Waterstones claims to hold Glasgow’s largest range of books, and we are inclined to agree due to their enormous book shop.

We were quite floored by how large it is – it’s five storeys high! We found it very spacious, with open, well-lit spaces perfect for families.

We were also quite impressed with their large selection of children’s books. Book-loving children would have a field day in this shop.

They even have themed areas where kids can devour their books in peace. We were quite enchanted by the children’s reading area, and we even geeked out at the Harry Potter common room!

After a while, we felt a bit peckish, so we visited their two charming cafes and took a peek at their licenced bar. Providing these areas is a superb touch, since customers would have no reason to leave the shop and can spend the better part of their day here.

For added convenience, they also have a click and collect service. You can also have the books delivered at your door, and we appreciate that they offer free delivery for orders over £25.

Unfortunately, we visited the loo and were appalled by its sorry state. We wish they’d hire cleaners so that their toilets can match the gleaming tidiness of their bookstore.

While they do have an immense collection of books, most of them are quite mainstream. We heard that some customers felt they were lacking in specialised books.

We think true bibliophiles would love Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop. This established secondhand store sells not just academic books but rare editions, sheet music, maps, and historical knick-knacks as well.

Their shop might not be as spacious as other bookstores, but it is definitely oozing with character. Upon entering, we immediately fell in love with their shop cat who was peacefully sleeping on a pile of books.

After taking a thousand pictures of their chonky cat, we explored the premises. We felt we could spend hours there, browsing through (and smelling) hundreds of books, not just on the shelves but stacked on their floors as well.

We also like the fact that this shop is easily accessible by bus. Customers who prefer the subway would also be happy to know that it is only a five-minute walk away from Kelvinbridge station.

If you are planning to declutter your home, you can also arrange for them to purchase your second-hand and antiquarian books. Instead of throwing them away, you might even be able to get a good deal!

Speaking of decluttering, they also have a house clearance service. Simply call them up to schedule, and they’d be able to help you clear out your home, garage, lofts, attics, or basements.

Sadly, this charming place is closed on Sundays, which we feel is the perfect day to browse through a book shop. 

Also, while we do not mind their cluttered, cat-friendly aisles, we could not describe the place as wheelchair-friendly.

The next day, we headed over to 159 London Rd where Calton Books Ltd is located. Its strikingly green shop front greeted us, along with the words “Glasgow’s Independent Radical Bookshop” under the store name.

We admire the unique niche of this bookstore. They primarily sell new and -pre-loved radical books with the purpose of bringing about societal change.

Their tiny shop is well-organised and houses various book topics such as Civil Rights, LGBTQI+, Transformative Justice, and Black Struggle. 

If you are looking for a sale, you can always find one on their website. They have a specific section for sales items, which is a great help for those who want to save money.

We also like how fast they deliver their items. Orders are generally dispatched within 3 working days, which we are sure customers would appreciate.

We also asked about their returns policy, and we think it is quite fair. Customers have 30 calendar days to return an item from the date of receipt.

While speaking to the shop attendant, we noticed how friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful she was. We felt that she really loves working there, as she was able to take us through their book offerings brilliantly.

Of course, since this bookstore has a niche, they have a more limited genre selection. Customers who are looking for more mainstream fare might need to go somewhere else.

They are also closed two days a week – Mondays and Tuesdays – so do plan your visit accordingly. 

Hyndland Bookshop is another Glasgow-based bookstore that we visited. Apparently, they’ve been in business since 1982, which is nothing short of impressive.

We learned that they financially support local, independent bookshops, which we admire. From their map, customers can choose a specific bookshop to support, and that shop will receive 30% of the cover price on their orders for a year.

Their comprehensive affiliate programme is also quite commendable. This programme pays a 10% commission on every sale and gives a matching 10% to independent bookshops, which we feel is more than fair.

While browsing, we interacted with the staff. We felt that they were quite friendly and accommodating, and they even gave us a few book recommendations.

We were also quite pleased to know that they are dog-friendly. Fur parents can browse leisurely through the shop with their leashed dogs.

They also have a delivery service, which is convenient for those who are too busy to step out. All in-stock items will arrive in 2-3 days.

Do note that their website only provides a mail order service. Any titles listed as available can be posted throughout the UK but may not be currently in stock at their bookshop, so you need to phone them up to check.

Also, compared to other bookstores, their book genre selection is a bit limited.

We also looked at Category Is Books, another solid bookstore in Glasgow. Established in 2018, this bookstore is the only LGBT+-focused bookshop in Scotland, and they are one of only seven in the UK!

At first glance, we felt that their corner bookstore is quite charming – it is well-lit due to its wall-to-wall windows, and it is relatively spacious inside. It even has level-access for wheelchair users, which not all bookstores have.

We highly appreciate their wide range of reading materials that support the LGBTQIA+ community. They had books, graphic novels, comics, and magazines, which is very helpful for those who want to know more about themselves or the community.

After a little digging, we learned that their shop can be rented for events and workshops on a pay-what-you-can basis. We think this shows that they are quite passionate in sharing their message of inclusivity. 

We also applaud how they hold an autism-friendly day. Once a week, they keep the lights in their shop dimmed, only play white noise, and keep conversations really low.

Unlike other shops, they have their own parking space. They also have a home delivery service  –  both of which add greatly to their customers’ convenience.

Sadly, they are closed from Mondays to Wednesdays. Also, their books are primarily focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, so you won’t find a lot of mainstream bestsellers here unless they are related to their message.