Compiled by Olivia Chavassieu and Katrina Lee
For bookworms, there's nothing better than an old book, dog-eared and smelling of old paper, as much a story in itself as the one within its leaves. Let's keep up the tradition, and buy books for sharing at one of Hong Kong's second-hand bookshops. The treasure hunt starts now!
Hong Kong Reader
Primarily an academic bookshop geared at the humanities and social sciences, Hong Kong Reader promotes local culture and has lots of new and second-hand books. It has both non-fiction and novels.
7/F, 68 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, tel: 2395 0031
Leisure Book Shop
Leisure Book Shop prides itself on low prices and quality books, especially English novels, kids' books, fiction and Chinese comics. Milky is the store's resident cat.
Shop 6, G/F Block 1, Sai Kung Garden, Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, tel: 2791 9629
The Book Attic
Perched above an accessories store in one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong is The Book Attic, home to a range of used English books, including classic literature, popular novels, children's books and less known works. Browsers can enjoy free tea to soak in the calm vibes.
Cockloft, 2 Elgin Street, Central, tel: 2259 3103
Flow Bookshop
This shop is an Aladdin's cave. Sections include travel, fiction, biography, children and self-help. There are DVDs and CDs. Owner Surdham Lam says the name Flow captures his vision of recycling. You can sell books to Flow for cash or store credits.
7/F, Hollywood House, 29 Hollywood Road, Central, tel: 2964 9483
The Bookshop
It's a hard trip if you do not live in Discovery Bay, but The Bookshop makes the effort worthwhile. It has relaxing reads at low prices.
117 DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, tel: 2987 9372
BooksMart
Despite being in an obscure location, BooksMart is one the biggest second-hand bookstores in Hong Kong. With about 7,000 books, priced at up to 50 per cent less than at other big stores, BooksMart is definitely worth a visit for any book fan on a low budget.
1/F, 2 Queen Victoria Street, Central, tel: 2620 5035
The Oxfam Shop
At The Oxfam Shop, customers combine usefulness with generosity by buying their favourite books while donating money to help anti-poverty projects. The shop also sells second-hand designer clothing and accessories, CDs, home accessories, and Fair Trade products.
LG8, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, 2522 1765
Collectables
This cosy place offers not just books, but also vinyl records, old magazines, posters and CDs. Everything is second-hand and has been collected by the shop's owner.
2/F, 11 Queen Victoria Street, Central, tel: 2559 9562
Spirit Book Store
Since 1958, Spirit Book Store has sold old books, at first in Mong Kok. Today, there are two branches, one in North Point and one in Western district. The stores are easy to spot because they are painted light green. They encourage reusing books for environmental reasons. They sell all kinds, from leisure reading to textbooks and reference books for academic studies, including law, politics, finance, journalism and cinematography. The store collects your old books if you contact them.
Shop 7, G/F, 24 Kin Yip Mansion, Java Road, North Point, tel: 2385 7371; 28 Whitty Street, Shek Tong Tsui, tel: 2559 3913
Readtank
The store provides a range of more than 4,000 Chinese and English books. Topics are related to history, literature and philosophy make up the most part. What's special about Readtank is that exchanges can be done in MTR stations for booklovers' convenience!
Shops 157-158A, New Trend Plaza, 278-288 King's Road, North Point, tel: 6700 5590