The Booker Library
A little haven for the book community!
Every reader’s go-to shop has to be the bookstore, whether they need a new book or not. The comfort and joy of being in a bookstore is incomparable; being surrounded by countless shelves of books stretching on for what seems like forever.
The Waterstones bookstore is a popular place for getting one’s supply of books but the Piccadilly branch is the most iconic one, named as Europe’s largest bookstore! Piccadilly Waterstones stands tall with five floors of endless genres at (obviously) Piccadilly Circus, very hard to miss.
Recently, the Booker Library opened at the lower ground floor and it is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys reading!
The Booker Library is a pop-up that will last from November to the end of December. This pop-up will allow visitors to browse and shop for the Booker Prize winners throughout the years as well as the backlist titles.
The Library showcases the very first winner of the Booker Prize in 1969 (which was P.H. Newby for Something to Answer For) to the 2024 winner, Samantha Harvey’s Orbital.
It was such an incredible feeling to witness and browse the selection throughout the years and to realize that you own some of the winning books.
The library also consists of the other works of the winners that would definitely interest you if you have read their works before or maybe it will give you a new inspiration for your next read.
There is also a display of the Booker Prize trophy along with a few unique cover-bound winning books.
Typically, the six shortlisted authors are given a specially designed, hard-cover copy of their book—one of its kind! I like that these authors would still have an “award” even if they did not win first place, these special-bound books would serve as a reminder that their hard work was recognised and appreciated.
Sometimes, a “comment” book would be left on the mahogany desk in the library, where you can write little notes and comments of your time there.
It is a wonderful way to leave a little piece of your heart in the library!
After exiting the library, you would be back in the regular bookstore setting and straight across you will spot the Embertons Café, where you can order something warm to drink.
It is a good place to catch up on work or read a book or even just people watch as it is quieter than the cafe on the Mezzanine floor.
There is a range of drinks and a small selection of pastries to choose from. They currently have their festive menu for the upcoming holiday season and I recommend the White Chocolate Matcha, a rich blend of sweetness and earthy notes.
I think this is something that Londoners and tourists alike shouldn’t miss, especially if reading is a hobby. The Booker Library would be a good place to curate your reading list or a good place to find a gift for bookish friends and family! Be sure to visit it before it’s gone at the end of the year.
P.S if you still cannot get enough of books after this visit, be sure to check out the UK’s oldest bookshop, Hatchards, just down the road!
Address:
203-206 Piccadilly, London
W1J 9HD
Written by Althea Scully