Readings Carlton

Readings Carlton offers an extensive, diverse, and top-notch selection of books, vinyls, and more, with friendly staff and a welcoming vibe.

Fantastic Melbourne institution and winner of world's best bookshop competitions. Readings Carlton is the original and the best - with a fantastic selection of books, vinyl, cards and some gifts and knowledgeable staff. Always worth a browse on your way to dinner or a movie.

Readings Carlton is the best of the Readings stores, with the best layout, widest/deepest range of books and plenty of staff to provide assistance. Prices are for the most part quite reasonable and if something's not on the shelf staff can place an order quickly and easily. The shop website is, for the most part, easy to navigate, though some filtering/sorting options would help when browsing various editions of a given book and its availability. It wouldn't be a trip to Carlton without picking up a book or two from Readings.

Readings always delivers a positive experience. I have to be so disciplined, I walk in for one thing and walk out with two ... or five! It's staff are super knowledgeable and helpful and efficient. It's book range is comprehensive and they carry the latest publications. They stock a small range of cards and tasteful gifts. I often call ahead and have books put on hold and they have ordered in books from their other stores. I'm so lucky to have them a short tram ride away.

I love this space, they have all kinds of book genres like cookbooks, self development, arts, etc. and few sitting spots for you to sit and read. They also have music vinyls, cute souvenirs, merchandise and they open quite late so it is perfect stop if you want to dive into a place with fresh new release books 🧐🤓

This is, for me, the best Readings so far. You can find absolutely everything in here, from books, CD, art books, cook books, tote bags, fun design socks,… And trust me when I say it’s worth your visit, besides the normal price range, it also has bargains and b2g3 deal. Staffs are supportive and willing to help finding your titles. If you’re a fan of School of Life then I believe Readings Carlton is the best stockist in Melbourne. Bought myself 2 books from SoL there. Happy reading!

My experience at the store left much to be desired due to the behavior of the cashier, Joanna. Despite attempting to engage politely, Joanna's demeanor was consistently cold and rude. The interaction left me in confusion that I had to walk back again to ask her name so that I can use it in the review. When I tried to establish a friendly connection by thanking her and expressing it was nice to meet her, I was met with silence followed by laughter with another customer, leaving me feeling disregarded. Moreover, my inquiries about accessing my online account were met with blatant rejection and dismissiveness. Joanna's refusal to assist and her unprofessional handling of the situation only exacerbated the unpleasant encounter. Additionally, it was evident that Joanna's demeanor created a hostile environment not only for customers but also for other staff members. Overall, Joanna's behavior significantly detracted from what could have been a positive shopping experience, leaving me with a lasting impression of dissatisfaction. I would love to visit this store again. However, at any costs I will avoid being served by this lady at the checkout.

Good place to relax, read books and find interesting items.

Upon entering the store I immediately felt relaxed and at ease, Readings was my quite retreat from one of those unpredictable grey, gloomy raining Melbourne days. Not only does this bookstore offer a wide variety of books, but its almost a sanctuary and one of the most iconic book stores in Melbourne who gives back to the community. 10% of our profits go to the Readings Foundation, which support individuals and organisations that wish to further the development of literacy, community work and the arts. Readings flagship store is the Carlton store, however they have many locations including Malvern, Port Melbourne, Hawthorn and St Kilda. Readings organizes and holds many events during the years from book launches, signings and other events. Staffs are always friendly and willing to provide sound advice and lend an ear to chat.

Readings Carlton is my favourite book shop in Melbourne. Floor to ceiling, this place is packed with well-researched, beautiful books and accessories. It's a must-stop for any book lover while in town. It feels good, smells good and just is good. Anybody who reckons the future of the written word is shaky, or even destined for a digital medium, get down to Readings and you'll think again. What they do so well is offer up quality publications in a well ordered and well staffed environment. There are countless little nooks and crannys for readers to settle in a test drive a new work before purchase and the staff have a collective knowledge of books and trends that will blow your mind. Even better still, the Carlton Readings (there are a couple of others about town) also stock a great range of CDs and now vinyl. This place personifies the concept that 'it's not what you do but the way that you do it' and the results speak for themselves.

