Looking for a book to enjoy while you’re relaxing on the beach, or a richer alternative to doomscrolling on Tiktok? Fortunately for you, Perth is scattered with quirky, independent bookstores that cater to all kinds of reading interests. Whether you are into the latest bestsellers, vintage classics, or mind-altering sci-fi you are sure to find a book that will tickle your fancy. If you like nothing better than spending the evening scrolling through Amazon or The Book Depository, why not check out our list (in no particular order) of 14 Perth independent bookstores and support our local businesses.

1. Crow books
East Victoria Park’s local independent bookstore, Crow Books, offers a wide range of literary material for you to absorb. Grab the latest best-selling novel or pick up a new hobby with their selection of craft books. Open until 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends it’s the perfect spot to grab a late-night read.

2. Diabolik Books and Records
Mount Hawthorn’s Diabolik Books and Records is a pop culture hub. They stock all the most popular books, graphic novels and comics, as well as an array of musical catalogues that’ll do wonders in lifting your spirits. Be sure to check out this bookstore if you are after a good book or some great tunes to listen to.

3. Rabble Books & Games
Rabble Books & Games is a family-run community book and board games shop. They aim to represent all interests within the community, so are a great option if you are looking for something quite niche. They also offer a great range of comics or games that’ll help fill any idle hours.

4. The Lane Bookshop
Located in the leafy suburb of Claremont is The Lane Bookshop. They have been open since 1980 sharing their love for all things literature and they stock a good selection of local writers as well as international best-sellers. The team love chatting about books and will happily provide you with a recommendation if you’re unsure of what to pick up next.

5. New Edition Bookshop
A place all booklovers can get lost in, New Edition is a Fremantle institute and a must for those who love to browse. In the mood to touch, feel and be surrounded by books of all genres? New Edition is the spot for you! Their team of passionate and enthusiastic book-lovers also regular posts updates and events on their facebook page! Be sure to check it out.

6. Stefens Books
For your sci-fi and fantasy fix Stefens Books has you covered. Specialising in Science Fiction, Fantasy, Crime, Horror and Supernatural fiction the owner, Stefen himself, can help you find your new favourite story. Whether it’s an oldie but goldie, something new and fresh or a book you’ve never even heard of, Stefen has a reputation for giving great recommendations. Stefens Books is located in the Perth CBD.

7. Planet Books
This is not your average bookstore. Planet Books stock the slightly left-wing, quirky and unique, supporting local and global writers that are doing things a little differently. If you’re after an unusual gift be sure to check out their extensive assortment of collectables and giftware in between browsing for your next read. Planet Books has three stores in Mt Lawley, Northbridge and Cottesloe.

8. Beauford Street Books
Jane Seaton created Beaufort Street Books in the heart of Mt Lawley in 2010 as a destination for local community to meet, discuss and share their love for the written word.
In July last year (2024), they moved two doors down to the corner of Beaufort and Vincent Streets, a venue with double the space. In line with their community theme, it was their customers that helped form a human chain and move 14,000 books to their new store.
They also run several book clubs during and after hours and have a great selection of books available online. Open 7 days per week from 10am to 5pm, opening at 9.30am on Saturday and until 9pm on Thursdays.

9. Elizabeth’s Bookshop
We’ve included this in our blog with a heavy heart, following the closure of Elizabeth Books on Hay Street in Perth CBD after 30 years. However on the bright side, their two stores in Fremantle are still vibrant and open for business. Elizabeth’s Bookshop is one of Australia’s largest second-hand bookshop operations, with a whopping 400 000 books in stock, sourced locally and scoured from across the globe. They pride themselves on offering you GOOD books.

10. Boffins Books
Boffins Books is a renowned independent bookstore located in the heart of Perth’s Central Business District at 88 William Street, Perth CBD. Established in 1989, it has become a cherished destination for book enthusiasts, offering an extensive selection of both fiction and non-fiction titles across various genres. They are particularly celebrated for their specialized collections, including art and design, business, children’s literature, cultural and history, fiction, lifestyle, natural science, and professional titles. Visitors often praise the store for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. If you’re curious for more, you can browse their expansive online catalogue on their website

11. Subiaco Bookshop
Subiaco Bookshop is a Subiaco institution and everything you imagined an indie bookstore should be: owned and operated by a family of fanatical book lovers with hard wooden floorboards and the old vents in the walls, cluttered with new and mostly second hand books on the shelves, the counter, in cardboard displays supplied by publishers and metal stands that belong in a high school library.
The staff, normally one of the family with a head buried in a book at the counter, have detailed knowledge of their extensive collection of non-fiction books ranging from gardening, interior design, travelling, animals and current affairs. They also have some great book-related ephemera to collect or as a gift.

12. Pulp Fiction Book Exchange
Pulp Fiction Book Exchange is an independent bookstore that has a wide range of affordable and high-quality secondhand books stacked to the ceiling and spanning across all genres. These books are well cared for and are in excellent condition. This store is perfect for those who are looking for rare books and other hidden gems that aren’t found in major bookstores.
They are located in three different locations: Hillarys, Floreat Forum and Westfield Whitford City. For more, check out their Facebook page.

13. Mainly Books
Are you desperately seeking a paperback fiction and crime? Are you spending sleepless nights wondering what happens next? Or perhaps you’re looking to feed your soul with some philosophy or poetry? Well, established in 1988, Mainly Books is a good-quality general second-hand bookshop covering most areas. While older books are carried, they make no pretence to be solely an antiquarian bookshop. The service is friendly, free book searches are undertaken and prices are reasonable.

14. Muir Books
Muir Books, situated at 17 Lindsay Street, is much more than your run-of-the-mill bookshop. Having been established over 50 years ago, Muir Books specialised in rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books, while also boasting a curated selection of maps, photographs, postcards and manuscripts. Whether you are looking for a book in law, militaria, medicine, ancient history, or general literature, Muir Books’s specialised collections containing over 60,000 items, will undoubtedly have everything you are looking for. You can take a look at their collection straight away on their website.