The Open Book

Tucked into a charming character villa on Ponsonby Road, The Open Book is a second-hand bookstore made for those who love a slow, curious browse. Step inside and find six rooms unfolding one after the other, each lined with shelves of pre-loved titles spanning everything from fiction and cookbooks to music, mathematics and the delightfully obscure.

Handwritten signs guide you through winding hallways, with staff picks scattered thoughtfully throughout. You’ll find quiet reading nooks designed to let you linger, perhaps with a warm drink in hand. The whole place is cosy without feeling cramped, and there’s a slightly whimsical energy that will delight bookworms of all persuasions. They also regularly host events, from poetry readings and book launches to musical performances and pop-up eateries.

Their selection is broad but approachable. The friendly staff are always happy to lend a hand or offer a recommendation, unless you’re in the mood to quietly wander, in which case, you’re in the right place. Books are well organised and easy to navigate, whether you’re after a specific genre or simply following curiosity. Many of them are in such great condition they’re often mistaken for brand new, though there are plenty of unique curiosities and collectibles to uncover too. Alongside the books, peruse locally made prints, postcards and bookmarks for sale, plus the ever-tempting ‘blind date with a book’ – wrapped and labelled with just enough intrigue to take a chance.

Their quaint little garden out the back feels perfectly befitting of such a whimsical place. Coffee and tea are available for those keen to settle in, best enjoyed in one of their armchairs or out in the leafy courtyard. With potted plants, scattered tables and a mix of sun and shade, it’s a perfectly quiet little pocket just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road.