Bookshops in London/N Postcodes

Barrie Marks Ltd/MUSWELL HILL/24 Church Vale

Barrie Marks Ltd Appointment necessary

24 Church Vale MUSWELL HILL N2 9PA

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tel: 020 8883 1919

Open: By appointment only

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The illustrated book (including children’s books) and private press. Also interested in decorative arts, ballet, and all things visual.

Basement Bookshop/CROUCHEND/St Mary_s Parish ChurchCranley Gardens

The Basement Bookshop Phone before travelling

St Mary's Parish Church Cranley Gardens CROUCH END N10 3AH

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e-mail web

Open: Alternate Fridays and Saturdays, 10.00 - 1.00, see website for dates

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A volunteer led shop that has been going over 40 years, in the basement of the church (Note the shop entrance is actually in Park Road, N8!). This used to be the church workshop, but has, over the years, been transformed into one of London's best kept secret bookshops. A wide range of very reasonably priced and well laid out books and really friendly volunteers. I nearly always find a few books worth rescuing when I call by. Worth going out of your way for, even the local's don't know of it's existence! You could combine your visit with a look at the local Oxfam shops in Crouch End & Muswell Hill, this shop is half way between the pair. However, this shop will be the highlight of your visit to the area for sure. Then there is always Ripping Yarns a mile or so away... Steve Newman 02.04.15

Not found this shop open on two visits this year. Notice suggests only the Saturday opening times (1st & 3rd of month 10-1pm) are currently being staffed. Steve Newman 18.06.16

Actually found this place open today for the first time in four visits (on a Tuesday). Turns out that there is a new dictate that the volunteers can't single man (or Woman) the shop, and as there are only two volunteers for Tuesday's if one is away it does not open.So the 'often open' bit is still valid, turns out I have been unlucky on the Tuesday's I have picked to visit. Please note though that Tuesday & Friday hours are only 10am-12 Noon. Still a great place to find books, I came away with four today for only £4. Bargain! Steve Newman 18.08.16

Visited Tuesday 31st August, but closed. A notice gives the new post covid schedule of opening hours which are basically every other Friday and Saturday. Thus the next Saturday is 4/9/21 then two weekly, next Friday is 10/9/21 then two weekly. Email address is thebasementbookshop@gmail.com. Best check latest info before you go. One of three book shops within a 10 minute bus ride, being half way between the Oxfam's at Muswell Hill & Crouch End, well worth a visit if you can find it open! Steve Newman 31.08.21

Just an update on opening dates.
Friday 17th June, then every other Friday.
Saturday 25th June, then every other Saturday. Steve Newman 18.06.22

Just to update next opening day is Friday 8th September then Saturday 16th September, then alternate Fridays & Saturdays going forward. Steve Newman 04.09.23

Black Gull Books/FINCHLEY/121 High Road

Black Gull Books Open at advertised times

121 High Road East Finchley FINCHLEY N2 8AG

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tel: 020 8444 4717

Open: 7 Days a week 9.30 - 7.00.

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Books bought and sold. Remaindered, secondhand and antiquarian. Art, philosophy, psychology, history, fiction, film. Books of Irish Interest.

Great stock changing regularly with a wide spread. D Marcus

Book prices here were so outrageously high it was funny to check them. My usual £8-20 titles started at £180 and progressed higher. However, very good for Jewish historical matters and Yiddish books. If you can stand the owner's continual breast-beating then pop in for a glance. Chris Harte 27.06.09

We welcome any comment good or bad about our shop but we do take exception to remarks which are neither accurate nor from correspondents who may have an ulterior motive in damaging our good name. To point out the inaccuracies - we do not, alas, stock any Yiddish books, and our 'Jewish historical ' section is perhaps 4 or 5 books strong at any one time. As for the matter of pricing, the clue 'my usual 8-20 pound' range suggests a fellow bookseller attempting to muddy the waters by rather underhanded means. Any fair minded browser in the shop would quickly realize that our stock is overwhelmingly priced to sell at 3- 20 pounds with a strong antiquarian section that reflects prices as noted on the net. I realize that this email may add to my reputation as a 'breast-beater' but I can live with that, misinformation and maliciousness less so. Chris Overfield, Black Gull Books 04.08.09

