A pretty little place, with a smaller but similar collection to the Women’s bookshop in ponsonby. Great for gifts(everyone loves books — or at least they should) and hard not to come away without a gift for oneself!
Milly H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
I have really tried to buy books from independent book stores for a while now. Arcadia is exactly that. Doris the lovely woman that owns Arcadia has a very experienced history of book buying for big companies so the selection here is well crafted and extensive. If you can’t find what your looking for they’ll be happy to order it in. What i love about Arcadia is that it’s got a really homely feel. There are no sale stickers or shouty signs. You are welcome to just come in and spend time perusing the many wooden book shelves. This is how book stores should be. The staff are really happy to chat about books or help you find something in particular. Books are such a personal thing to gift — try it next time someone has a birthday.
Alex D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Auckland, New Zealand
I am all about independent bookstores these days and this one is an absolute gem! Doris, who owns the store is kind, knowledgable and most importantly passionate about books. When I last went in they didn’t have the book I was after(City of Thieves by David Benioff — if you haven’t already, you should read it — it’s fantastic!) but were happy to order it in. They are also happy to host other people’s book clubs after-hours complete with wine and sweet treats for FREE, which I think is pretty cool! Doris goes through some of the new and interesting books they have in-store and then you share with you B. C comrades what you have been reading of late. Book swaps are also allowed! I think it’s important that we support small independant stores like this and am happy to make the extra trip over the bridge to do so!
Glenn M.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Auckland, New Zealand
I’m into a lot of historical books, so this book store isn’t one of my favourites. However, I do admire all independent bookshops like this one that still operate, especially when it’s so easy to get stuff online. This bookshop in particular has a great selection of cookbooks and children’s books, which means it’s perfect for gifts. They seem to keep pretty up to date with all the latest new releases, and they can also order something in for you if they don’t have it in stock. One of the bonuses of coming to a bookstore like this one is that you get good service and advice from the person who knows a lot about the products that she sells. Definitely ask if you are stuck for gift ideas.