Birmingham, the second-largest city in Britain, has some of the best bookshops that you would love to discover in your literary journey. It has always had a vibrant culture of writing and publishing. The city has produced some of the most renowned figures in the literary world, like J.R.R. Tolkien, famously known for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Another famous novelist, Charles Dickens, gave his very first public performance of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in the Birmingham Town Hall in 1853.
Though books can easily be downloaded from the internet nowadays, visiting bookshops never goes out of fashion. The atmospheric vibe of a bookshop and the sheer abundance of books are something that you cannot miss if you are a book lover. For students studying in Birmingham, some of the most popular bookshops are mentioned below.
Table of contents
Waterstones Books
Waterstones is located on the High Street and is spread across six splendid floors. It offers a wide range of genres like fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, and whatnot! They also have a knowledgeable and experienced team of booksellers who can recommend books based on your interests and tastes. The store also offers games and gifts for different age groups to make the book-exploring journey an interesting one – just what you need to unwind yourself during a weekend break from your student accommodation in Birmingham!
- Address – Waterstones Birmingham, 24-26 High Street, Birmingham B4 7SL
- Contact Number – 01216334353
- Opening hours – Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays
Foyles
Foyles is a famous local bookshop located in the heart of the city. It has a collection of over 14,000 books spread across different genres. Not just books, it also has a dedicated section for gifts and stationery. It has a well-trained group of booksellers who can help you explore different books. The best part about this bookshop is that it remains open daily, offering you the choice to visit it at your own convenience.
- Address – Unit 2A, Grand Central, Birmingham B2 4BF
- Contact Number – +441213898679
- Opening hours – Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sundays
Also Read: ebooks vs Printed Books: Which are better?
The Heath Bookshop
The Heath Bookshop is relatively new on the block and was opened in 2022. Like most contemporary bookshops, this one also offers hot drinks and coffee, but the best part is that it is dog-friendly too. The bookshop also provides a warm and cosy atmosphere to sit and chat with your group. There are different types of books available, such as modern releases, fiction, and non-fiction. And if you are looking to grab a bite, then ‘Pause Coffee Shop’ and ‘Levain & Cherry’ are just a stone’s throw away from this bookshop.
- Address – R/O, Kings Court, 94 High St, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7JZ
- Contact Number – +441214443958
- Opening hours – Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
IKON Bookshop
This bookshop offers art and design books, gifts, stationery, and magazines. IKON is also an art gallery and educational charity, which can offer you a good cultural experience. The stationery collection at IKON is colossal and magnificent, and the bookshop provides books on a wide range of topics like art theory, design, architecture, illustration, and well-being. It is beyond doubt that you would be tempted to go through some beautiful coffee table classics when you visit the bookshop!
- Address – 1 Brindley Pl, Oozells Sq, Birmingham B1 2HS
- Contact Number – +441212480711
- Opening hours – Open from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Oxfam Bookshop
Oxfam bookshop is also a charity shop, so the money you spend is for a good cause! This bookshop in Moseley is staffed with courteous booksellers who can help you decide on the book based on your interest areas. This place is good for buying second-hand books at a great bargain price. It also specialises in offering a diverse range of books and has a friendly, vivid atmosphere and a perfect reason to get out of your student accommodation in United Kingdom. The bookshop also offers art and design books, gifts, stationery, and magazines.
Address – 101 Alcester Rd, Birmingham B13 8DD
- Contact Number – +441214493222
- Opening hours – Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Closed on Mondays
Also Read: Planning A Weekend in Budget? Check Out Weekend Getaways From Birmingham For Students
Popular Chain Bookshops in Birmingham
If you’re someone who loves browsing a wide variety of books under one roof, Birmingham’s chain bookshops will feel like paradise. These stores are known for their large collections, consistent stock, student discounts, and comfy reading corners.
1. Waterstones – New Street & High Street Branches
Waterstones is one of the most popular chain bookshops in the UK, and Birmingham has multiple branches, with the New Street location being the largest. You’ll find everything here—from bestsellers and academic titles to journals and bookish gifts. There’s also a café inside where you can sip coffee while flipping through your latest read. It’s a favourite spot for students, especially around exam season.
