13 Awesome Bookstores That Should Be On Every Dilliwalla's Radar

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The world may have moved on to Kindles and iPads, among other things, but there are still a few precious old-school folks out there for whom a book means having the joy of holding one that they can flip through, sniff, and probably even fold at the edges (let's not be dramatic, we’ve all done it).

And for some of these old-school folks, the correct way to buy a book is by heading straight to the bookstore (after having bravely pushed past the temptation of buying discounted copies off the internet). It is for such folks that we’ve drawn up a list of our beloved bookstores in the capital. Keep reading to know if your favourite made it to the list! 

Midland Book Shop

A childhood favourite, Midland is a cosy little bookstore in Aurobindo Market that's family-run and has a great science-fiction selection. They always have the latest books by Indian authors and their comic book and graphic novel collection, while small, isn’t bad either. If you want a book they don’t have, they are more than willing to order it for you.

Bahrisons Booksellers

A Khan Market classic since 1953, Bahrisons is also one of Delhi’s better-known bookstores. We’ve always enjoyed their selection of coffee table books, and they always seem to have every Man Booker Prize nominee available (which is not easy!). The magazine section in the back is always packed. Bahrisons, a while back, underwent a renovation, making their upper section roomier and easier to browse through.

Pro-Tip: They now have outlets in Saket, behind the malls, Galleria, Gurgaon, and Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj

May Day Bookstore

One of the very few Indie bookstores in the city, May Day is situated in a place most bookstore owners would consider fatal for business. But there’s good reason for that, as the idea was not so much to earn profits as it was to grow and promote a community that has great love for reading.

Referred by rickshaw-wallas in the area as ‘bayaasi number’, May Day stocks various genres of books (we hear the owner refuses to stock books by Chetan Bhagat and writers of the similar clan, even though they generate maximum profits), but it is their selection of second-hand books that we keep going back for.

Oxford Bookstore

One of the largest bookstores in Delhi, Oxford greets patrons with a series of photography and coffee table books on the walls. The aesthetics of the bookstore invites even non-readers for a quick trip. The size and selection of the store could have you browsing for hours. With Cha Bar inside, it is the perfect meeting spot for readers. Buy a book, grab a chai and patiently await your friend’s arrival.

The Book Shop

Ever since it first opened shop in 1970, The Bookshop remains an old favourite for many Dilliwallas. Frequented by noteworthy authors like William Dalrymple, Khushwant Singh and Arundhati Roy, The Bookshop is great if you’re looking for books on literary fiction, biographies, current events, crime and mystery, graphic novels and cookbooks; they even have a separate section just for kids.

And if you’re unable to find a book you must have, they’ll do their best to procure it from the publishers.

They are closed on Sundays.

Chapter 101

Chapter 101 is a book store with lots of character, rare books and coffee. In addition to all the classics (including first-edition copies), contemporary releases are well-represented, so there’s a book for everyone at Chapter 101. Curl up with a cup of coffee and settle down, the wooden shelves at this book store are lined with literary dreams.

They are closed on Tuesdays.

Sisters Of The People: Book Shop

Open three days a week (Mon, Tue and Fri), Book Shop (it’s called that) is tucked in a corner of Lajpat Bhawan’s Sisters of the People NGO building, and stocks up books people have lovingly donated over the years. Books here start at just INR 10!

Do drop them a text before you decide to venture out. They're initially only starting with deliveries of books ordered through their Instagram. 

Full Circle Bookstore

Full Circle Bookstore in Khan Market is like a maze we never want to find a way out of. It's sunshine walls, green arches and brown bookshelves that are ever so charming, and you'll find books of all genres here. Do check out the leather-bound classic books beside the billing counter, they're a collector's dream come true.

Faqir Chand Bookstore

Books on books on books—that's literally how Faqir Chand & Sons looks like on the inside and we love every bit of it. The old-world charm and nostalgia engulfs you as soon as you step inside the store and the massive collection of new arrivals, classics, bestsellers and even children's books will keep you coming back for more. This is one of the oldest family-run bookstores in Delhi loved and cherished by every Dilliwala. 

We recently spoke to the owner of the bookstore, Mr Anup Kumar in an interview where he shared some warm stories about the bookstore. Check it out.

OM Book Shop

There are seven outlets of the OM Bookstore in Delhi NCR. Selling almost every genre, this bookstore continues to be one of the most popular bookstores amongst Delhiites. This not only serves the dreams of every Bibliophile, they also cater to almost every kind of stationery needs. You will always spot children at the bookstore begging their parents to get them just one more book or stationery item before they head out to the other shops at the mall.

They also regularly host book-reading events to create a habit of reading amongst children.

Crossword

Crossword is a haven for book readers, we know we’ve said this about a lot of other bookstores but this one sets apart from others because they stock the widest range of books, magazines, stationery, gifts, toys and hardware accessories. The bookstore aims to be a point of cultural and social interaction where authors and poets host book-reading sessions, where children are amused, where people tend to be informed, to be entertained and even enlightened. Crossword bookstores also promote the reading habit among children with a weekly activity every Sunday morning across various stores.

Jain Book Agency

Located in C-Block this is one of the oldest book agencies in Connaught Place. You will always spot that one old customer talking fondly about how precious this store is. Catering to almost every genre of books from current affairs to one of the classic non-fictions this two-storey bookstore is always full of loyal customers searching for that one book they know they will find here. The old soul in us loves the quaint vintage vibes of the store and the smell of books can keep us here for hours.

Kunzum

Kunzum has multiple stores across Delhi NCR, we've personally been to the one in Vasant Vihar market. It's a quaint little shop that has warm people. They offer you a coupon for free coffee and biscuits with every purchase and have a small seating space too adjacent to big windows, to sit, sip on coffee and enjoy your purchase. 10/10 would recommend it. They also have stores in GK2, DT Mall, Gurgaon, Hauz Khas Village and Jorbagh. 

Pro-Tip

Now that you're on your way to building a big stack of books in your TBR pile, check out these bookmarks so you don't lose your place. 

Check out these awesome gift options for book lovers, too, that aren't just books (think bookends, candles and beyond)!