No joke, I think it might be a front for the mafia. Despite the opening hours being clearly…read moredisplayed on the door I've only ever seen one person inside during these times- if at all (and that was a quite rare experience)! Asked some people in the area what they think and none of them have seen anyone in there either; everyone is too scared to actually go in. The paint is flaking and it looks pretty much abandoned as the stock is blue from sun exposure, not to mention the prehistoric till. However, I did notice that there was a copy of 'Veggie Tales' on the store front that disappeared so somebody must have bought it. With so many shops nearby shutting down nearby, it's a miracle that it's stayed open. Is divine intervention a factor here? Perhaps. Do I want it to stay open? Kinda. If you're hiring let me know. The aesthetic could be great if the place was a little cleaner.

This is a magical place: all sorts of wonderful books, a super, eclectic selection. Staff very…read morehelpful. And good value. Do call in, worth a special trip!

Good little shop for second hand books, I find myself in here a lot, whenever I walk past I can't…read moreresist popping in for a new (used) paperback. Characterful shop and as with all used books shops you never know what you'll find inside, which is half the fun.

Badger for books is located in such a small space in a converted old secondary school building, yet…read moreit consistently amazes me how much I can spend when I go in there on behalf of my school. I am based in the foundation stage and the stock of books on display by far exceed our needs. The business aims to provide schools with quality reading and research materials. The business has a very comprehensive web site to support its base in the Southlands centre. Staff are always very knowledgeable and are able to offer help with searching for that lost favourite book on their data base. Prices are as you expect when you are buying books but you do pay for quality. If you live in this area and are part of a school organisation I would highly recommend a visit to this school book specialist.

Every visit we make to Whitby, this is one of our must go to destinations. The shop is full of a…read morewide range of used books in all sorts of catagories. The prices are very reasonable and we usually have 10 books minimum when we leave. The staff are friendly and knowledgable. It's just around the corner from the swing bridge and the Whitby Gazette in the old part of town. A slight detour well worth making if you love books.

I love this book shop,I can spend ages just browsing before I find something I want.You never know…read morewhat they'll have in but you can guarantee it's worth a look. The staff have always been very helpful and friendly. It's situated in a lovely cobbled lane with original buildings and seeing this is itself lovely and worth a little walk to the shop. Give this little bookshop a visit next time your'e in Whitby.

This is a nice Waterstones store, located on James Street in Harrogate town centre, it is over…read morethree floors, despite the floors themselves being a little small, it does have a reasonable selection across the floors, including a Cafe on the First Floor. I did find the store to be very cluttered, it was just full of empty and half-empty boxes, which hadn't been put away with no staff member nearby, it felt more like an obstacle course, to get into the store and towards the back of the ground floor. The staff seemed friendly enough, the store layout is easy to follow with the store guide, They didn't have the handwritten descriptions and notes to accompany the books which other Waterstones stores have, this is a shame as this is one of the things I like about Waterstones and find it adds a more personal touch. Prices are higher than Amazon and co but again tend to be common with most bookshops. Advertising for events inside the store remains in place, which will be worth a look if you're interested. 3* - Decent selection of books, yet the store could be kept a lot tidier.

My older sister worked here for a time while she was at uni (to become a librarian no less!)…read more The staff in here are all educated literary types, and they're usually pretty good with the book recommendations. The shelves are always very organized, and although the shop is small, it's got a lot of variety. A good bet if you're looking for the latest bestseller or something a bit more obscure.

WH Smith is located on King St in South Shields, it has been around for what seems an eternity. It…read moreis a smallish branch that has a range of books and stationery as well as some gifts as well. This outlet is well priced and has quite a large range in despite its size. The staff are very helpful and chatty and will try there best to help you out, The range of books is not the best but they can order anything from a larger store for you and have it delivered within a couple of days which is always handy.

Very quaint little independent bookstore crammed into a very small space. Not somewhere to go for…read morethe latest Richard & Judy recommended travesty but a place to uncover a gem with some real character to boot. The owner is very helpful and friendly if you know what you're looking for and even if you have no idea. It might not be modern but I love places like this.

A slanted, creaking world of antique books and maps can be found inches from the magnificent York…read moreMinster, tucked within a small alleyway. Having all at once the atmosphere of a bookshop, a museum, and an interesting relative's even more interesting house, the building provides a tranquil haven to become absorbed by fiction and history. The antiquarian volumes are breathtaking and cheaper editions can also be found for students stocking up for the new term. The History room is the loveliest, with an old desk and chair and battered old rug on the floorboards. The views out of the window are equally charming as the rooftops of the city reveal themselves like a Mary Poppins landscape.

Me and friends nicknamed it black books although the staff are nothing like Bernard black it is a…read moresimilar size and feels like entering the shop from the tv series. Great little book shop great prices and are happy to order you a book in if needed. Also do signed copy's of books as well!

A fantastic book shop that has new and second hand books and a well stocked half price section. You…read morecan also find lots of children's toys and gifts to the rear of the store with all the well known characters (a Godsend at birthdays!). Staff and will and eager to help and will order you anything (which arrives quite quickly!) in that they don't have in stock. Hambleton books also have an impressive range of local books and local history books for the curious and the family history buff. Located in the market square it has adequate free public parking.