Gorgeous bookstore! Beautiful books and plenty of beautiful gift items. Friendly staff and wide selection. I enjoyed the section on Australian studies. Couple benches to read on but not a real place to hang out and pour through a book. Five stars!

The original and the best Readings in Melbourne. Grab a coffee and spend hours in here browsing the wide range of books. Sometimes a Kindle does not cut it.

I'm a self-confessed book nerd. I love nothing more than curling up in my local cafes with some delicious cake, a high quality single-origin coffee and a good read. It sounds corny but Readings is more than a book shop. They are locally owned and go above and beyond in their support of Australian authors and local publishers. Each time I go into Readings I love to check out the staff reviews of the month. They are usually quite broad in the types of books that are recommended so I can head about books I would not necessarily pick-up. The staff are lovely fellow book nerds and while they sometimes come off as a little shy you can hardly blame them (they do work in a quiet bookshop after all). There are weekly free book events with visiting author talks, writing workshops or the occasional book launch party! The community that revolves around these stores is wonderful. My favourite section in the Carlton branch of Readings is the travel and food section (of course). They have a great collection of unusual cook books, delicious coffee table books with great photography and a interesting section on music too. There is a collection of CD's and records though I would recommend going elsewhere for music - the prices are a little high here. All in all I love bookshops and this is one of the best in Melbourne.

(Note: the four stars are an average... I wanted to give 2.5, but decided to be a little nice about it all and I only swear a little in the following entry.) Readings bookstore itself: I give you four stars. Your selection is pretty good, although not inclusive of the items I need and your staff is pretty friendly and quite helpful. Hooray there. Readings bookstore online: I give you one star. And may god have mercy on your soul. Let me tell you why, everyone. I had heaps of books that I had to order for school. So, one week ago, as a little experiment, I ordered books from three different continents (I'm global like that.) My books from the US: Here! My books from the UK: Here! My book from Readings in Sydney: NOT here and NOT happy. What the hell, Readings? Seriously, you are the shortest distance from Melbourne compared to those other two places and you don't even need to go through the hassle of international customs and my books still haven't shown up? To top it off, you give me no indication as to when I can expect them at all. That's so irritating. You suck and I'll never order online from you again. So, my advice to you, gentle readers is this: Pop into Readings and buy what you need if it is available in the immediate present. Forget about ordering online though. Order from just about anywhere else in the world and your books will get to you faster. Trust me on this one.

I rarely go into bookstores anymore. It's a sad fact that there just aren't that many around, and it is a real shame because there is nothing better than that feeling of timelessness you get when you step into a bookstore and come across books you never knew existed and certainly never would have crossed paths with on Amazon. I think it makes Readings all the more special that it has been around for so long and survived the onslaught from Borders opening (and then closing) directly across the road. Anyway, Readings is just a good old fashioned bookstore without too many bells and whistles. The stock is extensive and you will always find something interesting. It has a selection of CDs and DVDs too. The staff are always arty, Melbourne Uni types who are generally helpful. Visit if only to keep the tradition of bookstores alive in the twenty-first century.

one of the best book stores in Melbourne! great range, super friendly and informative staff, and a brilliant place to lose an hour or 2 browsing all the great new releases! also a fabulous place to advertise or search for like minded people to live - and it only costs a gold coin donation that goes to helping eradicate illiteracy. ;)

Sometimes it's nice just to wonder around here people watching. But if you're actually in the market for a book, this is the place to go. They've always had what I've been looking for. The staff are really helpful. Since most of all the big name bookstores have closed around Melbourne, you really can't go past this place for your reading needs!

Melbourne's best bookstore, hands down. I wish they had less space dedicated to music and DVDs, as the crowds always seem to be in the book areas, but the selection is great and the staff are friendly.