I always get curious when I see a second hand book store. Curio makes me curios! Get it? No... I…read moreguess it wasn't that funny... Curio is a nice little second hand book store located in Hahndorf which stocks some decent second hand books. I was pleased with the selection and there were some hard to find titles I couldn't get ahold of in the city. I would assume that a lot of people wouldn't think to look for hard to find books this far out. Interestingly enough the general tourism crowd that you normally see at Hahndorf don't tend to go into this place all that much, and every time I've been to visit it the store has been quiet. If you're after a hard to find book and have had no luck in the city then maybe venture out to Hahndorf and see what they have to offer.

Here is a real vintage bookshop. Not just an op-shop bookshop that sells second hand new releases,…read morethe books here are old. There are also a lot of vintage books from the region such as 'South Australian Beetles: Part 3,' if you are interested in beetles! I don't think I would personally buy anything from this shop. I didn't look at every book in the store, but I couldn't see anything that I was greatly interested in reading. However, I would suggest coming here if you collect old books of some description or have a specific hobby, for example beetles. A lot of the books are extremely old. Kept in plastic to stop them from breaking, hence would definitely be collector pieces. However, there is a section of slightly more current novels, such as crime. The avid reader would be able to find a few good books here. Even if you don't buy a book it is enjoyable and funny to walk around and look at the old books!

This shop was like a little treasure trove to me recently when looking for Xmas presents for hard…read moreto buy for people. They have some fantastic things that aren't just books as well as the usual book store stuff. Like heaps of little packs on everything from making sushi to pilates to learning to play harmonica. They also had some great packs for kids learning to read with a book and cd of popular characters like Toy Story. I found a great Transformers boxed set for under $30 that looked amazingly special. I also found some of the coolest games here. Like one where the right answer is the wrong answer. And one with kids vs adults. And a special Top Gear item for my partner. There was seriously something here for everyone and anyone. Definitely not just your usual book shop anymore.

Quite a local icon of 28 years which over time has accumilated a large following of local fans, who…read moreare into literature in all of its forms and also has an online following too and growing. Avid readers and visitors alike cannot go past coming into this bookshop to have a browse or even make a purchase. It has an endearing, cosy feel which makes you want to hang around much longer than intended, like being in a local library. Something of interest to all walks of life and ages will be found as the collection is broad and encompasses a wide range of topics. It's clear to see they nurture early learning and have a dedicated area for kids to sit and read, all the while learning to appreciate the power of stories. The bookshop regularly hosts Meet the Author events, where bookings and reservations are taken so keep an eye out on their Facebook page. Did you know the Three Birds shop which opened across the road from Matilda Bookshop recently is a sister shop! Small world and even smaller when living in the Hills so mind what you say...might get run out of town! But I've got nothing bad to say about either :-)

A dangerous place to shop for book lovers. Almost everything in here is calling out to you to be…read moreread and loved. A great selection of classics, modern classics, biographies and what's in vogue now in the literary world lies within these doors. Beware. I'm drawn in most of the times I walk past the display windows showing off new arrivals and the big glossy picture books documenting some obscure natural beauty or historical event. This isn't a Borders or Dymocks. Don't expect to be able to walk in and hunt down an odd title. This is more of a place to browse and pick out books to your fancy. A cool place for the kids too, with a corner shelved off in the corner for young 'uns to read, check out picture books, or sit and play while their parents check out the rest of the store. The staff are welcoming, happy to talk about their catalogue with you and willing to order in just about anything.

What a great second hand bookshop! It's an amazing array of disorganised wall to wall, floor to…read moreceiling clutter, plus piles on the floor to rummage through , or step over. The quality of books on any given subject seemed to be exemplary, with care and thought clearly given to selection of titles for the store. My particular area of interest - Art books had a stong collection on many topics with a definate local emphasis, great for anyone with strong South Australian interests! The most expensive book I encountered was $30 - a fairly large scale hard cover glossy art book and would have been worth over $100 first time around. I am told by locals that the owner of the store, who was a bespectacled, white haired linen shirt wearing barefoot sort has an encyclopedic knowledge of the contents of his little literary haven. If you're looking for something specific, he is said to be capable of locating in a flash... no cataloguing, no databases, no website, not even a phone number. So if you're a book worm like me you'd best pop in for a browse next time you're in the area.

I can vouch for the encyclopedic knowledge of the little man who own's Elliot Books…read more I was there a few years ago looking for a rare out of print book by an Australian psychoanalyst/hypnotherapist who traveled around the world studying the mystic practices of various religions(don't ask me why its a long story). I tried everywhere, online and all book shops around town, but to no avail.That was of course until I popped into Elliot Books. Within a few minutes of rummaging, the chap from Elliot Books had what I was looking for, and in quite good condition considering its age. Since then I have a look around at Elliot Books every time I am in the area. I usually manage to pick up something of interest, more often than not for between $5-$10 bucks.

This was a quaint find on a beautiful Stirling afternoon, tucked down the back of the small outdoor…read morearcade lane. It's a family run second hand book business by two passionate book worms, who care about the appearance and quality of all the books they accept into their collection. They respect the average person likes to have a browse and will gladly help with any query they may have about the collection and assist in finding a title. You could be forgiven for thinking the majority of books are new, because they are scrutinised so well before being presented. No ordinary run of the mill second hand book store as you may have gathered but they also have some rare, out of print and highly valuable books also, like the Arthur Boyd Drawings book, autographed by him and handsomely priced at $350. And yes there are others in this price range all kept under glass, lock and key as expected. I noticed a few keys placements and even though I'm not into Japanese gardening, I felt like I wanted to buy the book...very persuasive. They certainly know their stuff and it shows.

