If you love books we have some suggestions for you
Anna Mclaughin and Isaac Jackson
15:38, 21 Feb 2026Updated 15:38, 21 Feb 2026
Paper + Word in Bebington VIllage(Image: Ray Bonsall)
Aldous Books
Located in the heart of Liverpool’s oldest surviving building, The Bluecoat, Aldous Books (formerly Kernaghan Books) specialises in antiquarian titles and the promotion of local authors. The shop was taken over and rebranded by owners Steve and Gina Aldous in 2024. “Steve and I have always been huge readers,” Gina said. “We really wanted to encourage others to share that interest.”
Despite its small and intimate setting, Aldous Books offers a wide and carefully curated selection of literature, spanning multiple genres and hundreds of years. Gina described how they built the collection, saying they inherited about 15,000 books and now source stock through donations, purchases and even from schools “wanting their library to go to a good home.”
The shop has dedicated reading nooks “where people can have a breather away from their busy day and pick up a book,” Gina added, and customers often stay for long periods. “We often get comments face to face and online about our warm, welcoming and calm atmosphere,” she said. “On occasion, we have found people just sitting and reading quietly in the reading area for over an hour.”
Aldous Books also supports local creators by stocking books and art from local authors and hosting live reading sessions for all ages, helping it remain a destination for lovers of books old and new.
The Bluecoat, School Ln, Liverpool L1 3BX
Paper + Word
Abby Munro, owner of Paper + Word
This Bebington Village bookshop has quickly become a favourite destination for fantasy and romance readers. Paper + Word is the UK’s first brick-and-mortar fantasy specialist, drawing visitors from across the country with its wide selection and immersive feel.
Owner Abby Munro said the idea grew from years of running the business online. “I’ve always been a huge reader and fantasy has always been my go-to genre. At first it felt risky to focus only on fantasy, but actually people are travelling to us from all over because of the selection.”
The shop’s design is central to the experience. “I wanted it to feel cosy, like stepping into an elven or high fae personal library,” she said. “People always tell us how beautiful it is.”
Books are organised into subgenres including romantasy, epic fantasy and magical realism, alongside harder-to-find titles and independent authors. Abby added: “Romantasy has brought so many new readers into fantasy, and we love helping them explore the genre.”
The store also runs a popular book club and is planning more author events and collaborations with local schools to “celebrate the joy of reading.”
20 Church Rd, Bebington, Wirral CH63 7PH
Still Out-of-Print
Naomi Frisch in Still Out-of-Print bookshop on Smithdown Road in Wavertree
This Smithdown Road bookshop is a haven for lovers of antiquarian and second-hand books, with availability ranging from collectible editions to everyday reading. Still Out of Print is owned by American-born Naomi Frisch, who moved to the UK in 1972 and opened the shop after lockdown disrupted her partner’s long career as a Liverpool bookseller.
“It wasn’t really inspiration, it was Covid,” Naomi said. “All his books went into storage and venues were shut. When I found a handy shop in a great location, it just grew from there.”
A lifelong reader, she said books have shaped both her life and the shop’s identity. “I can’t remember learning to read, just always reading,” she said, listing authors from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to Doris Lessing and Toni Morrison. The collection now reflects her interests, including politics, poetry, local history and feminist writing, alongside classic literature and modern voices.
Most of the books are second-hand and priced under £10, with a focus on accessibility. Naomi also supplements stock with new titles to ensure “Black writers, feminist works and local authors” are represented.
She said interacting with customers is the highlight of running the shop. “The Liverpool village often means there is common ground where you might not expect it,” she said, recalling moments when visitors have discovered unexpected local connections or shared personal stories.
For readers searching for hidden gems, her advice is simple. “If you read the first page and want to turn to the next, that bodes well.”
282 Smithdown Rd, Liverpool L15 5AJ
Henry Bohn Books
Nestled in between The Empire Theatre and a furniture store is a beautiful traditional bookshop called Henry Bohn Books
Henry Bohn Books is Liverpool’s destination for the unexpected and the antique. Located on London Road adjacent to the Empire Theatre, this two-story hidden gem specialises in a vast, floor to ceiling collection of second handbooks, classical CDs, and vinyl. It is a sanctuary for those who value the hunt, offering everything from rare volumes dating back centuries to substantial sections on history, art, and philosophy. With its atmosphere and incredibly fair prices, it is the perfect stop for readers looking to lose themselves in a world of literary oddities.
12 London Road, Liverpool L3 5NF
Pritchards Bookshop
Amy Wright, the owner of Pritchards Bookshop, Crosby.
Located in Crosby for over 40 years, Pritchards Bookshop is a beloved independent staple that has served the community since 1975. When founder Steve Pritchard retired in 2021, current owner Amy Wright took over, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Growing up with a love for books and a background in sales, Amy felt it made total sense to lead the shop into its next chapter.
Despite the rise of digital retail, Pritchards offers a carefully curated selection of literature, from trending ‘BookTok’ hits to rare special editions. Amy meets with publishers monthly to find titles that are “beautiful and unique,” ensuring a variety you won’t find at a typical supermarket. The shop also sources second hand titles and provides a next day ordering service, remaining a comprehensive resource for local readers.
The shop is famous for its people-centred atmosphere. “We don’t just sell goods, we provide a service,” Amy explains. “We get to know our customers and actually make time for everyone.”
This welcoming environment has made it a favourite for many, including local resident and Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce, who Amy describes as a wonderful presence ‘on our doorstep’. Pritchards also supports the community by hosting a men’s book club, story and craft times, and school visits. By participating in initiatives like the National Year of Reading, the shop encourages people of all ages to read for pleasure. Amy hopes every customer feels appreciated, noting that independent shops like hers rely entirely on the support of their loyal community.
Unit 3, Glenn Buildings, 17 Moor Ln, Crosby, Liverpool L23 2SE