Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

How To Start Collecting Rare Books Guide

Collecting rare books was once limited to wealthy men, but it's now becoming more diverse as people turn to reliable information and physical media.

It’s also a lot of fun! After starting to sell and buy books, I’ve travelled, met a lot of interesting people, and found some treasures.

The guide below covers the basics of starting to collect rare books and the steps involved in building one. I have also created a free guide to help beginners start collecting rare books and to outline how to display them.


Collecting Rare Books

Book collecting involves finding, organising and displaying books. Collecting rare books begins with your passions and interests. While some collectors organise their books by a theme, it's not necessary to have a focus.

For example, natural history, science fiction, historical events, or the works of a particular author. Most of all, your enthusiasm will make the process of finding, displaying, and caring for rare books will make your hobby more fun.

Book Collection Examples –

  • Natural History, Botanical

  • Science Fiction, 1960s Pulp

  • History, French Revolution

  • Style, Art Nouveau

  • Author, Ian Fleming

Collecting rare books

Books I Found 2025

Book Collecting Inspiration

Finding inspiration for your rare book collection can start with social media like Pinterest and Instagram. These sites can help spark ideas for new themes, genres, or authors. In addition, book markets and local libraries can introduce you to new books and offer ideas for book displays.

Examples of Rare Book Collections –

Honey & Wax Book Collecting Prize

The ABA National Book Collecting Prize

How to Buy Rare Books

When buying rare books, start with a budget and consider whether you want to focus on a particular series, author, or theme. Gain inspiration from social media, book markets, and libraries to create your collecting interests.

Aldo, pay attention to the condition of each book carefully. To start collecting rare books, explore rare book fairs, speciality shops, auction houses, and online sites like AbeBooks. Remember to research sellers and request details on the condition.

Rare Book Buying –

  • Auctions

  • Rare book fairs

  • Rare book shops

  • Websites, e.g. AbeBooks

Collecting rare books Aldous Books

Antiquarian Bookshops

Storing Rare Books

Storing books properly helps preserve your collection for future generations. Keep books away from direct sunlight, heat, drastic temperature shifts, and especially moisture. Ideally, books should be kept at about 20°C in a typical English climate.

Water damage from leaks is more hazardous to rare books. For very rare or valuable books, custom boxes or clamshell cases help shield them from light and air. You should also try to keep your books upright on a shelf.

Storing Rare Books –

  • Keep away from direct sunlight

  • Don’t keep in damp rooms

  • Display upright on a shelf

Displaying Your Rare Books

First, place your books upright on shelves to prevent warping. As mentioned, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or humidity. Consider using glass cabinets or custom cases to protect your collection. Or a basic wooden bookshelf, you can also display books open on it or even use props.

If you prefer privacy, you can keep your collection to yourself, but showcasing your books online can help you connect with other rare book collectors. I have found a great community of booksellers online.

How I Find Rare Books?

I find rare books through a variety of sources. Auctions are a great way to find unique and valuable titles, but be aware of auction fees. Job lots sometimes contain unexpected treasures, and they let me buy a group of books in bulk.

Secondhand bookshops are good for browsing the shelves and conversations with knowledgeable shop owners. Occasionally, I make house calls, visiting private collections, which can reveal rare editions tucked away in personal libraries.

I hope this blog post has helped you begin collecting rare books. I am still new to book selling and collecting so if you have any advice to share let me know below.

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Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

Buying Rare Books Beginner Guide 2026

A guide on how to start buying rare books.

There are two types of people who buy rare books. First, collectors are looking to buy in the best condition at a fair price. Second, the book seller sells books for trade and profit. Both can buy rare books the same way.

It’s always good to search in a few places to get a range of price points. Additionally, looking in multiple places exposes you to a wider variety of books. Let’s start with the basics.

Buying Rare Books Guide

If you’re just starting out in the world of rare books, knowing where to buy is key. You can find rare books in several places. Exploring a mix of these sources will help you build a collection that fits your interests and budget.

Aldous Books, Liverpool

1 Online

First, as I’m sure you know, online is the easiest way to start buying rare books. There are three rare book websites eBay, AbeBooks and Etsy. These sites all ship internationally and have a wide range of booksellers with stock in different genres and subjects.

You can start your rare book search online, which will give you a general idea of what’s on the market. As well as the prices to expect. You can also save searches on eBay and wait for the book to get placed on sale.

