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IIn the heart of Singara Chennai, a wealth of captivating destinations awaits exploration. From the beach to the bustling tech hubs, this city is full of surprises. But for some of us, the real magic is found in the quiet corners of the best book stores in Chennai. These places aren’t just shops; they are where the city’s history and stories actually live.
Chekout the 15 Best Book Stores in Chennai
Higginbotham
Location: Shanthala Nagar
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This is the big one on Anna Salai. It’s been around since the 1840s, and you can feel it the second you walk in. It’s got that old-school Madras charm with the massive wooden staircase and white walls. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking around the high ceilings is an experience. It’s the best place to find local history books or just escape the heat for an hour.
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Tara Books
Location: Thiruvanmiyur
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Located down in Thiruvanmiyur, this place is basically a temple for people who love how books are made. Everything is handmade and screen-printed. It’s not your average “bestseller” shop; it’s where you go to find books that look like art. The people there actually care about the paper and the ink, which is a rare thing to see these days.
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Discovery Book Palace
Location: KK Nagar
Image Credit: Google Images
This is the heart of the Tamil literary scene in KK Nagar. It’s small, cozy, and usually full of people who really know their stuff. If you’re looking for progressive poetry, serious Tamil novels, or books on world cinema that you won’t find at a mall, this is your spot. It feels like a community hub, not just a store.
Pure Cinema Book Shop
Location: Valasaravakkam
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If you’re a film student or just obsessed with movies, you’ve probably spent time here. It’s a niche shop dedicated entirely to cinema. They have everything from screenwriting guides to deep dives into the history of world directors. It’s quiet, focused, and perfect for geeking out on filmmaking. It stands out even among the most specialized book stores in Chennai.
Crossword
Location: Phoenix Marketcity Mall Velachery
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This is the reliable mall option. You’ll find it in places like Nexus Vijaya. It’s bright, air-conditioned, and organized. It’s the easiest place to go if you’re looking for a popular new release, a gift for a kid, or some decent stationery. It’s less “historic” and more about convenience.
Odyssey Adyar
Location: Adyar
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The Adyar branch is a local landmark. It’s huge—spread across multiple floors. What’s cool about Odyssey is that it’s not just books; they have some of the best stationery, toys, and random tech gadgets in the city. You can easily spend two hours here and walk out with three things you didn’t know you needed.
Murugan Old Book Stall
Location: Mylapore
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A classic Mylapore corner. It’s tiny and packed to the ceiling with used books. This is where you go to hunt. You’ll find students digging for cheap engineering books and old-timers looking for rare spiritual texts or vintage magazines. It’s dusty, cramped, and exactly what an old book shop should be.
Moore Market
Location: Velachery
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You can’t call yourself a reader here if you haven’t navigated Moore Market near Central Station. It’s a maze. You’ll have five different guys trying to sell you everything from a 1950s encyclopedia to a last-year’s school textbook. It’s all about the bargain here. For anyone hunting through second hand book shop in chennai, this is the ultimate destination.
Eswar Books
Location: T. Nagar
Image Credit: Google Images
Tucked away in T. Nagar, this place is a savior for researchers. They have a massive stock of Tamil literature and academic references. It’s much more “serious” than the mall stores. If you’re looking for a specific, hard-to-find title for a project or a deep interest, Eswar usually has a copy tucked away somewhere.
Indian Book House
Location: CIT Nagar
Image Credit: Justdail
Your education hub awaits at Indian Book House, where a diverse range of educational and reference books cater to learners of all ages. From nursery rhymes to college reference materials, Indian Book House has something for everyone.
The Used Books Factory
Location: Mugalivakkam
Image Credit: Google Images
Enter The Used Books Factory and explore a world of vintage treasures, from fiction classics to academic references. With dedicated sections for every genre, this bookstore is a haven for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Asia Book Point
Location: Alwarpet
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Unveil the mysteries of Asia Book Point, tucked away on CP Ramasamy Road, offering an expansive selection of books spanning various categories. From fiction to graphic novels, Asia Book Point invites you to embark on a literary adventure.
Words & Worths Books Private Limited
Location: Besant Nagar
Image Credit: Google Images
A great little basement shop in Besant Nagar. It’s got a very chill, neighborhood feel. It’s right near the beach, so it’s a perfect stop on a weekend evening. Their collection is small but really well-picked, so you usually end up finding something interesting that you haven’t seen on a “Top 10” list.
Starmark
Location: Velachery
Image source: Google Images
Located in Express Avenue and Phoenix MarketCity, Starmark is arguably the most vibrant of the large book stores in Chennai. It’s massive and brilliantly lit. They have a huge manga section, a dedicated area for local language books, and one of the best hobby/craft sections in the city. It’s always buzzing with energy.
Discovery Book Palace Pvt ltd
Location: KK Nagar
This is the more formal, expansive side of the Discovery brand. While the KK Nagar spot is cozy, their Pvt Ltd operations handle a huge amount of the city’s publishing and distribution for independent Tamil literature. If you want to see the serious business side of the local book trade or find niche publications that aren’t available in mainstream shops, this is where the magic happens behind the scenes.
FAQ’s
Sapna Book House Pvt. Ltd., recognized by the Limca Book of Records, has held the title of the largest bookshop in India, for seven consecutive years.
Yes, many bookshops in Chennai sell second-hand books. However, availability may vary depending on the bookstore.
Yes, most bookstores in Chennai offer discounts on book purchases.
Yes, bookshops in Chennai sell various genres such as fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, in addition to academic books.
Independent bookstores foster diversity by offering a wide range of stories across genres. They encourage readers to explore different narratives and broaden their literary horizons.
Bookstores in Chennai serve to promote diversity by offering a broad selection of stories across genres. They encourage readers to explore a variety of literature and expand their reading preferences.
At the Kilo Book Fair in Chennai, books are sold by weight. Recent rates have been around ₹499 per kg (minimum 1 kg), ₹399 per kg for purchases above 5 kg, and ₹349 per kg for bulk buys over 10 kg. The collection usually includes both imported and Indian titles across genres, making it a budget-friendly option for readers.
The most well-known libraries in Chennai are the Anna Centenary Library, famous for its modern facilities and massive collection, and the Connemara Public Library, a historic National Depository Library known for its heritage architecture. Both are iconic destinations for book lovers.
The Chennai Book Fair is held annually. It is commonly hosted at the YMCA Grounds, Nandanam, and sometimes at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam.
For the 49th edition in January 2026, entry to the Chennai Book Fair was free for all visitors. Earlier editions typically charged a small entry fee (around ₹10), but recent events have waived the ticket cost to encourage higher attendance.