Can I add a comment on this bookshop as a regular if infrequent visitor with no vested interest? It is a traditional secondhand bookshop. Large varied stock of books in good condition and just like second hand bookshops used to be but neat and tidy. As the owner says the prices are not especially high (not cheap either but I suppose he has to make a living) and it is also true that there are not a significant number of Jewish books there. I wonder if Chris Harte (who usually seems to make very sensible comments) has mixed this bookshop up with Josephs Bookstore in the Finchley Road near the junction with the A406 which is very close to East Finchley and is mainly a Jewish bookstore and did seem awfully pricey when I went in once. (Come to think, you don't list that ..) Anthony Davis 07.09.09

(I have remedied this oversight today TBG

So appalled at Chris Harte's review that I felt compelled to write a few words myself! I love this bookshop! interesting and fairly priced selection of books find it hard to visit without making a purchase. George Drew 05.12.09

I think this is one of the best second-hand bookstores I've been to. Its fantastically curated, a great selection interestingly juxtaposed. I think these guys have figured out what a second-hand bookstore is for in the age of Amazon. India Cicolini 08.12.10

Having not been here for a year or two, been twice recently and found good stock at much better prices than I remembered previously - very much worth a visit. M&O 14.04.12

"All books are individually priced" it claims; ironic, then, that the very first two I pulled off the shelf had no price in them. So I took them to the shop assistant who, no doubt after perusing ABE, Amazon, etc, came back and said "Oh, you happened to find two expensive books" which he had now priced accordingly. No one likes to be taken for a fool, so I promptly left the shop never to return. Mandalay Bookshop 12.07.12

Everything a local second-hand bookshop should be and my favourite in London. Incredibly eclectic and regularly changing stock, typically in excellent condition, with collectible books priced very competitively. Particularly strong on Art and Irish. Really excellent. Neil Goodlad 30.11.12

Having read through the previous comments Black Gull Books would certainly seem to divide opinion. I have been calling in when in the area for a few years now, so about time I added my comments I guess. Yes, no question the stock is wide ranging and good quality and yes, it is rather on the expensive side. Not sure I have ever bought anything here, but I have found good copies of books I would have had at half the price asked! But it does have very long opening hours unlike a certain bookshop a mile or so down the road, and I have always found the staff friendly and helpful. So, as long as you are not looking for a bargain certainly worth giving it a try. Steve Newman 20.02.15

The high quality of stock makes a visit to Black Gull an uplifting experience. Probably the largest secondhand arts section in London, after Marcus Campbell. Many unusual and attractive titles at prices that might be a little above average. Physical stamina and agility are required to browse some shelves that are tricky to access. Highly recommended - as is the smaller Black Gull shop at Camden Lock. Nicholas Sack 18.01.20

Cannot think why I have never taken the extra 3 tube stops from Kentish Town (Amnesty and Oxfam) to visit this superb emporium. Friendly owner, large and eclectic selection. I will be back. The charity shops on the Finchley Road are not worth bothering with. Jon Morgan 06.02.20

A fascinating shop which had much to offer in the way of arts books. Many were American or European which added to the diversity of what was on offer. Alas, my visit was too short: it needed at least an hour more than I could spare. Christopher Harte 07.10.21

British Red Cross Bookshop/PALMERS GREEN/385 Green Lanes

British Red Cross Bookshop Open at advertised times

385 Green Lanes PALMERS GREEN N13 4JG

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tel: 020 8886 8364

Open: Monday - Saturday 9.00 - 6.00, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00.

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Donated books, CDs & DVDs.

For a charity bookshop this one is really pretty impressive. It has a very nice atmosphere and has lots of well-sorted, good quality, quite literary books at reasonable - but not dirt-cheap - prices. Some 'collectables' behind glass are perhaps priced rather hopefully. But I'd say it's the sort of bookshop from which it's almost impossible to escape without buying something - and, judging by how busy it was when I visited, I suspect they do very well here in once-sedate Palmer's Green, where Stevie Smith lived with 'The Lion Aunt' for so many years... Steve Archer 14.06.11

Now open 10 to 6 pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 11 to 4 on Sundays. Still a well stocked and well organised shop. Very large stock of comics but no longer stocks videos, only DVDs.

