“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
The Children’s Book Centre, Alby, Norwich
The Children’s Book Centre is an assembled team of ex-teachers, ex-headteachers, librarians, and book enthusiasts. Established for over 35 years, they carefully review and select only the best books from over 70 publishers. They specialise in books for children and teachers and stock over 60,000 books! They also offer school library services such as assessments and the installation of new libraries.
Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, Norwich
Bookbugs and Dragon Tales is an independent bookshop in the centre of Norwich, specialising in events, activities, and books for the young and young at heart. They stock a wide range of children’s books, but do have a dedicated room for adult books and their monthly bookclubs. They also run a subscription service, hand selecting a book every month, delivered straight to your door.
Tombland, Norwich
Tombland is situated in a beautiful 15th Century building opposite Norwich Cathedral. They have a constantly changing stock of second-hand books across two floors, with antiquarian books ranging from £1 to £10,000! They also offer book-finding, book restoration, and rebinding services.
Kett’s Books, Wymondham, Norfolk
Winner of 2024 Independent Bookshop of the Year: East England Regional & Country award at the British Book Awards.
With the shop under threat of closure, a group of volunteers got together and began fundraising to save it, with a number of locals joining to run the shop. They also run Kett’s Yard, a shared community workspace.
Crabpot Books, Wells-Next-To-The-Sea, Norfolk
Crabpot Books stocks a range of second-hand books, from rare antiques to modern classics, including a dedicated section of bird and natural history books – perfect for an area named an Area of Outstanding Beauty!
The Book Hive, Norwich
Situated in the heart of Norwich, The Book Hive celebrates the beauty of printed material – as well as the pleasures of whimsical, alternative curation. The shop is well-known for foregoing traditional sections, instead favouring mixes of the booksellers’ picks which allows for a unique browsing experience and the kind of serendipitous discovering that more traditional layouts – or algorithms – cannot replicate.
City Bookshop, Norwich
Situated in the heart of Norwich, City Bookshop is a family-run bookshop with over 30 years of experience in the field. They sell new, second-hand and antique books on a range of subjects. Their selection of books is displayed in a relaxed environment, and their experienced staff are always happy to help.
The Holt Bookshop, Holt, Norfolk
The Holt Bookshop has existed in the historic market town for over 20 years, moving to a new site in 2020. The shop has always prided itself on its range of books and quality of service. They stock everything from children’s books, to sporting memoirs, international prize winners and cookbooks. There really is something for everyone.
Woodbridge Books, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Woodbridge Books is a charming shop situated in the port town of Woodbridge. They sell all types of books, from nature and science to local interest, bestsellers and new releases; they have a particular interesting in children’s books, and have a wonderful book room for your children to enjoy.
Dial Lane Books, Ipswich, Suffolk
Dial Lane Books opened during the worst possible time – the COVID pandemic! Against this challenge, the shop has thrived. Originally built on a vision of offering smaller publishers and up-and-coming authors a platform, Dial Lane offers adults and children somewhere to enjoy their love of reading.
The Aldeburgh Bookshop, Aldeburgh, Suffolk
The Aldeburgh Bookshop has been trading for over 70 years, and stock a wide range of books including ones from local authors and a large children’s department. They also have a popular selection of greeting cards, puzzles, and board games. They also offer a second-hand book search service and we post books all over the world.
Halesworth Book Shop, Halesworth, Suffolk
Halesworth Book Shop is a hidden gem nestled within the market place. Stocking everything from classics to non-fiction, thrillers and cildren’s books, Halesworth have everything you could want. They also offer storytelling and craft sessions for children, and book clubs and author talks for older readers.
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of bookshops. All photos sourced from each individual shop’s online presence. If you have any concerns regarding the photos, or concern regarding the text, please get in touch.
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