The best independent bookshops in Birmingham
Whether you’re a fan of the classics or looking for the hottest new release, add to your TBR list at our favourite independent bookshops.
Posted 08 January 2024
Voce Books
Not your run-of-the-mill bookshop, Voce Books in Digbeth stocks independent publishers, radical authors and translated fiction while also platforming Midlands writers. If you're looking to up your local knowledge or want to try a niche event where authors and audiences come together to share ideas, then this is the one for you.
My Bookbasket
Located in the Legacy Centre of Excellence (formerly known as the Drum), My Bookbasket offers culturally diverse books, gifts, healthcare products and more. If you've struggled to find representative books for the young people in your life, or yourself, My Bookbasket is packed to the brim with options. They also run reading clubs and events for adults and children.
The Heath Bookshop (Kings Heath)
The Heath Bookshop is an excellent place to start if you're looking for your next page turner. It’s tucked away in Kings Court just off Kings Heath High Street, alongside Pause Coffee Shop, The Milkcake Man and artisan boulangerie Levain & Cherry. You’ll find a great selection of new releases, modern fiction and non-fiction. And bonus, it’s dog-friendly and serves hot drinks so you can enjoy a coffee while you browse.
Oxfam Book Shops (Moseley and Harborne)
Charity shops are a great place to grab a bargain second-hand book or a unique gift, and Oxfam’s bookshops in Moseley and Harborne are a real treasure trove. Staffed by lovely booksellers who are partial to a themed display, it’s ideal for picking up some new reads without breaking the bank. And there’s no guilt (despite that book-buying ban you’ve imposed on yourself) as all the money you spend goes to a great cause!
Court 15 Books at the Birmingham Back to Backs
Run by the National Trust to raise funds for their conservation work, Court 15 Books is a second-hand bookshop on Hurst Street opposite the Fox pub. If your shelves are already full you could bring a few donations to clear out space for the new additions you'll probably be taking home with you.
Second City Comics (Digbeth)
Nestled amongst a whole host of independent businesses in Digbeth’s Redbrick Market, Second City Comics is your one-stop shop for back-issue comic books and pop culture merch. With an extensive range, comic fans can spend hours digging through the boxes of stock to complete their collections. The owners even provide kneeling pads so there’s no need to be uncomfortable!
IKON Bookshop (Oozells Square, City Centre)
Want to combine your book shopping with a bit of culture? Then IKON Gallery is the place for you! It’s a contemporary art gallery, and educational charity, and has a shop stocking art and design books, gifts, stationery and magazines. Head over there in spring to get the perfect Insta shot of the blossom trees and admire the architecture!
Astley Book Farm (Bedworth, Warwickshire)
This one’s a little bit more of a trek but if you’re after some second-hand bargains, it’s well worth a visit! Located in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, this old farm building is an Aladdin’s cave with (quite literally) every nook and cranny packed with over 75,000 books. If you fancy a real dig for some bargains, check out the Ten Bob Barn where all books are 50p! And when you’ve tired yourself out, take a break in the coffee shop and yurt on site.