Bookshops of Hobart
There are superb bookshops in Hobart and something for everyone - sartorial inspiration, gift-wares and the most highbrow spot for a close encounter, if you were looking.
Cracked and Spineless New and Used Books
No visit to Hobart is complete without a pilgrimage to Cracked and Spineless. This store is a Tasmanian institution and has a large and loyal following of deeply serious book lovers and possibly a few obsessive ones. There’s new and second hand books and they do a fantastic job of putting aside orders of new releases and idiosyncratic titles that happen to come in. Keep an eye on the Facebook and Instagram – they’re a good indication of what to expect when you visit. There’s good chat to be had in the store from owners Richard and Emily and their staff and customers too. Last time I was there we were discussing whether it would be good to be eaten after one passed away. Richard recommended pairing with a good Chianti.
Hobart Bookshop, Salamanca Square
Smack in the centre of Salamanca, the historic marketplace on the Hobart waterfront, the Hobart bookshop is what it says on the tin. It’s run by the lovely Bronwyn, a booklover who bought into her dream. There’s a great collection of Tasmanian authors here, and Bronwyn reckons the largest selection of children’s books in Tassie. You take a few steps down into a basement space on entry, and the white walls and colour of the books lends the place the air of a bright cavern filled with gems.
Déjà vu Books, Salamanca Place
This tiny shop in one of the Salamanca laneways is a treasure trove of fiction, philosophy, poetry and art, Tasmanian and Australian books and much more crammed in to its two tiny alcoves and some display boxes outside. The owner sits in what looks very much like a pulpit and is a former lecturer in philosophy. The quality of eavesdropping between him and his customers in this gem of a shop is high indeed. Possibly the most highbrow place in Hobart for a close encounter, if you were looking.
Fullers Bookshop, Collins Street
Last time I was in there, Fullers were displaying copies of my book on a bottom shelf behind a surplus item of furniture, and I’m yet to forgive them. However, it is a large bookshop with excellent stock and lovely staff, and a good line in writing-related accessories. My son was impressed by the fountain pen with the $400 price tag but he really doesn’t have the handwriting to warrant it, although maybe it would improve things. Fullers is in the centre of town on Collins Street. There used to be a Launceston Fullers too, and it’s a bit of a Tasmanian institution.
Dymocks, Central Hobart
Although it’s part of the Dymocks chain, the Hobart branch is family owned and staffed by locals who are passionate about books, and they make a point of stocking Tasmanian authors. Very large store in the Centrepoint shopping centre.
State Bookstore, North Hobart
Gorgeous bookstore with a plethora of arts books and sumptuous giftware. Go here if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, and take in a film at the cinema next door while you’re there.
Archive Antiques, New Town Road
Oft overlooked and unjustly so is Archive Antiques, just out of the city centre and with 7,000 titles catalogued. Owner Carl Jackson buys and sells out-of-print and antiquarian books and has the odd and obscure and much else besides. Definitely worth an hour or two browsing and buying.
If you’re anything like me and like to include a bookshop or two in every trip, any of these places will give you browsing pleasure and quality chat – enjoy!