  • eBay

  • Etsy

  • Abe Books

2 Bookshops

Next, we have second hand and antiquarian bookshops. If you have a specific book you're looking for, a local bookseller can help with your search. Many bookshops offer a service to help you buy rare books, for which they might take a small fee.

Second hand bookshops are also a great place to find rare treasures. If you don’t have a specific book in mind, you can explore unknown books and maybe find something special. I could happily spend hours in my local Liverpool Bookshops.

  • Local second hand bookshops

  • Specialist antiquarian bookshops

3 Book Sellers

These days, most booksellers don’t have shop fronts. Instead, they work online or hidden away in second floor offices. Some rare book sellers still offer 1-1 services for finding and selling rare books. In the UK there are two main bookseller organisations, PBFA and the ABA. Their websites have a list of booksellers, so you can find a local bookseller to help with your search. You can also search for booksellers in your region.

PBFA List of UK Book Sellers

My Books at Hulme Hall Market 2025

4 Book Markets

There are book markets and fairs across the country that sell only antique books. In the UK you can find a list on the PBFA website. You can also search for local book and second hand markets that are outside of the organisation.

You can also start buying rare books at markets, they might from craft markets, antique fairs and mid-century markets. There is no saying what you will find and you might not find what your looking for but it is a fun way to enjoy buying books.

  • Book markets

  • Craft markets

  • Antique markets

5 Auctions

Another way to start buying rare books is at auctions. There are large book specialist auctions such as Forum Auctions or Dominic Winters UK. However, you can find good deals at local auctions. The website Sale Room as a list of auctions big and small.

Alternatively, you can search for local auctions online and attend their live viewings. Although most auctions now feature online bidding, you can attend in person for the full experience. As a bonus, you don’t need to pay for postage fees to deliver your items.

6 Private Sellers

Lastly, you can buy rare books from private sellers. If you are buying books as a bookseller you might call this a house call. Typically, a homeowner wants to sell a large quantity of books either to downsize or because someone has passed away.

If you work in a bookshop, you will find that people will visit frequently to sell books. I have also attended a house call after meeting a private seller at a market. These are a good way to stock, but there is no saying what books you will find.

  • House calls

  • Family/friends sales

Buying as a Collector

When buying rare books as a collector, you focus finding items that hold personal significance, historical value, or unique appeal. To find these books, collectors can attend auctions, local sales, or connect with private sellers. Unlike booksellers, they are motivated by passion, the thrill of discovery, and the desire to build a collection.

Buying as a Seller

When buying rare books as a bookseller, your goal is to find items that will appeal to your customers and generate profit. Booksellers can find rare books through house calls, local auctions, markets, and connecting with private sellers. These methods allow you to stock a diverse selection. Unlike collectors, booksellers are motivated by market demand and the business of finding inventory for clients.

I hope the above blog post has helped you understand where to start buying rare books. As a new book seller I am still learning the trade, if there are any places I have missed on this list, let me know in the comments. Instagram @sixbookshop

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Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

Selling Vintage Books as a Side Business 

‍Selling vintage books is a fun way to make extra income online.

‍You can sell any second-hand goods online, but it's best to choose something that interests you, whether that is books, fashion, comics, or Pokémon cards.

‍If you want to turn this into a real business, you need to treat it like one. This means spending time setting up your online shop, taking high-quality photographs, carefully posting orders, and replying to questions.

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I make taking images simple and professional by using a photography light box and Adobe Express to make a clear white background. You can find examples on my eBay shop. While you might use props and colour backdrops. ‍

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One problem with books, compared to other items, is that they have varying conditions. You need to list all faults and provide information on the publisher. The free download below can help you with how to label rare books.

Selling vintage books, book market

Liverpool Book Market, 2025

1. Local Markets

‍Although this blog post will look at Selling Vintage Books online, it is worth mentioning markets. Selling at markets, such as a craft fair or a specialist market, can make a profit.

I make anywhere from £50 to £300 a day from a local market.

‍Markets are great for building up your business. You can hand out business cards with links to your website and social media profiles. You can also use markets for collecting email subscribers and talking to customers face to face.

‍The trouble with selling at a market is that it is exhausting, often long days lifting and carrying stock, then interacting with the public.

