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CARDIFF’S BEST INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOPS
Cardiff’s Best
There’s no doubt about it - there’s something about shopping at independent bookshops that is so much better than buying from large chains. Whether it be the smell of a dusty old paperback, the thrill you get from knowing you’re helping minimise your impact on the planet if your books are secondhand, or the charm of a quaint little literary establishment; visiting an independent bookshop is about so much more than the books you purchase - it’s an experience. Independent book shopping is also a great way to support local economies, and a fantastic opportunity to explore the city. It’s clearly not just us who are in love with shopping independently, either - in 2006, Independent Bookshop Week was launched, in order to support UK booksellers and raise the profile of the magic of shopping independently - this year, Independent Bookshop Week was celebrated from 18-25 June. Another perk of shopping independently is that often, the books are cheaper than you’d be able to find in larger stores, meaning that you save money, which of course can be spent on even more books! If you know where to look, Cardiff has some really incredible independent shops to offer book lovers. With that in mind, here are our top picks for local independent bookshops around Cardiff. Bear Island Book Exchange - Cardiff Market
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We all know that buying books and reading books are two completely different hobbies. So, my top pick for the cheapest independent bookshop in Cardiff is Bear Island Book Exchange which can be found in Cardiff Market. They have a beautiful array of second-hand paperbacks that are often around only £2.50 and the stock is replenished often. Many students also sell their university texts here, so you might be able to get your course books for a lot cheaper than you’d find online. My favourite book I’ve ever bought from Bear Island is a gorgeous 90s hardback edition of “The Catcher in Rye”, which was only £4.50. Shelf Life Books and Zines - Cowbridge Road East
Another great bookshop is Shelf Life Books and Zines which can be found on Cowbridge Road East. This vibrant bookshop has an incredible array of books, with the shop having a particular focus on marginalised voices. This incredibly radical independent shop is also a non-profit, so you can feel good about spending your money on some of the wonderful books they choose to highlight. The Queer Emporium - Royal Arcade
My final pick is the Queer Emporium, which is located in the Royal Arcade. The Queer Emporium is not strictly a bookshop, but they have a beautiful, curated array of books that focus on queer voices, and friendly staff who make it almost impossible to go in without treating yourself to one of the books they have to offer. The Queer Emporium also strives to create a safe space for local queer identifying people, and so it can be a great place to meet like-minded friends. These are some of my favourite bookshops in Cardiff. I hope you enjoy shopping at them as much as I do. words by: Ashleigh Adams
Indy Bookstores
In a time when books can be delivered right to your front door, visiting a bookshop has become an experience. Unlike commercial bookshops, independent bookshops are run by passionate owners who work hard to make their shops interesting and individual. Cardiff is full of independent books shops, all of which are enticing in their own way. Not only is the experience of finding a good book in an independent book shop a good way to find your next read, the location of these shops are also often worth exploring themselves. Troutmark Books - Castle Arcade
Troutmark books is nestled in one of Cardiff’s famous spots, Castle Arcade. Filled from floor to ceiling with a variety of well-organised secondhand books, this shop contains almost every genre you can imagine. The variety in this shop is impressive, with books ranging from antique children’s books to modern comics. As it is a second-hand book shop, shopping here is less about finding a certain book - it’s about the experience, about browsing their many shelves and perhaps discovering a new interest along the way.
The Wellfield Bookshop - Roath
If second-hand books are not your thing, The Wellfield Bookshop is the place to shop. Filled with many new books, you are unlikely not to find an interesting read - this book shop stocks everything from the latest novel to the old classics. Located in Roath, this shop is only a short walk from the beautiful Roath Park, which is the perfect place to start your newly purchased novel.