Not my normal haunts but having read the review and working not far away I ventured into the hinterland of north London. This shop is WWAD. It is probably the best stocked charity bookshop I have come across in ages and puts most Oxfam shops in the shade both in terms of stock and price. What on earth it is doing in an obscure part of North London is anyone's guess. There is a really good stock of fiction and various categories of non-fiction. New and proof copy books abound and I knocked five off my wish list. Prices are reasonable, the shop is bright, well organised and well run. Even the trays outside outside are quality stock. There are several other charity shops in the immediate vicinity and the shop is but a short walk from the station. A treat indeed AND open on a Sunday and at advertised times ... Other shops take note! Jon Morgan 20.07.15

I have become a regular devotee of this place but have noticed that the donated new / proof stock has diminished as the prices have risen. Still worth a detour! Jon Morgan 20.11.17

This shop is superb. It is the first charity bookshop I have found which has no less than four glass-fronted areas containing 'collectables.' The shelves were packed with a good variety of titles all well categorised. Agree with Jon: WWAD. Chris Harte 14.06.18

Above average charity shop, excellent selection. Worth a look-walk from Palmers Green BR or frequent bus from Wood Green tube. Norman Davies 10.07.18

Far better than your average Charity Shop bookshops. Good selection of books and at reasonable prices too. An oasis in the bookshop desert that North London has become. Steve Newman 10.11.21

A word of warning. This shop is under new management and it appears quite a few of the long time regular staff no longer work here. I had called in last week but it was closed. Never known this shop closed before. Today it was open, I went to the section where the Observer Pocket Books used to be kept. There were none there. I asked the staff on duty where they were, neither had heard of Observer Pocket Books. The staff told me that every book now needs to be recorded on a database, and they had been busy doing that. Books now carry a very large sticky label, presumably giving details of the database entry. I hope it is of the easy peel variety.

Another annoying new trend was asking customers if they would like to round the price up to five pounds or ten pounds. Three customers asked all politely decline, but presumable departed well peeved that this once excellent shop has now resorted to such tactics.

Oh dear BRX, what have you done to one of the best bookshops in North London. Steve Newman 05.03.22

Just an update on the last comment. The large stickers are hard to remove and will take the surface off any old paperback or dustjacket if you try. PeterM 14.04.22

Oh dear indeed!

Now completely re-organised and prettified. The window shelves are now accessible but the downside is that you tend to have your backside pressed against the window whilst scanning the shelves.

The prices of the new books - donated review copies have gone through the roof and this is no longer the place for bargains. One book, recently published was £8.95 and many others upwards of £6. This is prohibitive if you are considering taking a punt on a new author or subject area.

The 'Thriller' section is still better priced and most are £1.99 Why no separate crime fiction now, I have no idea. There is a signed section with stupid prices and, imitating Oxfam, an equally daily titled and priced 'collectables.'

Staff are still asking the annoying round-up question. I am already funding the charity through the purchase of books. Stop it! It is annoying and as one previous reviewer has said - off-putting.

The labels are a real bugger to get off many book surfaces too. No tears, this time, but lots of sticky residue from the allegedly peel-able stickers.

This was much better when slightly disorganised. I suspect that many of the overpriced new books will end up substantially reduced in time. firedrake 1942 17.10.22

The last three times I have visited this store it has been closed. The Oxfam across the road last week said he believed there was no manager and that he thought the shop had been closed all week. On Tuesday this week there was a notice on the door saying the shop would be opening at 1230. I asked in the BRX charity shop adjacent and was told new staff were coming in later that day.

However, I did not wish to hang around for 2 hours just in case, so left.

Obviously, something has gone seriously wrong here. As I understand it rather than give the Managers job to one of the existing staff when previously advertised, an outsider was bought in. As a consequence, most of the existing long serving volunteers left.

Perhaps not the wisest decision BRX have ever made, this shop had been one of the best run Charity Bookshops in London so surely the old adage 'if it isn't broke, don't fix it' applied. Or should have. You only need read the recent comments above to see the resultant outcome.

One can only hope that if as suggested by the adjacent store new staff are coming in, this will have a beneficial effect and a return to former glory may be on the cards. The shop being open when you visit would be a start! Steve Newman 24.11.22

At last I found this shop open today. New staff in, and I am told now opens regularly. It was closed completely for 3 weeks I believe when the previous manager left.

