Books, glorious books! Stack your shelves with bestsellers and rare finds from these independents.
Fancy a break from the big names of the high street? Want to grab your next page turner from a small business? These independent book shops in Leeds are the beating heart of the literary scene, and they aren’t to be overlooked. From children’s book shops to a little LGBTQIA+ book store, you’re sure to find a title you love in these must-visit shops. Which will you visit first?
The Bookish Type
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The Bookish Type is a haven for queer people in Leeds. Since they set up a bricks and mortar store in 2020, owners Nicola Hargrove and Ray Larman have championed queer voices and put LGBTQIA+ literature first. Here, you’ll find a whole host of reads in the form of colouring books, poetry, graphic novels and more.
You can familiarise yourself with classics from authors like Octavia E. Butler or Oscar Wilde, or perhaps flick through personal essays by up-and-coming writer Jill Gutowitz.
Where? 77A Great George Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 3BR.
Opening times: 10am-6pm Tuesday-Saturday, 12pm-4pm Sunday, closed Monday.
Check it out: thebookishtype.co.uk
The Village Bookstore
The Village Bookstore sits effortlessly cool in Thornton’s Arcade, above Welcome Skatestore. They put self-published and small press zines front and centre, with a huge emphasis on local artists and photographers – whether it be a nostalgic look at football in the 90s or an honest dive into women’s lives in Okinawa, there’s something for everyone.
You can even take a look inside their not-for-profit gallery space where you can catch artist talks, book launches and rotating exhibitions. Every visit brings something different.
Where? 10-12 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LQ.
Opening times: 12pm-6pm Tuesday-Friday, 11am-6pm Saturday, 12pm-5pm Sunday, closed Monday.
Check it out: villagebooks.co
The Little Bookshop
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This Leeds bookstore may proclaim itself small, but boy is it mighty! The Little Bookshop in Chapel Allerton is the only independent children’s book shop in the city. Here you’ll find a medley of titles for your little ones, ranging from picture books and fairytales to young adults novels and short stories.
It doesn’t stop there, though – when we went down there was a reading session with a popular children’s author! There’s no better book shop in Leeds for your children to discover their love of literature.
Where? 47 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 3PD.
Opening times: 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday.
Check it out: thelittlebookshopleeds.co.uk
Bookshop On The Square
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What was once a place where discount books went to be flogged has now been turned into a lovely, quaint book shop. You’ll find The Bookshop on the Square in the heart of Otley, where owner Sara Elliott has added lots of character and warmth.
As usual, there’s a wide range of classics and best sellers, but there’s also a curated section of books all about the local region and Yorkshire. It’s also a great place to buy stationary, cards and prints, making it a real all-rounder.
Where? 28 Market Place, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3AQ.
Opening times: 9am-4:30pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-3pm Sunday.
Check it out: uk.bookshop.org
Hold Fast Bookshop
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A book shop… on a boat? That’s right, Hold Fast Bookshop, moored on Leeds Dock, offers books, plants and curiosities galore. Step inside the historic former coal barge (which goes by the name Marjorie R) and you’ll be greeted by shelf upon shelf of new and used books, spanning all different genres.
With a log burner inside for colder months, and seating on the deck for when the sun’s out, there’s no better place to hunker down with your new read. They also run regular readings and author events.
Where? Leeds Dock, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS10 1JB.
Opening times: 9am-5pm Thursday-Saturday, 11am-4pm Sunday, closed Monday-Wednesday.
Check it out: holdfastless.co.uk
Philip Howard Books
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Philip Howard Books is a champion of the independent scene in Roundhay. Since they opened their doors in 1999, this family-run business has been a sanctuary for the local community and they’re always happy to help.
Here, you can find a specialised selection of reads covering the history and culture of Leeds and Yorkshire – they also pride themselves on their Rugby League collection, too, if that’s your thing. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can order in via phone, email, or pop down to the shop yourself.
Where? 47 Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1AP.
Opening times: 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday.
Check it out: uk.bookshop.org
OK Comics
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OK Comics in Thornton’s Arcade is all about the graphic novels and comic books. They’re legends of the comic community and have had multiple Eisner Award nominations (they’re the Academy Awards of the comic book world).
Step inside and come face-to-face with stacks of comics, from your well-loved Spiderman to lesser-known, hard-to-find graphic novels like Nao of Brown. If you never want to miss an issue of your favourite series, owner Jared even provides a free standing order service!
Where? 19 Thornton’s Arcade, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 6LQ.
Opening times: 11am-5pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-3pm Sunday.
Check it out: okcomics.co.uk
Colours May Vary
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Colours May Vary in Leeds Corn Exchange has it all. Their bright, airy shop is filled to the brim with funky prints, carefully-curated art, design publications, and most importantly, a whole host of reads that you won’t find anywhere else.
A cornucopia of art and design books, walk in and you’ll be met with books on photography, typography, graphic design, illustration and more. Make sure to bag one of their hard-to-find zines while you’re at it. This is the kind of book shop where you can easily lose an hour browsing the shelves.
Where? Leeds Corn Exchange, Call Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS1 7BR.
Opening times: 10:30am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday, 10:30am-4:30pm Sunday.
Check it out: coloursmayvary.com
Grove Bookshop Ilkley
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Going strong for nearly 45 years, the charming Grove Bookshop isn’t just one of the best independent book stores in Leeds, but in the North of England. Their carefully-curated stock hinges on the demand of their customers, and you can find all sorts of exciting and unusual titles, as well as classics and best-sellers.
They host a plethora of events, including book launches and talks by authors! And as the official suppliers of the Ilkley Literature Festival, you know that this Leeds book shop is the real deal.
Where? 10 The Grove, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9EG.
Opening times: 9am-5:30pm Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday.
Check it out: grovebookshop.com
Truman Books
A book-shop-cum-cafe is the perfect Saturday afternoon trip – and that’s just what Truman Books in Farsley offers. Owner Amanda Truman has curated the perfect neighbourhood book shop, with something for everyone.
Chock-a-block with much-loved novels, along with lesser known titles, Truman Books has a smorgasbord of genres for you to dig into with a coffee and a slice of homemade cake. Can’t find what you’re after? You’re in luck, because they can order it in for you – normally with next day delivery!
Where? 95 Town Street, Farsley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5HX.
Opening times: 9:30am-5:30pm Tuesday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm Saturday, 11am-3pm Sunday, closed Monday.
Check it out: trumanbooks.co.uk