This is an excellent second hand bookstore and although erring on the small and claustrophobic side…read moreof display cases, taking the time to peruse each shelf is well rewarded. Prices are reasonable with most books around the $10 mark and going up and down from there based on the books condition and its prevalence in the current second hand market. Staff here know their stuff and all the books are in tip top condition except for some of the rarer older hardbacks, in which case their may be a tiny rip in the dust jacket. Popular authors are well covered here, as are the classics, but expect the unexpected as you'll find yourself walking out with some little known book where the blurb is simply tantalising. If you have your eye out for something in particular staff will help you find it in the shop or will promise to keep an eye out for it when purchasing goods. Although petite Chapter Two delivers.

I am not sure whether too many people know about this store. Which is such a damn shame…read more Unfortunately when ever I go there it is not busy. This really sucks! Maybe it is the position of the store, it is set up in a small complex off Main Road in Blackwood. The signage could be better. I actually stumbled across the store when I was stopping in the pet supplies store next door. I absolutely love books so much and I am constantly looking for cool book destinations. In particular, I prefer second hand books. There are so many classics out there that I love to add to my book collection. What will you find here? Well, actually everything! Classics, educational, fiction, children's, history, building, etc... You name it, you will probably find the book you need here. The shop is seriously jam-packed. All of the walls and shelving are covered. So, be prepared to spend a little time here having a good look. Also, if you are having troubles locating what you are after, be sure to speak to the lovely owner. He is such a gentleman and happy to help you find what you need! There are two types of books I am constantly looking for: Philosophy and classic children's books. Weird mix, I know. But, these are two types of books I love. I have found some great titles here including David Hume (Philosopher) and The Magic Faraway Tree (Classic Children's). Please do go out of your way to find this store, you will not regret it!

Blackwood Book Exchange is like a dream come true - one of those bookshops where it's OK to browse…read moreto your heart's content, for hours if you like, without being interrupted by someone wanting to 'help'. On the other hand, if you happen to want help it's there for the asking and the people offering it actually know what they are talking about which makes a refreshing change. There are books there on any topic the average book buyer could want and then some. It's a place best visited when you have time to browse and wallow in the offerings on display; it takes time as just when you think you've seen it all you turn a corner and find more bookcases. It's a book lovers wonderland. Prices are better than in any other bookshop I've visited. I realise the above probably sounds over effusive, but if you visit BBE I guarantee you'll leave with great books and a big smile on your face. I know, I've done it! LV

The first thing I spotted upon entering this store was the Candace Bushnell novel 'One Fifth…read moreAvenue' sitting smugly in the literature section. This was quite a blow and I staggered backwards in horror, smashing my elbow on the rear shelving in the process. Seeing this sort of absolute rubbish languishing in between William S. Burroughs and A.S Byatt made the bile rise in my gullet, but I swallowed and attempted to give this store a fair trial. Booked has an excellent non fiction range, the very latest children's picture books and a nice long bench in the corner for kids to sit and browse on. I also noticed staff calling kids coming in by name, and allowing them to hang and paw through numerous books at their leisure. This sort of relaxed and encouraging attitude to kids in book stores is excellent. But I do have to note that the books weren't cheap, with Julian Barnes's sense of an Ending (150 pages mind you) costing $30. I was heartened by the $9.99 book shelf at the front but was sad to see a number of them were quite damaged. Nice store, good range, but dear God if I find the author of 'Trading Up' in the literature section again, I'll go all cuckoo like Burroughs in the London Years.

Booked at North Adelaide is a well-stocked bookshop catering to its middle to upper-middle class…read moredemographic. It has a great range of genres, including home deco and gardening, travel, politics, biographies, health and well-being, cooking, teenage fictions, children's fiction and plenty of new release fiction. It has a wider selection than standard independent bookstores, and has some uncommon pieces that I haven't seen anyway else. I was caught by the large hardcover of the complete works of Jane Austen, a beautiful piece for collection or a gift for only $50. As the only bookshop in the vicinity, it caters well to most needs. It is not overly cheap, but it's no more expensive than other independent bookshops.

So, it is your mate's birthday and you have been super busy and forgot to get a gift. She calls you…read moreto catch up for a coffee and it hits you. You have to get a gift in an hour. Oh no! Worst friend ever! This is where stores like Three Birds come in handy. Three Birds have a great selection of gifts that are unique. They offer items like hand made children's toys, jewellery, awesome smelling candles, designer bags, funky furniture, skin products and light fittings. The collection is quite varied, so I have always found something that suit most people. Even for men! I should also mention that the stock is high quality and some items are designer. So that does impact on the price. But, you will find that the items are all really funky and you will be spoilt for choice. It is really hard to find items like these at other stores. The staff are super friendly and helpful. They will gift wrap an item for you if you need at no extra cost. On more than one occasion they have helped me pick gifts (which I sometimes struggle with). So if you are in Stirling or from the Hills and need something cool for your house or a gift; this store is worth checking out! You never know, you might also find something to spoil yourself.

Another pointless gift store in Stirling., this is where Ed Harrys used to be, do you know how…read moreupset my partner was when I told him that Ed Harry is gone? Filled with candles and photo frames and cushions and tea sets and lamp shades and coasters. It's one of those stores where you buy for someone else because you yourself wouldn't actually display much of any of the products in your house. Again, it's pricey, it's Stirling so no surprises there. Before Christmas I saw this horrible wreath made from all this little coloured felt balls, it was horrible ugly I daresay it never sold. The shop window actually makes me want to go into the store even less but I think Three Birds is handy when you forgot to buy a present for your aunties birthday and you need something quick smart.