Sheffield is a city of dreams, famous for its art scenes and renowned book shops. Sheffield’s bookshops are full of creativity, information, and knowledge. You’ve come to the right spot if you’re a student at Sheffield University or any other university in Sheffield and you want to spend your free time discovering the world of books. We have discussed the Top Bookshops in Sheffield in this blog post. Now, let’s begin.
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Best Bookshops in Sheffield
If you’re a student living in Sheffield and love getting lost in the pages of a good book, you’re in luck! Sheffield is home to some amazing bookshops that cater to every kind of reader. Let’s check out some of the best bookshops in Sheffield that students should definitely explore.
| Bookshops | Google Ratings |
| The Porter Bookshop | 4.6/5 |
| Oxfam, West Street | 4.5/5 |
| Books on the Park | 5/5 |
| The Last Chapter | 4.7/5 |
| The Waterstones | 4.6/5 |
The Porter Bookshop
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Porter Bookshop is the ultimate bookshop for any book lover. Here you can find every genre of book, whether you are looking for comedy, horror, fiction, or non-fiction. Here you can find your academic books too. A 30-minute drive from Sheffield University, this bookshop is a great place to relax after classes and grab a coffee. There are restaurants, pubs, and cafes near student accommodation in United Kingdom
The Lescar and Zaap Thai Street Food Sheffield are nearby. The staff are polite and help you with each pick of yours. You should visit the Porter Bookshop once you are in Sheffield.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Tuesday to Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday, Monday | Closed |
How to Reach: 227 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8ZE, United Kingdom
Rhyme & Reason
Rhyme & Reason is one of Sheffield’s most beloved independent bookshops, perfect for students looking for something beyond the ordinary. This charming shop specialises in contemporary fiction, poetry, and children’s books while also stocking a thoughtful range of political and social literature.
Located just a short distance from the University of Sheffield, it’s a cosy spot to explore after lectures or on a lazy weekend. The staff are incredibly helpful and passionate about books, always ready to offer personalised recommendations. If you love discovering unique reads and supporting local bookstores, Rhyme & Reason is a must-visit!
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 09:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am- 03:00 pm |
How to Reach: 681 Ecclesall Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8TG, United Kingdom
If you’re considering visiting Sheffield you should also look at this blog. 5 Weekend Getaway from Sheffield to Escape from Monotonous Schedule
Oxfam, West Street
Embed from Getty ImagesOxfam, West Street is located at 276 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS, United Kingdom. One of Sheffield’s best-known used bookstores is Oxfam. A large collection of old, out-of-print, and used books from all around the world are available at this bookstore. Oxfam offers more than 10,000 excellent books covering a wide range of topics and genres, such as general fiction, crime fiction, collectable children’s art, and much more. If you are ever in Sheffield, make sure to check out this bookstore.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 9:00 am–5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 11:00 am–4:00 pm |
How To Reach: 276 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS, United Kingdom
Next Chapter Books
Embed from Getty ImagesThis bookstore is located at 7 Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AA, United Kingdom. You should visit this bookshop when you return from college, as it’s peaceful and relaxing. Also, if you’re looking for second-hand books, this is the best place. You can find academic and mainstream books here. They have staff that are knowledgeable and will help you with every book. During the day, you can sit and read with some coffee in the sitting area. There is a welcoming atmosphere you will love. Surely, a must-visit bookstore for students.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Wednesday to Saturday | 10:30 am–5:00 pm |
| Sunday to Tuesday | Closed |
How To Reach: 7 Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AA, United Kingdom
Also, check out this blog, if you are planning to study in Sheffield, Top 5 Places to Visit in Sheffield
The Waterstones
Embed from Getty ImagesYou can find many big bookshelves as you enter here. Waterstones is the one location where you may get just what you’re looking for. This amazing store is home to those who enjoy reading romance, horror, and storytelling. You can find this bookstore at many locations throughout the city, with coffee shops in many of them. So you can enjoy your favourite books with a cold cup of coffee while you browse through them.
Opening Hours
| Days | Timing |
| Monday to Saturday | 9:00 am–6:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:30 am–4:30 pm |
How To Reach: Orchard Square Shopping Centre, 24-26 Orchard Square, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2FB, United Kingdom
Where to Find Second-Hand Bookshops in Sheffield?
