. The Chestnut Tree, West Footscray
The Chestnut Tree is an environmentally sustainable independent bookshop that is committed to protecting our environment. So far, the shop has planted over 3,000 native trees in the bushfire affected areas of Australia.
Visit their online shop or better yet visit their physical store which is open for browsing every Tue – Sat 10:00am – 18:00 and Sunday 10:00am – 15:00.
The Chestnut Tree, 542 Barkly St, West Footscray, (+61) 03 9362 7571, hello@thechestnuttree.com.au
MELBOURNE bookstores – online only
Brotherhood Books
Buy reasonably-priced titles from the range of second-hand books available from the not-for-profit online store of Brotherhood Books, run by The Brotherhood of St Laurence. Your books they will be posted to your home for just $7.95, with free delivery if you order over $40
If you can’t find something you’re looking for immediately, it can be prudent to try a couple of different search terms (e.g. author, title, series).
Save the Children Books
If you love reading but don’t like the idea of full-priced new books, check out the online bookstore by Save the Children. This charity book shop stocks high quality, second-hand books at a bargain-basement price.
Buying books at Save the Children‘s charity book shop is not only a great way to save money. All funds from the online book shop go towards funding their lifesaving emergency response and aid programs in Australia and overseas.
For all purchases over $40 they offer free delivery Australia-wide.
Book Week 2021 Shorlisted books 2021
Best kids magazine subscriptions
Best growth mindset books for kids
