For those of you who can spend hours browsing shelves, taking delight in the sight and smell of books, here's a mention of some of the most exotic bookstores around the world.
1. Shakespeare and Company, Paris
This quaint little shop was first set up in 1919 as a bookstore and reading library. Post WWII, it re-opened in 1951, and today it's become an incredibly popular tourist destination. With a wishing well at the entrance and the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral next door, it boasts of a prime location.
Hemingway and James Joyce would often drop in for a cuppa and discuss their latest works.
2. Livraria Lello Lrmao, Portugal
Better known for the filming of scenes from Harry Potter, this bookstore is a work of art itself. Built in 1869, it was the brainchild of brothers Antonio and Jose Lello. The main attractions are the wooden staircase, the skylight and the stained glass windows on the ceiling.
It isn't for nothing that lonely planet considered it the third most beautiful bookstore in the world.
3. Libreria Acqua Alta, Venice
You need to embark on a treasure hunt to find this hidden jewel – hopping from one canal to the other to reach here. Once inside, you get a fascinating view, and you are sure to find a stray cat (or two) lounging around.
To keep the store safe from high floods, the books have been shelved in bathtubs, boats and gondolas. As you navigate your way inside, you realise there is a method to the madness.
Definitely worth a visit!
4. Atlantis Book Store, Oia, Santorini
A more recent establishment, The Atlantis Book Store in Santorini was founded by a group of writers and artists. Its design is in sync with the city's crispy blue and white silhouettes and it also organises open air plays, from time to time. The books are stocked from independent stores worldwide.
Sit with a glass of wine, watch the famed sunset and lose yourself in your favourite book.
5. Barter Books, Alnwick, UK
Situated inside a train station in a remote village of England, Barter Books is a vintage bookstore where books can be traded and bought. Set up by husband and wife duo Mary and Stuart Manley, the store has been referred to as The British Library of Second Hand Bookshops. The ladies' first class waiting room serves as the books room, while the gentlemen's waiting room stocks rare books on history and topography.
Rumour has it that this store rediscovered the Second World War's iconic Keep Calm posters.
6. Liberia el Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina
A bookstore inside an old theatre. Sounds fancy, right? This 1920s building was converted into a book store in 2000 by the El Ateneo Publishing House. It has retained the original furnishings – plush carpet and curtains, and the frescoed ceiling. The ornate balconies and dome are used as bookshelves, the theatre boxes as reading rooms and the stage is now used as a café.
A heady mix of literature and opulence.
7. The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles
Popularly known as the labyrinth, once inside you are transported into a scene from a sci-fi film. The Last Bookstore houses an impressive collection of not just books, but also vinyl records and graphic novels. The owner, Josh Spencer, set the store up operating from a loft. Today, it is a 22,000 sq.ft shop in downtown LA.
Did we mention that it's also the largest bookstore in California?
8. Librairie Avant Garde, Nanjing, China
We've covered theatres and train stations converted into bookstores. A church and parking lot next, maybe? The Librairie Avant Garde in China does exactly that. This 4000 sq. metre property was a former parking space and also served as a bomb shelter. Yellow signs on the road lead you till the basement bookstore, which is located close to the Nanjin University. The cash counter has been built from old books and there is a coffee shop in place, too.
Take a stroll in book heaven.
So, how many have you visited yet?
Posted by: fay jamshidi <fayjay87@gmail.com>
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