2. WHSmith – Bullring & Grand Central
WHSmith offers a solid mix of fiction, nonfiction, stationery, and exam prep books. Located in convenient spots like the Bullring shopping centre and Birmingham New Street Station (Grand Central), this chain is perfect for picking up last-minute travel reads or school supplies. They often run “Buy One, Get One Half Price” deals, which are a hit with students on a budget.
3. Foyles – Inside Grand Central (John Lewis)
Though smaller than its flagship store in London, the Foyles branch in Birmingham offers a thoughtfully curated selection. It’s a good place for fiction, children’s books, and art titles. The staff are knowledgeable and can help with special orders too.
Tips for Students Buying Books in Birmingham
If you’re a student in Birmingham, buying books doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. Whether you’re after academic textbooks or novels to unwind with, here are some smart tips to help you shop wisely:
1. Start with the University Bookstore
Most universities in Birmingham, like the University of Birmingham or Birmingham City University, have their own campus bookstores. These stores often stock the exact editions required for your course. Bonus—many offer student discounts or second-hand options.
2. Look for Second-Hand Bookshops
Shops like Reader’s World or Oxfam Bookshop in Birmingham are gold mines for used books at lower prices. You can find textbooks, classics, and even rare titles here, all in good condition and at a fraction of the cost.
3. Check Online Student Groups
Facebook groups and university forums often have listings where students sell or exchange books they no longer need. It’s a great way to get required titles cheaply—and sometimes even for free.
4. Use Library Resources First
Before buying, check if the university library has a copy of the book. Many libraries offer short-loan or digital versions of key texts. This saves both money and shelf space.
5. Join Loyalty Programs
Shops like Waterstones and WHSmith offer loyalty cards that give you points or discounts on future purchases. Signing up can lead to good savings, especially if you’re buying often.
6. Compare Prices Online and In-Store
Sometimes, books are cheaper online through sites like Amazon or AbeBooks. Compare prices before you buy, and don’t forget to check for delivery times—especially if your reading deadlines are tight.
7. Attend Book Fairs or University Book Swaps
Many student unions and local bookshops host annual book fairs or “bring and buy” events where students can get used books at bargain rates. Keep an eye out for such events on campus noticeboards or local social media pages.
8. Keep Your Books in Good Condition
If you plan to resell your books later, keep them clean and damage-free. That way, you can pass them on and recover some of your money.
Birmingham is a treasure trove for book lovers, offering everything from indie gems to budget-friendly second-hand finds. Whether you’re a student, casual reader, or literary enthusiast, the city’s vibrant bookshop scene has something for everyone.
FAQs
Some of the most famous bookshops include Waterstones Books, Foyles, and IKON Bookshop.
Oxfam Bookshop has a good collection of second-hand books, and the money spent on buying books goes to charity.
These days, most bookshops have spacious reading spaces and cosy cafés. Some of them include Waterstones Books and The Heath Bookshop, amongst others.
Yes, there are several second-hand bookshops in Birmingham, including Oxfam Bookshops and Reader’s World. These are great for finding budget-friendly fiction, non-fiction, and academic titles.
Many local and independent bookshops like Voce Books and The Heath Bookshop frequently host author events, poetry readings, and book launches. Waterstones on New Street also holds regular literary events.
Yes, the University of Birmingham Bookshop is located on campus. There are also nearby options like Waterstones Harborne and other second-hand shops in Selly Oak that cater to students’ needs.
University bookstores, Waterstones, and academic sections in second-hand shops carry a wide range of textbooks and scholarly materials. You can also find them online with click-and-collect options in Birmingham.
Yes, many second-hand and charity bookshops in Birmingham accept book donations or buybacks. Try Oxfam Books or student-run swaps at university campuses to resell your books.
Yes, Forbidden Planet in Birmingham is popular for comics, manga, and graphic novels. Some independent bookshops also have dedicated graphic novel sections.
Waterstones Birmingham New Street is one of the largest and most well-stocked bookshops in the city. It has multiple floors, a café, and extensive selections across all genres.
When you’ve tired yourself out from your daily routines, bookshops are the places that provide you the necessary break by offering you a wide range of genres and subjects. Head over to the above-mentioned bookshops to satisfy your book lover’s soul!
And, if you are thinking about studying in Birmingham, then Leverage Edu can provide you with the best guidance in making your study abroad experience hassle-free. If you are looking for suitable accommodation abroad to start your study abroad journey, you can reach out to our Fly Homes experts at 1800572118.
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