Belfast book shops

Inspired by the other thread about Keats & Chapman, I thought I’d make a wee list of bookshops in Belfast city center and my general thoughts on them.

– [Waterstones, Fountain St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5AzVjmKnDGf5hvuP6) – Fairly typical Waterstones with two floors, a cafe and a great selection of new books. Staff are lovely, the cafe’s comfy and they stay open a bit later on Thursdays which is nice if you work in town. Cons: Can get a bit busy, expect to spend over £8 for a book.
– [British Heart Foundation / Oxfam Vintage, Fountain St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/iXYBT1XkujtyQAg5A) – Counting these two charity shops as one. Small selection of books between them, good for a quick stop in, staff have always been nice and have found some great books in them.
– [Keats & Chapman, North St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GUn1uBtQ4U5SkAmu8) – Second hand bookshop with lots of character. Books are cheap, the staff are lovely, and good to take your time in. Cons: Can feel cramped (I’m quite tall), can be hard to find anything specific, the quality of the books can range from very damaged to like-new, on wet days the place can smell quite damp. Although this sounds very negative, it’s still a great place and I stop in whenever I can.
– [Oxfam Books, Ann St](https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAXpsrkRD9LVjNBh7) – Second hand charity bookshop. Not that big, but the books are cheap and good quality and staff have always been nice. Always worth stopping in imo.
– [Belfast Books, York Rd](https://maps.app.goo.gl/eavtaKAHfAGApdo29) – Only been once or twice some years ago. Fairly small bookshop with a decent selection of local literature, also strange hours. Cons: The owner’s a twitter obsessed loyalist who embarrasses himself daily. Enough to put me off, but your milage may vary.
– [Oxfam Books, Botanic Ave](https://maps.app.goo.gl/ArWmUgVTTQ9QR9Ti9) – Quite a good selection being so close to Queens, reasonable prices and nice staff. Will always pop in when I’m near.
– [No Alibis, Botanic Ave](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wue7fMTUGmwxH2sx6) – Haven’t been that many times but I remember thinking the selection was quite good, lovely atmosphere and nice staff. Probably on par with Waterstones in terms of pricing,

I’m curious to hear other people’s thoughts, experiences, suggestions and shops I’ve missed.
Also, does anyone know what happened to Linen Hall Charity shop? Used to be on College Street but moved(?) and I can’t find where to.

by shatkarma