“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
The Bookish Type, Leeds
The Bookish Type is a queer indie bookshop in Leeds. Opened in 2020, they sell a range of queer literature, from fiction to children’s books, YA, memoirs, poetry, non-fiction, short stories, and graphic novels. They run queer history tours around Leeds, host second-hand Sundays, and run an outdoors book group.
Beverley Bookshop, Beverley
The Beverley Bookshop is a family-run store, full of enthusiastic and knowledgeable booksellers. Their shop is filled with over 10,000 books across a range of genres, including special independent and signed editions, as well as a range of discounted backlist favourites.
The Little Bookshop, Leeds
Opening in 2017, The Little Bookshop is a place to explore literature and illustration with the whole family. They are dedicated to sourcing a diverse range of inclusive books and bringing them together. They also deliver special books all over the UK. Books stocked include crime and mystery, cooking, and young readers.
J.E Books, Hull
J.E Books is an indie bookshop in the heart of Hull, selling new and second-hand books, as well as literary gifts. They also offer events such as author meets and greets and book signings.
Fosters Little Bookshop, Barnsley
Fosters opened in 2023 and stock new and second-hand books, including fiction and non-fiction, from Jane Austen to Ken Follett. They believe in sustainable reading and provide books at a low cost to ensure as many people as possible get the chance to read.
The Book Vault, Barnsley
With a background in education, language, and communication, together with an understanding of reading, The Book Vault aim to provide an engaging children’s area – a place where adults and kids can experience the joys of reading together.
Little Apple, York
Trading since 1997, The Little Apple Bookshop offer a wide range of books, including new and classic fiction, short stories and Yorkshire-based titles, non-fiction, children’s books, bestsellers lists, signed editions, poetry, and gift books, as well as stocking bags, playing cards, pins, toys, and bookmarks.
Read Bookshop, Holmfirth
Read carefully choose books in all categories to enrich the lives of their customers, from award-winning literary fiction, to graphic novels, biographies, and books about the natural world. They also stock local maps, bags, and book subscriptions.
Criminally Good Books, York
Opened in early 2024, Criminally Good Books is a dedicated true crime and crime fiction independent bookstore. Even though they’re new, they can already boast a range of author visits, from the likes of debut novelist Gay Marris, Lesley McEvoy, Christopher Berry-Dee, and A.J West.
The Minster Gate, York
The Minster Gate, situated opposite the South Door of York Minster, are traditional antiquarian and second-hand booksellers, buying and selling books on most subjects. They also sell maps, prints, and illustrations.
Truman Books, Leeds
Opening in 2021, Truman Books is filled to bursting with books for adults and children, including exciting new releases, bestsellers, classics, and old favourites. They also have a fine selection of gifts, greeting cards, and wrapping paper. They hold children storytimes, and welcome in authors including Sarah Brooks, AJ West, and Dorothy Koomson.
The Blue House Bookshop, York
The Blue House specialise in beautiful children’s books but also have a selection of books for grown-ups. The top floor is a writers’ attic, providing a creative space, and they also supply books to a number of local schools.
*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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