Second-Hand Book Shops in Colombo | Best Used Bookstores

Colombo has a lively literary scene that goes beyond new books. There is a thriving second-hand book industry in Sri Lanka with more than a dozen specialty stores that sell anything from rare classics to lightly used bestsellers. Colombo's secondhand book culture has something for every reader, whether you're looking among the booths on the street in the Maradana book area or at well-known stores that have curated collections from various publishers.

Why Buy Second-Hand Books?

Second-hand books are easier on your wallet because they are typically only a small part of the original price and are still in fine shape. They also have the appeal of notes and bookmarks left by former owners, which lend a personal touch and a tale beyond the text. Choosing used books is good for the environment since it keeps printed works in circulation longer and cuts down on trash.

Top Second-Hand Book Shops in Colombo

Booxworm 

Is noted for having a lot of new international fiction and self-help books. It also has a curated second-hand area at its Liberty Plaza and Wellawatha stores. You can reserve books online and pick them up the same day. This combines the ease of browsing online with the ability to get physical copies right away.

Imperfect Books at Booxworm Liberty Plaza & Wellawatha

At both our Liberty Plaza and Wellawatha locations, Booxworm has a special "Imperfect Books" section where you may acquire volumes that are slightly damaged, leftover, ex-display, or slightly misprinted at very low prices. The covers of these books may be scuffed, the corners may be bent, or there may be little printing mistakes, but the pages and content are still easy to read and intact.

The selection of Imperfect Books is updated often, and it includes books from many different categories, such as best-selling fiction, business advice, children's picture books, and academic materials. Prices are often up to 70% off the original cover price, which makes it a great place for budget-conscious readers, students, and collectors looking for one-of-a-kind items. Just ask any employee to show you to the Imperfect department, or go through the special shelves for deals that tell their own narrative.

Barefoot Bookshop

Barefoot Bookshop is at 704 Galle Road in Colombo 3. They sell both new and used books, although they emphasis on art, design, and Sri Lankan literature. The store's well-organized shelves and café offer a calm ambiance where you can find hidden treasures and have a coffee between browsing periods.

The Second-Hand Bookshop

This tiny store at 469 Galle Road, Colombo 3 only sells gently worn books in all genres, from modern fiction to academic works, making it a hidden gem in Sri Lanka. The prices are often quite low. People who go there often praise the courteous personnel and the fact that the store always has fresh items in stock.

Vijitha Yapa Bookshop (Second-Hand Section)

Vijitha Yapa has a separate department for used books at its Hunupitiya Lake Road location in Colombo 2. It is one of Sri Lanka's biggest book stores. This makes it a one-stop shop for people who want both new books and used books at a discount.

Expographic Books

At 33 Dr. Lester James Peiris Mawatha, Colombo 5, Expographic Books has a large selection of new books as well as a high-quality collection of used books for academics, kids, and general curiosity. Expographic is a great place for collectors and students to get books because they offer special orders for hard-to-find books.

Maradana Second-Hand Bookshops

The Maradana book district in Colombo 10 is famous for its lengthy rows of independent kiosks and tiny shops that sell a wide range of used books, from old paperbacks to academic volumes. Prices might be as low as one-fifth of the cover price, and it's normal to haggle.

Peters Bookshop

Peters Bookshop is located at No. 1/2 D R Wijewardana Mawatha in Maradana. People love how well-organized it is and how many used fiction and non-fiction books it has. It's common for collectors to locate first editions and books that are no longer in print hiding among the well-organized shelves.

Sarath Books

Sarath Books, which is also on McCallum Road, focuses in historical, technical, and literary classics. They have rare and antique copies as well as more common ones. Fans love the store's educated owner, who often finds hidden jewels in unexpected places.

Premadasa Bookshop

Premadasa Bookshop, which is named after its founder, has a wide range of used books, from modern novels to old science journals. Treasure seekers often locate priceless things at low costs, even though the shelves may look messy.

Warnasuriya Book Depot

The Warnasuriya Book Depot The library has a tidy layout and a carefully chosen selection of poetry, literary anthologies, and scholarly publications. It's a great place for students and poetry lovers looking for good used books.

Senanayake Bookshop

Senanayake Bookshop in Wellawatte is a great place to find used books at a good price, especially children's books and classic novels. Because of its lengthy history, it is a reliable place for both locals and tourists to stop.

The Book Cafe

The Book Cafe in Colombo is more than simply a café. It has a "buy, borrow, and swap" system for used books, which helps a community of readers share their old books over coffee and chat.

Deen the Bookman

In addition to having thousands of gently used volumes and a reputation for having hard-to-find treasures, Deen the Bookman is a well-known retailer that specializes in international children's books and uncommon findings.

2nd Hand Books.lk

This hybrid store in the Narahenpita Economic Center specializes in well-organized romance novels, recipes, and non-fiction. It combines the ease of shopping online with the ability to browse in person.

Milk & Honey Bookstore

Horton Place's Milk & Honey Bookstore has a wide range of second-hand books as well as recent foreign titles. People love it for its well chosen assortment and pleasant reading areas.

Tips for Smart Second-Hand Book Shopping

1. Inspect before you buy: Look for missing pages, water damage, and too many marks.
   
2. Ask about returns: Some stores let you swap items if the condition is not what you thought it was..
   
3. Haggle politely: In places like Maradana, bargaining might get you even more savings.
   
4. Bring a list: A list lets you compare inventories at different stores if you're looking for certain titles.
5. Visit during off-hours: Before the throng show in on weekday mornings, new stuff is typically available.
   
   

Minsara Book Shop Gampaha

People in Gampaha adore going to the local libraries and bookstores. Minsara Book Shop to find both new books and well chosen used books. Located in the middle of Gampaha town, it has a comfortable, book-lined environment that makes it easy for customers to peruse. Minsara has a wide range of books, from modern fiction to academic textbooks to children's books to specialized Sri Lankan publications. What sets it apart is its individualized suggestions and polite customer service.

The store's second-hand department has a lot of great used books at low costs, many of which come from donations from people in the area. This makes it a great place for students looking for cheap textbooks and collectors looking for unique items. Minsara also has monthly book exchange events, which bring book lovers together and provide them a chance to swap books and meet other readers.

Address : Minsara Bookshop is a bookstore in Medagama I, Gampaha, Western Province. Minsara Bookshop is situated nearby to the church Yauwana Pradeepa Hall, as well as near the fire station Fire Brigade Gampaha

Conclusion

Colombo's second-hand booksellers provide a wide range of literary gems at rates that won't break the bank. From the carefully chosen shelves of Booxworm.lk to the busy booths of Maradana, these shops have it all. These stores are great for both serious collectors looking for rare copies and casual readers looking for a good deal. They provide you a chance to discover Sri Lanka's literary scene while also promoting sustainable reading habits. Have fun looking for books!

Buy Books Online in Sri Lanka from the #1 Rated Bookstore Booxworm.lk

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