Stock and prices much the same as before, Let us give the new staff time to bed in, but hopefully the road to recovering one of the best book shops in the area is not too long and winding. Steve Newman 23.12.22

Still a good charity bookshop, but not as good as it used to be. Where shelves used to be packed there are now big gaps. Previously well stocked sections such as transport, local history, collectible paperbacks are very much reduced. And the horrible sticky labels that damage books are still in evidence. PeterM 19.01.23

Well a mixed bag really. The sticky labels are no more. And the shop is now opening regularly. However today the girl serving was looking at her mobile phone all the time I was browsing. I actually found a book to buy, when I asked her a question the response I got was 'I am only looking after the shop for the manager, I know nothing about the stock I am afraid'.

The manager is helpful enough when there, but knows little about books! I was told by another member of staff that he looks after both the Bookshop and nearby BRX Charity shop too, so not a dedicated book man I guess.

So not the gem of a shop it once was, sadly. Still cheaper than similar Oxfam's, but the stock not as good as before, and a reorganisation of shelves takes some getting used to. Hopefully it will improve with time, but unless more knowledgeable enthusiastic staff are bought in I can not see it returning to former glories. Steve Newman 02.02.23

Church Street Bookshop/STOKE NEWINGTON/142 Stoke Newington Church Street

Church Street Bookshop Open at advertised times

142 Stoke Newington Church Street STOKE NEWINGTON N16 0JU

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tel: 020 7241 5411

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Academic & scholarly books

Rather wider selection than your entry suggests. Good general stock with a decent bargain box. Good music section. Shop over the road sells mainly records but has some books - unfortunately didn't get name. Rather a random selection of fiction mainly. Herne 26.04.10

A decent shop with a reasonable amount of stock and priced fair for the area. Steve Newman 10.07.15

Good selection of fiction and very laid-back atmosphere - ideal for Church Street. Herne 18.07.15

A small shop with mostly non-fiction stock of generally good quality; the arts section contains some unusual titles. Prices are reasonable; proprietor is helpful. Nicholas Sack 04.05.17

Rather small but of the traditional bookshop variety. Decent stock, helpful staff, reasonable prices. Well worth looking in if you are in the area. Steve Newman 21.03.22

Honest Jon_s/KING_S CROSS/Unit 115, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard

Honest Jon's Open at advertised times

Unit 115, Lower Stable Street, Coal Drops Yard KING'S CROSS N1C 4LW

e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 11.00 - 7.00, Sunday 11 - 5

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Very small stock but with an unmatchable selection of rare jazz, folk and world music discography and history, in a small shop selling mostly rare vinyl. Books will be restocked with similar.

This is smaller than nearly every other bookshop listed here at 2-300 books. But within its very specialised field, the stock is unique, not to be found in any other shop or even online. Prices are perfectly acceptable for their rarity. TBG2 23.07.21

House Of Hodge/HIGHBURY/Charity Book Shop174 Blackstock Road

House Of Hodge Phone before travelling

Charity Book Shop 174 Blackstock Road HIGHBURY N5 1HA

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tel: 020 8127 4765

Open: Monday Wednesday & Friday - Sunday 11.00 - 5.00, Thursday 10.00 - 7.00

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The shop is crammed full of books of the cheap and cheerful variety, but good stock and reasonably priced too. Run by an elderly lady on my visit. Apparently this shop has been here 20 years, and is an animal welfare charity. Steve Newman 12.11.12

A small room packed with medium-quality stock, mostly fiction, with some unusual curiosities at pleasingly low prices. Helpful proprietor. Variable opening times, more reliable at the end of the week and at weekends. Nicholas Sack 04.05.17

Further to my earlier comment, shop was closed at 12.30 on the Monday of my visit. Nicholas Sack 22.02.18

Somewhat tidier than on previous visits, stock similar but now better organised and easier to get at. Opening hours now Thursday to Sunday 11am-4pm, but run by volunteers so check before you go. Steve Newman 10.07.18

Since my last visit this has been tidied and reorganised. Good general stock and very reasonable pores. Almost opposite Second chance and a short walk from Arsenal tube station. An only slightly longer one from Finsbury Park tube. Jon Morgan 26.06.19

Opening seems to be erratic, so best check before making a special journey. Steve Newman 11.11.19

Visited yesterday, a Thursday, but it was closed. Opening times stated as; M,W & F 11-5pm Tu Closed Th 10-7pm Sat/Sun 11-5pm The notice does say subject to volunteers being available. However I would estimate that 50% of my visits here have found the shop closed. So probably best to phone before planning a visit, unless you are just passing by. Steve Newman 18.02.22

Housmans Bookshop/KINGS CROSS/5 Caledonian Road

Housmans Bookshop Open at advertised times

5 Caledonian Road KINGS CROSS N1 9DX

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tel: 020 7837 4473 web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.30, Sunday 12.00 - 6.00.

