There’s just something so incredibly entrancing about walking into a bookstore, or coiling up with a good book, especially in the wintery months, and we know many of you bookish Coasties out there feel the same. So whether you’re after a new read, a bookish outing for your book club or a new reading hangout, we’ve got your next book date sorted with a compiled list of all the best bookshops, reading spots and literary events on the Central Coast.
Best Bookshops on the Central Coast
TBR or no TBR, a visit to the book shop is always a good idea.
Coast Book Exchange, Gosford
Tucked into the main street of Gosford is the book-lovers dream destination, Coast Book Exchange. With towering shelves filled with books of every genre, there’s no limit to how many tomes you can take home in your book haul. It’s a lovingly maintained second hand book shop, which means the books are crazy cheap despite the stellar selection, and can also be exchanged for store credit after you’re finished with them. The store owners Yukari and Jeremy, as well as their friendly team, are the most passionate and experienced readers we know, walking libraries who can name every author, book and storyline under their roof, as well as the personalities and preferences of many of their regular customers. So, if you’re looking for a personalized recommendation or simply a chat about your favorite book, this is the place to go!
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Bookmania, Woy Woy
There’s a fine line between order and chaos in this mortal realm, and this second-hand bookstore just across from Woy Woy Station toes it quite precariously. There are simply books everywhere – in stacks, on tables, against walls, on the floor, dozens and dozens of books. It feels as though you’re stepping into Wonderland – and a goldmine. You have to do a double take at the quality and cheap price of these books, some of them current bestsellers, others timeless classics. The store is run by the same owners as Coast Book Exchange, so you can also expect extremely knowledgeable staff, store credits, well maintained and loved books, CD’s, DVD’s and records.
Bookface, Erina Fair
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You could spend hours in this place. Litera-ry. Bookface Erina is one of six small, independent bookstores stretching across NSW, QLD and ACT with an ethos of passion and connection. What makes them unique is their adorable collection of knick-knacks and gifts for sale – book lamps, mugs, pens, diaries…all the book lover’s essentials. The atmosphere is warm, quirky and cosy, with staff that are incredibly helpful – in the rare chance the book you want isn’t in store, they are more than happy to order it in for you, and also offer a rewards program that allows you to accrue savings to put towards your next read.
About all things literary, these guys also host in-store book launches, author talks and zoom book-club meetings, so be sure to keep updated via their website! (Also see below for events)
Cornerstone Books, East Gosford
This Christian bookshop is actually built inside of an old church, creating a beautiful space to wander around in when browsing the store’s collection. In Cornerstone Books, you’ll find many Bibles, novels, diaries, non-fiction works, self-help books, films, home décor and motivation cards to inspire you no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.
Also be sure to check out the Mary Mackillop Bookshop in Kincumber with an awesome range of Bibles, books and piety items.
The Book Shop, Umina
Just up the road from the beach is Umina’s community-driven independent Australian bookseller ‘The Book Shop’. Selling a broad range of books, puzzles and gifts for all ages both instore and through their online delivery service, Julie and her dedicated book-(and dog)-loving staff are the people to talk to when after a particular read or prezzie. They’re also proud supporters of the Central Coast’s Words on the Waves festival, selling books at their events and supplying them for the festival’s school programs, so be sure to keep an eye on their socials for where they’ll be popping up next!
Rubys Café and Books
If you often find yourself struggling to leave your book corner for things like meals, then this cute little café in Umina is for you. You can enjoy Ruby’s delicious brunch and coffee menu without having to put your book down! Bring your own or browse through the store’s collection of second hand novels – either way, it’s the perfect bookish outing for individuals, families or book clubs.
RELATED: 5 Cute Hole-in-the-Wall Cafes to Check Out on the Coast
QBD, Tuggerah & Erina
If you live closer to the northern end of the Coast, don’t feel left out! QBD Tuggerah has got all your reading needs covered, with a broad range of books, puzzles and notebooks available. The staff are super friendly, and they’ve always got some great sales on! Also check out their store in Erina Fair.
