Readings Carlton: A welcoming, well-curated book and gift haven on Lygon Street.
Readings Carlton is a well-stocked book store and gift shop at 309 Lygon St, Carlton. Customers praise the vast collection and transporting atmosphere, with staff described as helpful, insightful, and keen to share recommendations. While some reviews note rising prices and a rare negative experience, the store remains a beloved Melbourne destination for book lovers and gift seekers alike.
309 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Claim Readings Carlton to manage your storefront, respond to reviews, and receive customer leads.
Wide selection of new and popular titles across fiction, non-fiction, and niche genres.
Curated gifts including books, stationery, and literary-themed items for all occasions.
Personalized book suggestions from our knowledgeable and friendly team.
Book launches, author signings, and community events to engage readers.
Dedicated area with children's books and helpful staff in the adjacent kids' store.
Overall rating
Kartik
The bookstore is large and has a vast collection. For Indians looking to explore or buy books to take back to India, you may find that many titles overlap and are available at lower prices on Amazon India. However, for someone staying in Melbourne, this is a good place to start exploring books.
Anna Morgan
Readings has felt like part of my life forever. The moment I walk in, even the smell is transporting - I suddenly remember how exciting books can be ✨️ The staff are always helpful, insightful and keen to share ideas and make recommendations. They are part of that make Readings the special place it is. The only downside is I never leave spending what I planned. Honestly, I could buy every Christmas or birthday present from Readings and everyone in my life would be happy. Pair a visit to Readings with a movie at the Nova for a thoroughly satisfying experience 👌 😍
Henry Jenkins
I visited the store today with a newborn in a pram and there was a particular staff member who was bustling around stacking shelves and very rude and huffing and puffing about me being in the way as well as other patrons. I struggled to move around the store anyway as there wasn't enough room down most aisles for a pram anyway. I usually love shopping at readings but this experience was far from enjoyable because of that one particular staff member. I did not feel welcome at all and was made to feel like an inconvenience. I did however, go next door to the kids readings and the staff there were lovely and helpful.
pia lily
Amazing curation in this bookstore, I could spend hours here. Super friendly staff and lovely atmosphere!
Jakob van de Wiel
Great selection but prices in recent years have soared, you can find many titles at other (independent) bookshops in Melbourne for far cheaper. Readings has been great for decades I just hope they bring some prices back down again otherwise they’ll lose lifelong customers in place of the yuppies attracted in recent years