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We specialise in books, magazines, and periodicals of radical interest and progressive politics, such as feminism, black politics, LGBTQIA+, environment, anarchism. Our secondhand basement and ‘Vaults’ area are located downstairs, and due to the nature of the building, unfortunately, there is no step-free access.

John Trotter Books /FINCHLEY/80 East End Road

John Trotter Books Phone before travelling

80 East End Road FINCHLEY N3 2SY

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tel: 020 8349 9484 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Thursday 10.00 - 4.30, Friday and Sunday 09.00 - 1.00. COVID CONDITIONS APPLY, phone first.

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Also known as Manor House Books. A large selection of books (20,000+) of Jewish interest, theology, Near and Middle Eastern studies, ancient history. Situated in the stables of the old Finchley manor house. Cafe on site, parking in local streets is free.

Manor House Books//

Manor House Books Phone before travelling

Alternative name for John Trotter Books (see above)

Oxfam Books and Music/CROUCHEND/22 Park Road

Oxfam Books and Music Phone before travelling

22 Park Road CROUCH END N8 8TD

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tel: 020 8347 7942 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.00 - 6.00, Sunday 11.00 - 5.00

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An excellent selection at very reasonable prices; recommended. Mandalay Bookshop 24.07.12

Good selection and reasonably priced. Helpful staff too. Steve Newman 08.02.14

The busy London 'village' of Crouch End has a Waterstone's, a creditable remainders shop (House of Books), and a fairly spacious Oxfam. The stock here is more attractive and unusual than in most North London branches. I found a signed photographer's monograph, shelved under Travel instead of Art and probably misunderstood by staff, for a fraction of internet prices. Recommended. Nicholas Sack 15.02.20

Great stock, well presented, reasonable prices, helpful staff. Gets my vote as the best Oxfam Bookshop in London. Steve Newman 31.08.21

This is a good charity shop with a varied selection of books on all subjects. What I did find strange was the pricing which appeared to be on the low side. I found a rare arts book last seen advertised at £40: I paid the £2.50 asking price - and there were many more bargains to be had. Christopher Harte 07.10.21

For many years this was the best Oxfam bookshop in London. Times have changed. The manager has changed. For the last year or so turnover has seemed very sluggish. Much of the shop has been taken over by ethnic gift items. The books seem to be retreating. Please keep visiting and buying though - I'd hate it if my nearest shop closed. PeterM 05.06.23

Oxfam Bookshop/HIGHGATE/47 Highgate High Street

Oxfam Bookshop Phone before travelling

47 Highgate High Street HIGHGATE N6 5JX

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tel: 020 8 347 6704 web

Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 4.00

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A good shop. A little on the expensive side - but then again this is a pricey part of London. Worth a visit! The Brummie Bookman 16.07.11

Used to love this shop - yet no longer. What's happened to it? Now very expensive! Bookworm 20.02.12

By a long way the most expensive of all the Oxfam bookshops - way more pricey than the internet and a total rip-off. Mandalay Bookshop 03.05.12

High prices in Highgate. The lack of oxygen at 442 feet above sea level results in a rather uncharitable pricing environment. Rickenbacker 07.03.13

One of the smallest Oxfam bookshops; extent of stock is severely limited. Given the affluence of the local area, the quality of titles is surprisingly modest. Arts section is disappointing. Nicholas Sack 15.02.20

Revisited post-lockdown: although neatly displayed, stock is severely limited in one smallish room. A Craigie Aitchison catalogue seemed over-priced, yet I was glad to rescue a handsome and hefty book about London's suburbs for seven quid. Worth a shufty if you are in this attractive part of town. Nicholas Sack 10.07.21

Opening times and days variable, and cannot be relied on to be open when they say they will be. Travel in hope not expectation. The least reliable Oxfam bookshop in North London. Can provide good finds but to me it seems the stock has been pretty static this year, despite the constant stream of donations whenever I'm browsing. Peter M 26.07.21