Central Coast Libraries
Book list too big for your budget? Or simply after a great spot to read? We’re lucky to have a great Central Coast Library Service to help with that. These public spaces are efficient and reliable, with branches across Woy Woy, Umina, Tuggerah, Toukley, Bateau Bay, Lake Haven, Kincumber, Erina, Kariong and Gosford. Borrow books for free, order them in from other libraries or simply use the relaxed atmosphere and free wifi for study or reading. Use this tool here to locate your next read.
Free Libraries
For a good treasure hunt and book swap, check out the range of free little ‘Street Libraries’ on the Central Coast. These libraries are maintained by locals with a passion for reading, and contain some gems! Find your nearest Street Library using the tool here.
Upcoming Bookish-Events on the Central Coast
Celebrate and fuel your love of reading by getting involved in some great literary events with other readers! From book launches to writing festivals to book clubs, here’s what’s happening on the Coast in the near future.
Words on the Waves Festival
The beloved Words on the Waves Writers festival hits the Coast again this June with an even more spectacular program than before. Check out their website and socials for more info on the many book launches, writing workshops, author talks, literary cruises (yep!), Story Clubs and family fun days taking place over the first week of June.
Some key events –
– Story Club, Friday 2nd June, Ocean Beach SLSC
– Craig Silvey in-conversation with Kaya Wilson, Saturday 3rd June, Naughty Noodle House
– Adult Writing Workshops, 3rd & 4th June
– Family Fun Day, Sunday 4th June Everglades Woy Woy
–Literary Cruise, Monday 5th June, Woy Woy Wharf
– Book Launches, Umina, Kincumber, Woy Woy, Wyong
Children’s Book Council of Australia Shortlist celebration, Bookface
Join the Bookface team in their Erina store as they celebrate the Children’s Book Council of Australia Shortlist on June 13th at 5:30. They’ll also be offering raffle tickets and lucky door prizes on the night alongside the Central Coast CBCA sub-branch, so make sure to purchase your tickets ($5 for members, $10 for non-members) and RSVP by emailing cbcacentralcoast@gmail.com
Central Coast Good Fiction Club
Need to explode your thoughts and feelings about a particular book to some listening ears, or after some more inspiration? Joining the Central Coast Good Fiction Club may be something you can consider, then. This passionate group of book-lovers are meeting Saturday 24th June at the Bamboo Buddha Cafe in Holgate to catch up and chat about their latest pick – The Shipping News, by Annie Proulx. Keep updated with their regular catch-ups here.
Cosy up with a book in these idyllic locations…
Kibble Park, Gosford
A sunny, quiet spot amidst the bustling heart of Gosford to take your newest read after swinging by the Library.
Japanese Gardens, Gosford Art Gallery
Isolated, ambient and filled with greenery, the Japanese Gardens are the perfect place to read whilst listening to rustling waterfalls and nearby birdcalls. Finish off your outing with a browse through the attached Gosford Art Gallery, or buy a snack from their inbuilt cafe.
Crackneck Point Lookout
After a nature filled walk along the Wyrrabalong Coastal Path, plop yourself down on the grassy slope overlooking stunning views of the ocean and read to your heart’s content. It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, and to watch hangliders jump off the headland beside you.
Terrigal Beach
With scenic views, dog-leashed areas and a strip of cafes to fuel a morning of reading, Terrigal offers a perfect literary getaway. If you’re after a slightly more isolated spot, simply walk across the board walk to the small beach tucked into the Skillion.
RELATED: 15 Central Coast Beaches To Suit Every Mood
Woy Woy Library Reading Room
A beautiful courtyard filled with greenery to put you in an inspired mood.
The Bloom Barn Farm, Peats Ridge
Something about visiting a farm always puts us in a reading mood. After picking a few seasonal flowers in their vibrant fields and roasting some marshmallows over an open fire at The Bloom Barn Farm, sprawl out on a picnic rug and enjoy your favourite read amidst open farmland. These sessions are not open to the public and do depend on the season however, so make sure to check out their available sessions via their website and book through there.
If not, simply go for a drive along Wiseman’s Ferry road through the farmlands of Peats Ridge and Mangrove Mountain to find the best spot to sit down and open up your book.
KEEP READING:
Congratulation!