They work best if you have a car and some help. You could try a few local markets to see how it works for you.

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2. Online Websites

‍Retail is now predominantly online. Given that you probably have another full-time job, it makes sense to dedicate time to an online business. Unless you already have a large online following, you should consider using a retail platform.

‍ Below are three major websites for selling vintage books. The platform you choose depends on your customers and the type of stock you have. All of these websites take 10 – 20% commission per sale.

Etsy

To start, if you are selling vintage books, Etsy is a great platform. The type of books that sell well on this site are gift books and personalised items.

Even though Etsy is more of a craft website, there is a growing book community. You can search Etsy to see what type of books sell well and if this applies to your stock.

Best for –

Gift Books

Stylish Books

Handmade books



eBay

‍If you’re looking for a large audience eBay is the biggest re-sale website. It’s best for general stock, large online shops and international shipping. You can also use both buy now and auctions to encourage sales.

Like all these websites, eBay takes a profit cut per sale, but it is a great way to start your book-selling career.

Best for -

Auctions

‍General Stock

‍International Sales

‍ ‍

Abe Books

‍Another website to look into is Abe Books, a website dedicated to only selling second hand books. They have a smaller audience than the others but seem to do well for specialist rare book sellers and book shops with large stock.

Best for -

Rare Books

‍Book Shops

Specialist Books

Selling vintage books for profit

Instagram Post, @sixbookshop

3. Social Media

‍If you’re selling vintage books, you can also prioritise social media. For example, my Instagram page only has a small number of followers, but I have sold many books directly to people after posting online.

You can also tag your Instagram stories with a link to your online shop. Instagram is a great platform for books as it’s visual, but you can also sell on any social media platform.

‍Some sellers also do very well with TikTok and videos. It will take time to figure out your creative style online (I’m still experimenting with my business brand), but it’s worth putting in the effort. So, take it from me, social media posts do lead to sales.

4. Auctions

‍Another way to sell vintage books online directly through auction houses. This is a good idea when you have a more expensive or specialist book. Auctions might take between 10 – 20% commission but they do provide a unique audience.

‍I have previously sold books to auctions and had surprisingly high profits. Better still, these auctions will provide valuations for free. So, I do recommend auctions if you find a book that you believe has a high value (£300 plus).

5. Business Website

Lastly, you should eventually build up your business to run from a personal business website. Etsy and eBay are great to begin with as they provide an instant audience, however they do take a large commission per sale.

Having a website will take a significantly lower commission and provide you with full control over your orders. If you are selling vintage books through social media it makes sense to direct people to your website as you can make the most profit.

‍This blog post is only an introduction to selling vintage books online. However, I am still adding to my website blog and learning new skills every week.

I post regularly about my new book business on Instagram @sixbookshop.

‍ ‍

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Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

Where to Sell Rare Books Online For Profit

Where to sell rare books for profit?

Perhaps you are a rare book seller, or simply have a book you'd like to sell. Books have the potential to generate significant profits.

However, not all books are equal. The value of your book depends on the condition, rarity, and its current market demand.

Also, whoever you sell to, whether it's a bookshop or an online marketplace, they will take a percentage. So, make sure you research and understand what to expect from your book before you sell.

Below, I will break down all the options available when selling rare books. I have also created a Modern First Edition Price Guide.

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Sell Rare Books Online

The first step in selling a rare book is to review the competition online. You can do this by typing the book’s title into Google or using Google Lens. Keep in mind that the edition and condition of your book will play a major role in the book's value.

Other factors include whether your book has a dust jacket and complete pages (especially when the book has illustrated plates). I look into how the value of a book changes depending on the edition in my Harry Potter Price Guide.

Therefore, it's a good idea to get a range of prices and opinions if you're unsure of your book's value. Let’s look at the options you have when selling rare books.

Sell rare books online

I sold to Peter Harringtons 2026

1. Online

The two major websites for selling rare books are eBay and Abe Books. You can search for your rare book on these websites. Make sure you have the correct edition, and check its condition when comparing price ranges .

Selling online is likely the fastest way to sell rare books, but websites take a 15% - 20% commission. To sell, you will need to set up an account and wait for the sale to happen, which depends on the book's demand.

I have found that eBay, although it adds sales tax, is a fast way to sell books online. I can expect daily sales on my eBay shop even as a new seller.