I would give this one a miss at the present time. Two recent visits have found the shop closed, which apparently happens randomly. Come on Oxfam, you must do better than this! Steve Newman 30.07.21

The sign on the door says they are closed Mondays, open from 11am Sun and from 10.30 Tues-Sat. However I've visited each of the last three weekends and they have been closed each time, for the whole weekend twice. Each time bags of donated books have been sitting outside, waiting to be stolen, vandalised or rained on. It's no wonder the stock inside seems so static (based on peering through the window). Peter M 13.09.21

To be fair, opening (times amended) has been much more reliable recently. PeterM 31.01.22

Found this Oxfam open at last. Shortage of volunteers post Covid has been the main reason opening has been a bit 'hit and miss' recently. Smallish shop but with well organised stock and helpful staff. Prices towards the mid Oxfam range, which for the area is commendable. Also stock level appeared on the low side yesterday, hopefully this will be resolved as more volunteers return. Steve Newman 18.02.22

Visited twice recently. Closed each time, though the schedule on the door stated they would be open. Probably the least reliable bookshop in the world. PeterM 31.05.22

Happily open on this Saturday lunchtime visit. The only Oxfam branch I know that proudly puts a label attached with a paperclip on the collectable books.(Archivists please look away now). They all say the same thing -"cheapest found online" or some such. This novel marketing ploy assures buyers that their purchase has been price checked against all unsold overpriced books worldwide. It also leaves a neat paperclip impression on your potential purchase. I fell for this one since I needed the stationery. SaltaireTom 08.05.23

Visited yesterday, same old, same old, closed on a sunny Friday lunchtime in June. Why Oxfam perseveres with this outlet god only knows. I think I have only found it open once in five visits now. The normal Oxfam shop opposite apologised, but the impression I got from them was that this was not an isolated closure.

Perhaps trying to staff two shops in the same location is asking too much from Volunteers post covid. There was a similar situation just down the hill in Kentish Town. There the Oxfam shop closed on the 27th May 2023, but the bookshop remains open. Steve Newman 03.06.23

Oxfam Bookshop/MUSWELLHILL/378 Muswell Hill Broadway

Oxfam Bookshop Phone before travelling

378 Muswell Hill Broadway MUSWELL HILL N10 1DJ

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tel: 020 8883 5171 web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 5.30, Sunday 11.00 - 5.00

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A very average selection of mostly overpriced and tired stock, not worth bothering with. Mandalay Bookshop 24.07.12

Entirely agree with the last comment. Helpful staff but books way overpriced despite the claim they check email prices to bring their customers the best price! Best price for Oxfam, perhaps! Steve Newman 08.02.14

Tags comparing Oxfam price with 'cheapest internet price' seems unbecoming, especially for a charity shop. That said, a handsome monograph of artist Mary Fedden, signed by her and author Mel Gooding, was tempting. The remainders shop House of Books, just a few minutes away, is also worth a shufty. Nicholas Sack 15.02.20

Well presented stock and helpful staff. Prices previously at the high end for Oxfam seem to have moderated post Covid. I would say mid Oxfam range now. I have found some bargains in the past here too, so worth popping in. Steve Newman 31.08.21

Only a couple of miles away from the excellent Crouch End shop yet it had a feel and stock totally different. The 'antiquarian' sections - for there was more than one - reflected the locality and its interests over many years. The quality of the general holding was good and a class better than Oxfam shops in not so civilised an area. Christopher Harte 07.10.21

Just to add opening hours post Covid are now 1030-1730 M-Sat & 1100-1700 on Sunday. Used to be 10am opening, when I turned up today at 1020 surprised to find the shop closed. In the 10 minutes until it opened I saw 6 or 7 people try to get in, not sure if they returned later on. Otherwise nothing to add to my previous post. Steve Newman 16.02.22

Used to visit regularly and did find some great books but in the past year or so the quality of stock has taken a nose-dive. Anything decent is now way over-priced by reference to "cheapest on internet", but not always accurately and without taking proper account of condition. John Crawford 08.07.23

Oxfam Bookshop /ISLINGTON/48 Upper Street

Oxfam Bookshop Open at advertised times

48 Upper Street ISLINGTON N1 0PN

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tel: 020 7 3596020 e-mail web

Open: Monday - Saturday 10.30 - 6.00, Sunday 11.30 - 5.00

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Two floors of secondhand stock, mostly fiction/literature downstairs - lots of poetry and plays, plus children's section. Upstairs is non-fiction/academic (sociology, gender, philosophy, history etc), and a large Art section) and also performing arts, vinyl and DVDs.

