I must warn you. You should not come here if you are saving money. You should not come here if you…read moreare trying to live light. You should not come here if you're about to go overseas, or if you're about to move house. Because as soon as you step through the doors, you will fall into a hypnotic book-trance as over 8000 titles try to lure you over to them, all words and tongues, and you won't leave until you have a brown-paper lunch-bag full of the most delicious literary treats you could hope for! Warren and Kirsty have created the most beautiful inner-city shrine to literature, a land of teak and glass artifacts, tempting sit-spots and a plenty titles that are guaranteed to fill you with a sense of wonderment and inspiration! They also have an array of in-store events and appearances, and are just some of the most lovely people you'll meet! Moving to Melbourne from a small country town, I was warned you'd be hard pressed to come by a sense of community and caring in the big, cold city. But spending a little time in the store you'll see there's a heartbeat and lifeblood flowing though our beautiful Melbourne - and the soulful brain is at Embiggen. Go get lost there for a little while - you'll likely end up finding yourself on the shelves there somewhere!

I LOVE this swanky little book shop. There's a sweet open window front display of the whole store…read morewhich really feasts the eyes. When en-route to a meeting a friend for coffee i received a text that said she was going to be running late and lucky enough i was walking past Embiggen when this happened. Embiggen was actually closed up until mid October due to flooding (I'm sure it had something to do with that massive storm in August), now open Embiggen is a book store to be reckoned with. They have a large range of titles all spread across a wooden interior (both floor and shelving), genres range from anything Art & Design, Sciences, Fiction, Economics, Politics, Poetry, Travel and more, there's a epic range for you to procrastinate through.

Grub Street BookShop is Quaint little bookshop with a wide spread range of books…read more Located on the bustling Brunswick Street, you'll stroll past Grub and find some books out the front in boxes (A tad trustworthy if you ask me!). When you enter the store, you'll encounter some awkward cosy isles packed choca-block with books. The thing that i love about Grub is that they stock random, quirky and interesting items. The books are so reasonably priced its ridiculous. The sections are divided by small plaque cards but if you cant find something, the staff are happy to help you out in finding something that meets your criteria.

Grub Street books is the kind of bookshop that inspires you to buy a million old books, most which…read moreyou've never heard of, and sit in a quiet room and read for hours. This quiet little store on Brunswick St, although curiously named Grub Street books, is chock-a-block full of old, secondhand books. Astrology to adventure, sexuality to semiotics - no matter what your interest Grub Street will have a book on it. You feel like you could lose yourself in the books there are so many, they tower above you and are piled below you - careful where you're standing, you might walk right in to a stack. The staff are friendly and helpful but do enjoy their peace and quiet, and the prices of the books are very reasonable. You could walk out with 10 books for $20. A great little bookshop for those that love that old book smell.

By far the biggest dymocks I've been to and the most expansive in titles of the 2 I was thoroughly…read moreimpressed by the breath of titles over the levels as well as the helpful staff always around periodically. For my preferred subjects: sci-fi, history, media and sports this is a treasure trove of books I've been looking for(some for over 6 years). I appreciated their accommodation of me coming in relatively late and the book they had was in impressive condition compared to bookstores where I'm from. Overall I can't wait to call this shop home and eventually delve deep into their contents. Can't wait to come back again!

Books, games, toys, a café Intensive thousands of books fill the shop. It appeared to be well…read moreorganized and there were some information from him. An author was on hand signing his books and there was a story time in the children's section.This is the largest bookstore in Melbourne and the second largest in Australia.

While the focus of this place lies somewhere between vinyl and second hand books, the fact that…read morethey specialise in both reading and quality listening material is near and dear to my heart. They have a sizable collection of both and they do seem to have a pretty good handle on what is actually worthwhile as collectible and what's a pile of crap. Discerning as they are, they aren't willing to part with their goods for bargain prices, so The Searchers falls into that slightly irritating 'quality second hand' kind of realm where you're expected to cough up near-to-new prices for used goods. On plenty of occasions I've scanned the milk crates in here for vinyl and found a pile of the stuff that I need. At the last second though, I weigh up the prices of what I'm about to scoop and decide I'd be better of spending those bucks on nice new reissues or releases from a little indie book shop or record store. Still, I love to dig around in here and the folk are pretty open to that. It's a great place to browse, and I guess some people just dig on that shit.

I discovered this bookstore the other day with my partner - we were drawn in by the array of…read morediscounted books out the front and the sounds of Nina Simone from within. Inside is a large store with bricks lining the inside, large bookshelves and some tables in the middle. The music comes from a record player at the front, just behind the large collection of vinyl records. We found Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen and other classics in mint condition. There is a large collection of books including a generous non-fiction and fiction section along the left hand side. I spotted some Wordsworth, Patrick White and Hardy in amongst other classics. Out the front of the store are boxes of books discounted to between $4-7. All the books seemed in great condition, and there were some old Penguin editions for sale too. The only problem I had was that the sales assistant was a little unfriendly; she seemed busy but didn't really seem interested in what the customers were doing.

