Would you like to kit out your child with an engrossing, varied library? (Not just the most famous names.) Would you prefer to do so without breaking the bank?
There’s a strange sort of stigma surrounding secondhand children’s books in our (supposedly) environmentally-conscious age. Many imagine them to be grubby, torn and unhygienic, so totally unsuitable for children. But that’s not the case. Or at least, it doesn’t have to be. The best secondhand bookshops in Edinburgh are extremely picky about their stock. And even in a less pernickety shop, you will find copies that have barely been touched, let alone read. So why not do your bit for the planet, your pocket, and, of course, your child, by checking out the following?
South Edinburgh - Marchmont Amnesty Bookshop, 12 Roseneath St, Edinburgh EH9 1JH Open 12pm-6pm daily (including Sundays)
Clean, friendly, spacious, airy. This volunteer-run gem is situated in a peaceful quarter just off the Meadows. I emerged rather cock-a-hoop having purchased the following: a pristine pop-up version of the children’s classic ‘Guess how much I love you?’ (£1), a brand-new appearing, Costa award-winning chapter book (£2), a beautifully illustrated, interactive children’s flat book about habitats (50p) and ‘50 Things to Make and Do’ by Usborne (not strictly a book!) for a mere £2.50. As I browsed, a small child sat engrossed on a stool. She didn’t want to go, and neither did I. But when I eventually did, I discovered a cracking new café (Todd’s) just around the corner.
North Edinburgh - Canonmills St Columba’s Bookshop, 14-15 Brandon Terrace, Canonmills, Edinburgh EH3 5EA Open 10am-4pm daily (excluding Sundays)
The range and variety of pristine children’s books here is impressive. As an ex-primary school teacher, I can say that this place has it all. There’s a good-sized tray of clean, illustrated ‘flats’ (for 0-5s, which I often give as presents), a section for early and struggling readers (Usborne, Barrington Stoke etc.) and plenty of quality chapter books, both new and old. Also check out the non-fiction and the classics. The manager Andy is a fussy sorter and it shows! The books here are always very reasonably priced and the turnover rapid – you’ll find new stock every week. A brand-new looking picture or chapter book (usually £6.99) will set you back about £2. And you can celebrate your success at Di Giorgio, an independent, child-friendly café-cum-restaurant on the same street!
Author
Laura Vida
Feature Writer @Edinburgh Nursery & School Guide
& Freelance Writer
lauravidaorg.wordpress.com
Comentarios