O'Connell's Bookshop

Adelaide's oldest bookshop! Benjamin who took over from his father is intelligent and engages in descriptive conversation The shop is reasonably organised with predominately older books. Some rare books are available....at a price It's easy to lose track of time as you pick your way through the offerings! I found a book that reminded me of my mother - 'I can jump puddles' - my mother suffered from polio when she was a small child. Having this book helps me keep her in my memories. I recommend you visit, especially if you are looking for something in particular.

Super friendly staff, a wide range of well priced books.

A bookstore with a long history for antiques. It’s L shaped so it’s larger than it looks if you approach the building from the east like I did. The owner adores his collections, which unfortunately didn’t have the books I came for when I visited it. Though I soon found out it’s probably because the specific versions I wanted were only put together in the 21st century. The store often restocks, so the books on display could change from time to time. For reference I left with 2 books by Jack Vance from around 1970, and one book out of the Great Books of the Western World from 1952. There’s a one-star review about how the owner (I’m not sure if it’s the current owner Benjamin) took away a book from a kid, and another that says that a bag requested by the owner to be put at the storefront got stolen. The store probably got better now because there are signs on book racks notifying people the correct way of handling books and you are only required to remove your bags when you browse the books on the wall behind the counter, which are genuine antique books so old that the bookbindings are brittle now, almost fragile. If you wish to buy them then you probably should prepare a safe way for transport in advance, or ask Benjamin to come up with some protection. Be careful not to let Oscar creep up to you and scare you. Don’t step on him either.

I loved this shop! I could spend hours here, wonderful discoveries wherever you look. I bought a beautiful illustrated copy of Jane Eyre. I’ll be back every chance I get!

Brilliant bookshop with a huge range of pre-loved and collection worthy books, worthy of a wander!

Great atmosphere, huge selection of books. Friendly staff (esp the shop dog, Oscar). Could easily spend hours hunting for treasures.

Fantastic shop, very helpful staff, loads of great books in amazing condition. Was visiting Adelaide recently and managed a very quick visit, next time I’m in town I’ll dedicate an afternoon to check it out properly. Can’t recommend highly enough!