Part of a dying breed of independent bookstores…read more The interesting thing about Brunswick Street Bookstore is that whilst it doesn't exclusively stock a particular genre, it DOES seem to stock the sort of publications you wouldn't find at a chain bookstore. More offbeat / leftwing / whatever type books, somewhat underground magazines and the like. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area or a call if you're after a particular printed prize. (I like alliteration, ok?)

I like Brunswick Street Bookstore. It is a small shop with an interesting range of books that other…read morelarger bookshops dont have - particularly the chain bookshops. It focuses on arty type books such as photography and stuff like that. For the genres Im into, it has a large range of Lonely Planet titles and quite a few travelogues. I also got a really good tattoo book there once - but that was a long time ago. The staff are friendly but they also leave you alone to browse and dont bother you. It also has some very comfortable chairs at the back to sit in and read - which is also a nice touch. I also like the fact that it is open late. If you are meeting someone at a restaurant or cafe or pub and you arrive early, where better to kill some time than having a look at the books! A shop with a very very nice energy!!!

Crikey! This haunted bookshop is a fright! It's located in…read morea back alley off another back alley, up a flight of stairs in a creepy space. The bookstore has every kind of book you'd ever need for a spell, incantation, or hex. They've got copies of the Necronomicon, however theirs aren't bound in human flesh. If you need an amulet, ring or other jewelry that'll conjure up the dark forces, this is the place. The owner has searched the world for the most powerful charms and designs to get you whatever your dark heart desires. Around the shop are various machines that test your prowess as a lover, the quality of your character, and strength of grip for a mere coin. Be sure to get your results here for the most accurate readings. The shop is cramped with tight rows of lots and lots of books that I'd only ever heard of. They've got some deep, dark stuff here that'd make even the most macabre souls blush. The owner is clearly into the dark arts, and does a great job of curating such an amazing selection of old tomes and books to outfit any coven. You can just feel how haunted this store is, as even in the back of the stacks, you feel a mysterious, ghastly presence around you. The owner also apparently does tours of the ghosts around Melbourne, which I was a bit intimidated to try.

I visited the Haunted Bookshop while I was on vacation in Melbourne and was really impressed with…read morethe selection of paranormal, supernatural, UFO, cryptozoology and other books of the weird it had available and the care taken to preserve them. Not only does the owner manage this business, but he also guides ghost walking tours of old Melbourne. This is a definite must-see for all paranormal buffs regardless of whether they're visiting or residing in Melbourne.

Wonderful selection of expertly-curated books and cards. Like a magician's hat, this…read morepocket-handkerchief space seems to keep on giving, as a source for all worthwhile books. And the staff are welcoming, helpful and resourceful. Without fail.

Some people have suggested that we are going to see the end of the traditional bookshop, but this…read moreplace is still around (though I don't know for how long). Sure, you may be able to pick up books cheaper at Dymoks, but what you don't get is that old bookstore charm that this place offers, and I must say that I prefer to wander around the cramped and crowded shelves browsing at the many books in a place like this any day. While it may not be a second-hand bookshop, you can still find some pretty interesting title here, though expect to spend a lot to time simply browsing the titles. Oh, as the name suggests, they only sell paperback books, which is also pretty cool.

This salubrious strip of Clifton Hill would not be complete without an independent book store for…read morethe cyclists to flick through after their coffee's. Clifton Hill Books stocks a mix of local/national authors as well as an international selection. No airport filler here, just the literary top shelf. There is a range of the cheap Penguin classics, best gift idea ever. Clifton Hill Books also holds readings from local authors, previous guests include local upstart Catherine Deveny who has read from one of her books here. Prices range from $10 to $60 for the more eclectic selection, not my regular bookstore but worth a look if you're after a tricky title.

Upon entering the store I immediately felt relaxed and at ease, Readings was my quite retreat from…read moreone of those unpredictable grey, gloomy raining Melbourne days. Not only does this bookstore offer a wide variety of books, but its almost a sanctuary and one of the most iconic book stores in Melbourne who gives back to the community. 10% of our profits go to the Readings Foundation, which support individuals and organisations that wish to further the development of literacy, community work and the arts. Readings flagship store is the Carlton store, however they have many locations including Malvern, Port Melbourne, Hawthorn and St Kilda. Readings organizes and holds many events during the years from book launches, signings and other events. Staffs are always friendly and willing to provide sound advice and lend an ear to chat.

Readings Carlton is my favourite book shop in Melbourne. Floor to ceiling, this place is packed…read morewith well-researched, beautiful books and accessories. It's a must-stop for any book lover while in town. It feels good, smells good and just is good. Anybody who reckons the future of the written word is shaky, or even destined for a digital medium, get down to Readings and you'll think again. What they do so well is offer up quality publications in a well ordered and well staffed environment. There are countless little nooks and crannys for readers to settle in a test drive a new work before purchase and the staff have a collective knowledge of books and trends that will blow your mind. Even better still, the Carlton Readings (there are a couple of others about town) also stock a great range of CDs and now vinyl. This place personifies the concept that 'it's not what you do but the way that you do it' and the results speak for themselves.

Great selection of reasonably priced vinyl. A good mix of new releases, remasters, and second-hand…read morerecords.

Staff are great and the range/ condition of records is solid - encompassing indie, 60/70's, local…read moremusic and soundtracks. They refresh their stock often too.