With World Book Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share a few of my favourite bookish locations in the far west, starting with the wonderful Morrab Library.
Founded in 1818, it's just one of 60 private subscription libraries remaining in the UK and the only one in Cornwall. It has a collection of more than 70,000 titles collected over its 200-year history as well as an extensive archive of local photographs.
The library has had a number of homes during its lifetime but since 1889 has been housed in a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Morrab Gardens. Day visitors are welcome and it's the perfect place to read, research and write. Librarian Lisa Di Tommaso and her team are very knowledgable and friendly and if you're here on a Friday afternoon then do try to join one of the guided tours where you can learn more about the collection and its fascinating history.
You can read more here. https://morrablibrary.org.uk
Penzance Bookshops
Whether you're looking for the latest bestseller, a secondhand title or simply want to browse, you'll find a great selecion of bookshops in Penzance.
The Edge of The World Bookshop - Penzance’s award-winning independent bookshop
Barton Books - a thoughtful selection of new and secondhand books with a focus on art and the natural world.
Women in Word - a hidden gem just off Chapel Street run by The Hypatia Trust celebrating the work of female authors.
Moonlight Books - a small but well-stocked secondhand bookshop halfway up The Arcade Steps.
The Last Word - tucked away at the back of the antique shop at the top of Market Jew Street, there's always a great selection of Penguins, Persephones and other vintage treasures.
Further Afield
If you’re exploring the area during your stay it's worth seeking out some of our other independent bookshops. I highly recommend The Bookshop in Helston which is a relatively new addition to the West Cornwall book scene. The Falmouth Bookseller is a firm favourite and now has a cafe, Above The Bookshop, where you can browse and enjoy a cuppa. If ale is more your thing them make sure to check out Falmouth's quirky literary pub Beerwolf where you can drink a beer and buy a book.
If, like me, you enjoy the thrill of unearthing treasure in a secondhand bookshop, then do check out the very well-stocked Bookmark. Cornwall's National Trust properties are also fertile hunting grounds. The bookshops at Godolphin and Trelissick in particular are worth a visit.
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