There’s nothing more invigorating than to sit on the floor between piles of old books, and read off random paragraphs until you decide which one to get. Part of the experience of reading a book, for me, is the purchase. The feel of the place and the enthusiasm of the owner – not a mechanical response from a employee wearing a Virgin Megastore work polo – are very essential to me, because then you’re giving your read the authenticity it should have. Check out the following bookstores around Beirut.
What started off as a grocery store founded by Hussein Halabi in 1958, is now a fully fledged trilingual bookshop, with old, used, and new books. For me, there’s nothing more exciting than reading a book you know has been handed down by several people before you, because you can check out which page has the top corner bookmarked or which section has the most bended binding. You can find this family-run gem in Hamad Street in Hamra, Beirut.
Mar Mikhael’s very own resident bookstore, Papercup supplies books, both local and international, covering art, architecture, design, photography, fashion, and travel. Step into this place and fall into a reality of rich culture, within a sleek interior, and have a conversation you will never forget.
Selling all books used, this bookstore in Hamra (facing the ministry of tourism), will give you a glimpse into history, not just with the books, but with the bookstore’s interior and cozy ambiance. Picking up a book from there will reignite your passion for reading hardcopy books – because e-books are hell-bent on killing that spark.
You’ll find everything from English philosophy books to Arabic travel novels in this bookshop wonder in Sidani Street, Hamra. Lose yourself between the towering piles of books, and then consequently find yourself again as you finish that life-changing book. We all deserve to have that one life-altering read.
Opening from 6 PM – 12 AM, this store located in Jean D’arc street in Hamra, does not only capitalize on good reads, but also places importance on striking book covers. I guess it’s not completely true what they say: don’t judge a book by its cover, because in The Little Bookshop, we’re judging both aspects. How else am I to channel Judith Butler and become a renowned literary theorist?
While they are temporarily closed for renovation, you can find their books at Haven for Artists. The collection consists mostly of English books written by Lebanese authors. Remember Aaliya washing her mother’s feet in the 2014 book “An Unnecessary Woman” by Rabih Alameddine? Well, that’s her name slapped on this bookstore.
Situated in Beirut Souks, Downtown, this bookshop’s Arabic collection is very diverse and interesting, and it’s where you’ll find anything – even if they don’t have it physically at the store, they’ll get it for you and have it delivered.