If your rare book is worth more than a few hundred dollars, consider exploring other, more competitive selling options.

2. Auctions

There are auctions in every city and region that can help value and sell your book. They will likely value your book lower than its worth to encourage buyers. These valuations are free (I have never had to pay for a book valuation). In addition, you can place a reserve price.

In the UK, there are big auctions such as Forum, Sotheby's and Dominic Winter. You can also sell to independent auctions such as Quire Auctions.

These auctions will likely take a percentage of the total sale between 10% - 20%. But by placing it in an auction, this can encourage competition between buyers.

You will have to weigh up the risk of selling your book at an auction.

3. Rare Book Shops

If you don’t want to risk an auction, you can sell your books directly to bookshops. For less expensive books, a regular local bookshop might buy your book.

For more expensive books, you can contact rare book specialist shops such as Peter Harringtons or Mag Bros. These shops have online forms where you can enter your book's details and attach photos for a valuation.

They will send you a direct payment, although, of course, the price they offer will be less than what they will sell for. For example, I’m currently trying to sell a first edition Sherlock Holmes worth at least £1,400, but my offers have averaged £700.

What the bookshops will offer will depend on the current demand for the book

4. Rare Book Sellers

As well as shops, you also have the option to sell directly to rare book sellers. You can find professional book sellers on the PBFA or ABA websites. These are organisations and guilds for antiquarian book sellers.

The book seller will provide a value and price for your book, similar to an auction. The seller will assess your book and provide a valuation and price based on its rarity, condition, and current market demand.

The final offer will always depend on how sought-after your particular book is at the time. The transaction typically involves payment directly from the dealer.

5. Selling Plan

So, now you know where to sell rare books online. However, you don’t need to choose just one option. What I would do is review all avenues before selling.

First, I would do an online search to investigate the competition. Then I would send the book for valuation to an auction, a bookshop, and a bookseller (you can do all of this online). Once you have an idea of the value and demand for your book, you can choose the best option.

