Belfast’s Best Independent Bookshops and Why Students should be Supporting Them
Rachel Orr
It’s time to ditch our Amazon accounts the next time we feel like diving into literature. The best independent bookshops are right at our fingertips here in Belfast, and there’s no better pleasure than physically holding the books we love before buying them or enjoying a quiet minute amongst bookshelves filled with exciting stories. The Scoop visited three of Belfast’s independent bookshops that are perfect for students who are looking to find their next great read!
1. Books, Paper, Scissors
Located opposite Botanic Gardens on Stranmillis Road, Books, Paper, Scissors is a brightly lit charming independent bookshop that caters for all readers. Owners Paul and Linda Murray were inspired to open their own independent bookshop in Belfast after visiting European bookshops during their travels. They discovered many of these bookshops were light, open spaces and wanted to recreate this atmosphere at home. Books, Paper, Scissors is a perfect spot for students, being within walking distance of Queen’s University Belfast. Upon returning to Belfast, Paul recalled how he was shocked to find the University bookshop no longer open and wished to provide a bookshop for students to visit. The bookshop has many quirks, with a larger children’s section at the back, as well as taking a new interest in transcribed books. The bookshop also provides content from travel guidebooks to the newest young adult fiction. Books, Paper, Scissors also have a large section dedicated stationary which is perfect for students looking for their next notebook to jot down ideas and thoughts!
2. No Alibis
No Alibis is no stranger to students at Queen’s University Belfast! Opened in 1997, it can be found on Botanic Avenue, just a stone’s throw away from the University. This atmospheric bookshop specialises in crime fiction, but also caters to a large variety of readers. In comparison to chain bookshops, owner David Torrens described the beauty of independent bookshops as allowing,
“Those things that are different, that you don’t expect to see there; you can actually look at them and touch them and take the time to see the book as something more than what is on the screen.”
David describes independent bookshops as having the freedom to bring in different types of books, to allow owners to develop a relationship with their customers and gauge what readers want to find in their local bookshops. No Alibis is an oasis for students, providing student discounts on top of a wide array of books to ponder over. Each bookshelf is littered with personal recommendations from staff and there is a chance to buy a No Alibis themed tote bag perfect for carrying your book haul home!
3. Paperxclips
Paperxclips, located in West Belfast on the Springfield Road, is found in an old mill that houses a variety of units containing artists, musicians and even a vintage clothing store. The owners, Ren and Fern, opened Paperxclips last July as a queer focused bookshop that also specialises in coffee and haircuts! The shop is a bright, open space with plenty of space to sit and read and “hang-out” as Ren and Fern love to encourage customers to do! Ren and Fern feel that independent bookshops such as their own are great places where,
“The voices of the marginalised in society to be amplified and placed on equal footing with the powerful.”
Paperxclips is a great space that was opened to curate a community within Belfast where places like this one are lacking. The bookshop is perfect for students, and all young people, as it isn’t geared towards making the maximum profit and instead focuses on the community of customers it provides for. Ren and Fern have developed a place where people can feel comfortable, whether you are buying books or simply looking for somewhere to relax. The queer focus of the shop is key in Ren and Fern’s motivations for opening Paperxclips as they,
“Hope that as visible queer people, we can inspire younger generations of queer people to do the things they love, and to create something for their community.”
Paperxclips is a must-visit location for all students at Queen’s University Belfast, whether you’re looking for your next read, a good community vibe, or a great haircut!
Rachel Orr is an Anthropology student at Queen’s University Belfast and a Culture reporter at The Scoop