Literary heaven
There's nothing like your first great bookstore discovery - that place where you go to sit in a soft chair and read, to marvel at the incredible architecture or to browse the maze of shelves for hours of literary exploration. Here are some of the most remarkable book shops from all around the globe, each one of them special in its own way, including the one pictured here [top image] in the Netherlands. (Text: Anna Norris)
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1. Strand Bookstore
Strand Book Store's "18 miles of new, used and rare books" have graced New York City’s streets since 1927. Named for a lucky literary London street, the Strand houses more than 2 million books on essentially every topic.
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2. Barter Books
Barter Books is located in a beautiful old Victorian Alnwick railway station, in Northumberland, U.K., right where passengers once bought their train tickets. Barter Books comforts its customers with a homey feel - fires in the winter, a buffet, and a waiting room for people to sip coffee and read.
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3. Faulkner House Books
Faulkner House Books, a national literary landmark, is located the French Quarter in New Orleans in a building whose floors were once rented out to the store’s namesake, William Faulkner. Patrons can browse through thousands of books or pick from specialties including works by Faulkner (natch), Tennessee Williams and Louisiana-related Southern Americana books.
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4. City Lights Booksellers & Publishers
An official historic landmark of San Francisco, City Lights Booksellers has specialized in progressive politics and alternative culture since 1953 when it was founded by Peter D. Martin and poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. It was the first all-paperback bookstore, but now carries hardcover books - new, used and rare.
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5. Powell's Books
Powell's Books has been a Portland landmark for more than 40 years. Founded in 1971, the original Powell's Books is housed in an old car dealership. I mean, imagine an Oregon car dealership full of books!
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6. E. Shaver, Bookseller
Nearly 40 years old, E. Shaver, Bookseller is located in historic Savannah and specializes in regional topics from architecture to gardening. Considered a local treasure, one allure of the store is the collection of antique maps that can be found between its bookshelves. And if you've ever dreamed of owning a bookstore, here's your chance. According to Savannah Morning News, founders Edwin and Esther Shaver have put the shop on the market.
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7. El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Certainly one of the most beautiful bookstores, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a theatre-turned-bookstore in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It features eye-catching frescoes and sculptures - and, as if the scenery wasn’t enough, customers can flip through books in theatre boxes and sip a hot drink in the cafe towards the back of the stage!
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8. Polare Maastricht
Offering another breathtaking setting, this bookstore in the Netherlands is situated in a 700-year-old Dominican church - but you won’t find any sermons here (there haven’t been any since 1794). The mixture of gothic architecture and modern furnishings makes this bookstore one of the most unique on the list. The bookstore was previously part of the Selexyz chain, but the chain has since been bought and renamed.
Related Link: The 10 best countries to work in: Netherlands
9. Shakespeare & Company
The history of Shakespeare & Company clearly shows that this is more than just a bookstore. George Whitman founded the Paris bookstore in 1951, changing its name after becoming inspired by bookseller Sylvia Beach. Whitman had travelled the world, at times facing hunger and thirst for days on end, finally finding hospitality in the arms of local peoples. His experiences shaped his store's philosophy, and for decades it has been, as the store’s website puts it, "a home-away-from-home for many thousands of writers and visitors from around the world."
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10. Livraria Lello
Among the oldest bookstores in Portugal, Livraria Lello’s neo-gothic exterior and intriguing staircase were designed by architect Xavier Esteves. Visitors can find food and wine on the top floor of the bookstore, and Portuguese, English and French books all around.
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11. Daunt Books Marlyebone
Three book-filled stories invite customers to browse through travel books about every corner of the globe. The chain's London location is rumoured to be the first custom-built bookstore. You can even take a virtual tour of the bookstore.
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12. McKay Used Books
McKay offers more than just books. The idea of a "free enterprise library" stemmed from the concept of trading books you've read for ones you haven't. This Knoxville store is stocked exclusively with items that customers bring in to trade or sell.
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13. Tattered Cover
Tattered Cover was established in Denver's Cherry Creek district in 1971 and now spans three locations. Customers can find both new and used books or just snuggle up in a corner with something new to read. Though it's a self-proclaimed "indie bookstore," Tattered Cover is kind of a big deal. The store's website describes Tattered Cover as "a Denver institution, a literary landmark, a community gathering place, and an experience you can't download." Notable visitors include J.K. Rowling, Hunter S. Thompson, Julia Child and no fewer than three U.S. presidents.
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14. Parnassus Book Service
"An Independent Bookstore for Independent People" is Parnassus' motto, and helping local creatives is its mission. Author Ann Patchett and publisher Karen Hayes started Parnassus in Nashville, naming it after the Greek epicentre of literature, knowledge and the arts.
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15. Battery Park Book Exchange
Photo: Battery Park Book Exchange
Battery Park Book Exchange in Asheville, North Carolina, is one of the most eccentric bookstores in America. The store boasts more than 22,000 books and a top-notch champagne bar. In this climbing maze of shelves, it’s not uncommon to see people snuggled up with their dogs and diving into a good book, espresso in hand.
16. Boulder Book Store
A local favourite on the Pearl Street Mall, Boulder Book Store houses more than 100,000 titles over its expansive three floors. As soon as you walk in, you'll find an extensive section of recommended books, with thoughtful explanations from staff members. It's the perfect place in Colorado to go if you have no idea what you're looking for - but be prepared to spend hours on end browsing the collection.
17. Cafebreria El Pendulo
Though the books line the walls of Mexico City's Cafebrería El Péndulo, visitors can order breakfast, lunch and dinner from the cafe and drinks from the bar, all while enjoying live music, poetry readings, stand up comedy improv, and more. This cafe/bookstore even has valet parking.
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Top image: Polare Maastricht. Photo: Johan Doe/Fotopedia
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1. Logos Hope: The World’s Largest Floating Bookstore
2. 4 Innovative Libraries Transforming Lives Around the World
3. 8 Insane (Yet Inspiring) Schools, Playgrounds, And Libraries Of The Future
4. 8 Rare Books That Cost a Fortune
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