This thorough approach ensures you'll maximise your profit.

~~~ 

If I have missed any information on where to sell rare books, let me and others know below. I’m still a new book seller, so I wasn't sure whether I should write about selling rare books. But in the past two years, I have gathered a lot of information on the trade. The blog also provides a space to organise that information and remind myself that I do know the basics.

I’m also active on Instagram @sixbookshop.

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Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. First Edition Guide

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition price guide.

So, you have a first edition copy of Harry Potter. Congratulations!

It's a great find, but unfortunately, not every first edition of Harry Potter is highly valuable. As such, I have created this guide to help you value your books.

To begin with, it's easy to check if your book is a first edition. However, determining your book's value is more complex.

This guide covers identifying and valuing Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition and offers tips on how to sell them.

You can also download the Modern First Edition Price Guide.

Let’s start with finding a first edition.

I sold these on eBay £1000

Do I Have a First Edition Harry Potter?

Since the 1970s, you can find the edition of your book with the print key (aka print line). The print key is a sequence of numbers that indicates the print run of a book. You can find these on the copyright page.

e.g. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The lowest number in the sequence represents the printing number. Therefore, if the number 1 is present in a sequence, it’s generally considered a first printing. The order of the numbers doesn’t matter; if the number 1 is present, it’s a first edition.

As such, if the lowest number is 2, it’s a second edition.

All of these print key sequences represent a first edition.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4

3 5 7 1 9 10 8 6 4 2

Better still. Some books, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition, clearly state “First Edition” on their copyright page.  

Once you know your edition number, you can determine your book’s price.

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1 Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (£30,000)

The first edition of the first book appeared in 1997. All UK copies of Harry Potter are published by Bloomsbury.

The rarest is the original hardback edition (only 500 exist). The second rarest is the Philosopher's Stone, first softback edition (5000 paperbacks).

To tell if you have a first edition, check the print key: 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. The first edition also has a mistake on page 53. In the list of school supplies that Harry receives from Hogwarts, the item 1 wand must appear twice.

It will also say on the cover, ‘a terrific read and stunning first novel’

Even with a first edition, the value will depend on the condition and whether the book was signed. As such, prices for a first edition hardback of a philosopher's stone vary from £30,000 to £60,000.

First edition, first impression, paperback issue of the first Harry Potter book will sell for £12,000 - £20,000 depending on the condition.

There is also a US version, printed in 1998, retitled to Happy Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Once again check the print line number it will also say First American edition. The American first editions sell for £5,000-£10,000.

2 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (£5,000)

The next book came out in 1998. The first hardback edition (800 copies) fetches the most. JK Rowling also held numerous book tour signings for the second book. The first edition, paperback edition, had a print run of 10,000 copies.

Signed hardback deluxe and American editions can sell for over £2,000.

As you can see, the average selling price drops dramatically after the first book. When the third book came out, the books had gained popularity, more were printed, and thus their scarcity and overall value decreased.


3 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (£2,000)

The initial hardcover print run was stopped mid-printing after it was discovered that 'Joanne Rowling' rather than 'J.K. Rowling' had been printed on the copyright page. As such, signed Joanne versions start at around £5,000.

First edition first printings will have the print key 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. There are only 2,500 copies of the hardback first edition, which fetch around £2,000. The deluxe editions, with green cloth, from 1999, are also collectable if they are first editions.

4 Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (£500)

As the books became more popular, J.K. Rowling signed fewer copies. The Goblet of Fire had a limited book tour, resulting in only a few hundred signed first editions. If you have a hardback, signed, first edition you can still fetch four figures.

As with the others, there are also limited Dulux editions. Other editions include, if the illustrator has signed a copy, buyers. After the Goblet of Fire, these signing events have become increasingly scarce, leading to even fewer signed books.

5 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (£100)

Look out for first edition copies signed by JK Rowling at the midnight launch event in Edinburgh in 2003. These can still fetch four figures, but there are only a few copies available. You can also find special Dulux and illustrator-signed editions.

6 Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (£50)

By 2005, Harry Potter was a household name. JK no longer carried out book tours and signed very few copies. Once again, fine copies and signed Dulux editions can go for a few thousand. However, the book now had a print run in the millions.


7 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows First Edition (£10)

Lastly, we reach Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition. Millions and millions of copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows have been published. There are Dulux signed copies that can still fetch a few thousand. However, you likely have a regular, unsigned first edition that is worth very little.

Book Value Factors

The better the condition, the higher the value. Copies without folds, tears, or dog-eared pages are more desirable. As a result, it's difficult to find softcovers in near fine condition. Signed copies that were signed during the very early book tours. Fake signatures are more common than genuine ones. You can verify authenticity through a UK appraiser, auctioneer, or a signature expert such as Adam Houston.

Special and unique editions can also value for a higher price. These include Dulux editions, signed Dulux editions, first editions, and American first editions. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, first edition or script by the Harry Potter cast.

How To Get Your Harry Potter Book Valued?

If you believe you have a Harry Potter first edition, you can get your book valued by a professional. First, there are auctions, which will value your book for free and provide an estimate of the selling range.