Looking to save money? I totally get it! Second-hand bookshops in Sheffield are a dream for students. Whether you need affordable textbooks or just love browsing through old, unique titles, these shops have you covered. Plus, buying pre-loved books is eco-friendly and often way cheaper! Here are five second-hand bookshops in Sheffield that you should definitely check out:
1. Oxfam Bookshop, West Street: A student favourite, Oxfam Bookshop on West Street offers a huge selection of used books at very affordable prices. You’ll find everything from general fiction and non-fiction to academic books and rare finds. It’s perfect if you’re hunting for textbooks without breaking the bank.
Location: 276 Glossop Rd, Broomhall, Sheffield S10 2HS
2. Rare & Racy: This iconic, independent bookshop is loved for its collection of rare, vintage, and beautiful books. If you’re into art, poetry, or unique prints, this is the place for you. The atmosphere is cozy, and the staff are always happy to chat about their latest treasures.
Location: 164 Devonshire St, Sheffield S3 7SG
3. Next Chapter Books: Located near Endcliffe Park, this small second-hand bookshop is ideal for students looking for a quiet space to browse. They stock a range of genres, including fiction, biographies, and academic books, all at reasonable prices.
Location: 7 Rustlings Rd, Sheffield S11 7AA
4. Porter Bookshop: Not just a bookshop but a community hub. Porter Bookshop offers second-hand titles covering comedy, horror, non-fiction, and even textbooks. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind, and there are plenty of nearby cafes to grab a coffee after your book hunt.
Location: 227 Sharrow Vale Rd, Sharrow, Sheffield S11 8ZE
5. St Luke’s Vintage Shop: This charity shop features a wide range of donated books, from classics to recent bestsellers. The best part? Proceeds support St Luke’s Hospice, so you’re helping a great cause while grabbing a bargain.
Location: 93 Division St, Sheffield S1 4GE
Tips to Save Money on Books in Sheffield
Books can get expensive, especially for a student. But don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to cut costs while still getting the books you need for class and leisure. A little planning can save you a lot. Here’s how to keep your book budget under control in Sheffield:
- Buy Second-Hand – Check out local second-hand bookshops, charity shops, or online student groups. Pre-loved textbooks are often half the price.
- Use the Library First – Sheffield’s public libraries and university libraries have an amazing collection. Before buying, see if you can borrow.
- Share with Friends – Team up with classmates to split the cost of pricey textbooks or create a book-sharing group.
- Sell Your Old Books – When the semester ends, resell your books to make back some cash. Shops like Oxfam and university book exchanges are great for this.
- Look for Student Discounts – Always ask if the bookshop offers a student discount. Many local stores are happy to give you a small percentage off with your student ID.
I hope this guide helps you feel ready to explore the best bookshops in Sheffield! Whether you’re after affordable textbooks, South Asian reads, or just a cosy place to browse, Sheffield has you covered. So grab your reading list, check out these shops, and happy studying!
FAQs
The best bookshop in Sheffield for students is Blackwell’s Bookshop. It offers a wide range of academic books, textbooks, and stationery. Many students visit here for study materials related to their courses.
Waterstones is the most popular bookstore in Sheffield.
Sheffield’s famous used bookstore is Oxfam.
There are sometimes evening book events held at the store. You can book tickets through their official website.
You can find cheap bookshops in Sheffield like Rare & Racy and Oxfam Bookshop. These stores sell second-hand books, which are perfect for students looking to save money on textbooks.
Yes, some bookshops in Sheffield, like Oxfam Bookshop, allow you to donate or sell your old textbooks and novels. This is a great way to recycle books and earn some cash.
Yes, bookshops like Blackwell’s and Waterstones in Sheffield sell stationery, notebooks, planners, and other study supplies along with books.
Most bookshops in Sheffield are open from 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some may have shorter hours on Sundays. It’s best to check online for exact timings.
For rare or unique books, visit Rare & Racy or Rhyme & Reason in Sheffield. These independent bookshops have interesting collections that are perfect for book lovers.
Students should visit bookshops in Sheffield to buy affordable textbooks, find second-hand books, and enjoy student discounts. They also offer a quiet place to browse and discover new reads.
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