Recently opened, I was told about this one by the Palmers Green store I regularly visit (not a bookshop). Quite a good selection of books, but at Islington prices. A 'Hippo' for £6.50 anyone? Steve Newman 30.10.12

Large stock on two floors, reasonable prices and friendly staff. Mandalay Emporium 25.01.14

Not a bad stock for an Oxfam shop. However in trendy Islington I had somehow expected better given the literati that inhabit and frequent the area. Good modern fiction section on the ground floor and history on the first floor. NWAD as not a great deal else in the area. Jon Morgan 09.05.15

Disappointingly mediocre stock for a generally affluent and cultured area. The arts section is merely banal, yet there were several uncommon and attractive photography titles in the window - at wildly ambitious prices. Cheerful staff. Nicholas Sack 13.05.17

This shop was rearranged during the pandemic, making it harder to get round without brushing against people. Rather odd! Although I have occasionally found a bargain over the years, much more often I've gasped at the overpricing. You can't rely on eBay to give you accurate prices! A shame as the stock is often interesting. PeterM 14.04.22

Second Chance Charity Shop/HIGHBURY/161 Blackstock Road

Second Chance Charity Shop Phone before travelling

161 Blackstock Road HIGHBURY N4 2JS

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tel: 020 7359 8129

Open: N/A

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Two rooms dedicated to secondhand books. Very similar to the two other charity bookshops in the area, of the cheap and cheerful variety, but well worth a look in if you are in the area visiting the other two. Steve Newman 13.07.13

Just by way of an update this shop is still well worth looking in when in the area. Whilst this shop is always open it can be hard to find the other two book shops here open together, but Thursdays after 11am seems to be a good bet. Steve Newman 10.07.18

Quite a few books in the back two rooms but barely organised. Occasional gems. Jon Morgan 26.06.19

Called in yesterday to find that someone has actually taken the time to categorise the books and thin out the stock too. Now far easier to browse, and divided into one room of fiction, and one non-fiction. A vast improvement and prices remain very reasonable too. Steve Newman 18.02.22

Word on the Street/ARCHWAY/Holloway Road

Word on the Street Open at advertised times

Holloway Road ARCHWAY N19 4DJ

map

Open: Thursday 10.00 - 5.00, Saturday 11.00 - 6.00.

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Bookstall with over 3,000 secondhand titles. Customers are encouraged to 'Give what you can and take what you like'.

Have been browsing there for some years - never leave without some books - fair-priced and many subjects catered for - always worth a browse. Jonathan 01.04.14

Map reference a bit misleading, the bookstall is to the North of Upper Holloway Station on the West or South side of the road. Having finally found it rather disappointing with mainly fiction stocked and not in the greatest condition. Not worth a detour, but if you are passing ... Steve Newman 10.10.15

Called by the Thursday before Xmas but had not set up (it is a market stall type operation). Might just be a seasonal thing. I will check again if in the area. Steve Newman 01.01.22

Mostly newish paperbacks, though on a wide ranges of subjects. Didn't seem to be anywhere near as many books as claimed. NWAD Peter M 03.01.22

Tried again yesterday, another Thursday but no show again. I asked a bus inspector stationed nearby, he said he thought they were only here on Saturday's now. Steve Newman 25.03.22

Word on the Water/KINGS CROSS/York Way

Word on the Water Open at advertised times

York Way Granary Square KINGS CROSS N1C 4LW

map
tel: 07976 886982 web

Open: 7 Days 12.00 - 7.00.

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A 100 year old Dutch barge, selling quality second hand and new books. We have classics, cult, contemporary fiction, a large range of children's books and art and photography, plus some quirky stuff that you would never think to look for but may be very pleased to find.

A few years ago the stock was interesting but often old and grubby. The quality and the prices have both increased. Stock is carefully selected modern secondhand books, many new or as-new but typically priced as new stock. You may well find something you want but not a bargain. Adrian 22.07.21

Secondhand and Antiquarian Bookshops in the UK and Republic of Ireland