Some auctions will take about 20% of the overall value; others, less. Note that you can always set a reserve price.

Next, for a quick valuation and sale, you can contact antique bookshops directly, such as Peter Harringtons. Alternatively, you can contact a local book seller who can guide you on where to sell your book.  As mentioned, a first-edition Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition won’t fetch much.

How to Sell my Harry Potter First Edition?

Once your book is valued, you can consult a variety of sources. First, if your book is worth less than £1000, you can sell through websites such as eBay and AbeBooks. ( Keep in mind, online shops typically take a 20% cut).

For more expensive books, you can sell to antiquarian bookshops and book dealers. As well as in auctions. You can also have a few people value your book and choose the best-selling option once you have more information.

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Determining the value and selling potential of your Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows first edition depends on many factors, including its condition and unique attributes such as a genuine signature.

If you need more information about your book, please email me. You can also reach out via direct message. I am regularly available on Instagram @sixbookshop.

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Amy Clarke Amy Clarke

Liverpool Bookshops Guide 2026

Liverpool bookshops are for readers, collectors, traders, and creators.

You could spend a day travelling from one shop to another (as I have many times) in search of treasures. Whether you’re a bookseller searching for stock or locations, keep reading. Also, remember to support independent bookshops. I always buy a book when I visit a second-hand bookshop.

Below, I will list second-hand Liverpool bookshops and book markets.

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I'd also like to highlight the independent Liverpool bookshops: News from Nowhere, which focuses on radical literature, and Dead Ink Books, which offers alternatives to mainstream publishing.

If you have time, also visit the Liverpool Central Library. It has a very aesthetic neo-classical reading rooms as well as a copy of John Audubon’s Birds of America. One of the rarest books and most expensive books in the world.

Let’s begin our journey in the centre of Liverpool.

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Liverpool Bookshops

In the heart of Liverpool, you will find the Bluecoat Chambers. The Bluecoat is a contemporary arts centre in the oldest surviving building in Liverpool (1716). It’s a community hub for artists and book lovers, hosting a monthly book market.

Hidden inside you will find a garden (a peaceful place to hide in sunny weather), a courtyard with a violin repair shop and by the entrance, an antiquarian bookshop.

Bluecoat Chambers Liverpool Aldous Books

Bluecoat Chambers, Liverpool

Aldous Books

There has been a bookshop in the Bluecoat for 40 years. Previously Kernaghan Books, and for the past two years, the new owners, Steve and Gina Aldous. It still kept its cosy atmosphere, and the staff are friendly.

Their stock is a mix of modern and rare, including folios and Penguin Classics. They also have a website shop where you can browse their inventory. Personally, I am a fan of their natural history collection, where I have previously found vibrant still-life prints.

Address: Bluecoat School Lane, L1

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Next, walk north towards William Brown Street, where you will find a row of famous buildings, St George's Hall, World Museum, Walker Art Gallery and Liverpool Central Library (1860), where you could easily spend a day.

There are two Liverpool bookshops on this side of town. First Henry Bohn Books has a large collection of second-hand and academic books. Then, if you head towards the university, you will find a small green bookshop.


Reid of Liverpool, bookshop

Reid of Liverpool, Bookshop

Reid Of Liverpool

First, you will spot its traditional Georgian shop front, with extra-large windows and several book carts outside. The building has served as a retail establishment since 1780 and is now owned by Gerry Fitzpatrick, a welcoming and highly knowledgeable bookseller.

Inside, you will find a very clean and organised shop. There is a wide variety of mainly non-fiction books with a section of science fiction in the second room. In addition, there are many antiquarian books, especially on local history.

Address: 105 Mount Pleasant, L3

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Once upon a time, you could find plenty of Liverpool Bookshops, one on every corner. I was told that Renshaw Street once had five second-hand bookshops next to one another.

It’s now very expensive to run an independent bookshop. Even new antiquarian bookshops tend to open on upper floors, as ground-floor shop fronts are simply too expensive. Therefore, any new Liverpool bookshops are likely to open outside the city centre.

Still Our of Print, Bookshop

Still Out Of Print

Naomi has worked in many bookshops over the past forty years. You can now you can find her in a small shop on Smithdown Road. The shop is overflowing with stock, with many more books in storage.

I also find that the shop has regularly new stock. I’ve found treasures before, such as children’s classic literature. Naomi is very well-read and can help you find even obscure books. Worth the journey for book lovers.

Address: 282 Smithdown Road, L15

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Liverpool Book Markets 2026

Despite the decline in Liverpool bookshops, markets are growing. These markets attract a variety of booksellers, from natural history to esoteric topics. There are also antique markets where you might also find books.

1 Bluecoat Book Market

Bluecoat Chambers hosts a monthly book market, featuring approximately 10 book sellers, each offering a diverse selection of themes and genres. The collection includes politics, philosophy, literature, antiquarian works, and more.

Address: Bluecoat School Lane, L1

Book Market Dates 2026

2 Liverpool Book Festival

The literature festival began last year and is now taking place at BoxPark Liverpool (Cains Brewery Village). This festival brings authors together with fans, featuring workshops and special guest speakers. They also have a market with book and art stalls. I’m unsure what to expect, but I’ve booked a table.

Address: Box Park, Liverpool L8

Sunday 2nd Augus, 2026

3 Port Sunlight Book Fair

Now we go outside of Liverpool to Port Sunlight, a small town between Chester and Liverpool. They are holding a book fair in Hulme Hall. I went to the last one; it was big, with up to 50 traders selling a range of books from cheap pound paperbacks to vintage, and some PBFA sellers too.

Address: Port Sunlight, Hulme Hall

Sunday 26th April 2026

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Above, I list Liverpool bookshops that I think will appeal to people travelling into Liverpool, either to buy stock or for content. I regularly post about Liverpool bookshops and book markets @sixbookshop

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