Books for Amnesty
Located in North Laine, Books for Amnesty has much to offer as a second-hand bookshop. This distinctive, vibrant pink shop offers a wide array of books, focusing on second-hand and donated books ranging from Penguin classics to general fiction, academic reading, and much more. Every book here is reasonably priced and is particularly ideal for budget-friendly finds, which can have a larger appeal to students and more casual readers. It also has boxes outside the shop filled with books that are only £1.
This bookshop is a treasure chest packed from floor to ceiling with the most unique and interesting books. You will definitely leave with more than a few books, and likely ones that you had not gone in to look for (which would not normally be the case when shopping for new books at £10 each).
Books for Amnesty is run by volunteers for the human rights organisation Amnesty International, and the shop’s profits go towards human rights campaigns, which makes each purchase feel much more impactful.
The staff who work there are all very friendly and knowledgeable, willing to help and answer any questions one might have. In addition, this shop often hosts events such as open mic nights, allowing ‘local creatives to share their poetry and musical talents’. This is what makes Books for Amnesty such a special shop: its deep care and involvement with the Brighton community and the larger world.
Goldsboro Books
Goldsboro Books is a one-of-a-kind place, and if you’re a collector of books, then this is the place for you. This renowned shop, located on Ship Street, is one of Brighton’s most distinctive independent bookshops and the only bookshop in the world that specialises in signed first editions spanning all sorts of genres, appealing to both casual readers and serious collectors of rare books. With an emphasis on quality over quantity in stocking, browsing, or shopping, here is a unique experience.
Whilst a ‘specialist bookshop’ might sound exclusive and daunting, this place is anything but. The staff are welcoming and informative, and walking into the shop is almost like entering a small art gallery, with the bonus that you can take the pieces home with you. Even if you’re only there to look around, it feels a lot more personal than walking into a major chain, which can be a little impersonal and overwhelming at times.
In 2017, Goldsboro Books launched the Glass Bell Awards for contemporary fiction. This shows how much this shop values books and has cemented its place in the literary world. If any of this appeals to you, I urge you to visit this shop; who knows what treasures you’ll find there.
Oxfam
The Oxfam bookshop, also located in the heart of North Laine, is another shop surely worth visiting. There is an amazing collection of books, from classics to non-fiction, politics, and more. Unlike many other bookshops, it is much more organised, with specifically curated and structured sections that resemble those of a traditional bookshop. This shop has a fabulous music section, stocking many books on music, as well as records and cd’s. There is truly something for everyone.
Importantly, Oxfam is a global charity and non-governmental organisation that works hard to reduce poverty and global inequality, so every item you buy there goes towards their international efforts to help those in need.
Whilst many books in Oxfam are affordable, some are priced slightly higher due to their high quality and like-new condition. However, this is advantageous for those wanting a practically new book, but at a lower price than major bookshops.
I hope these recommendations have been helpful to any reader looking for their next favourite bookshop. There are many more amazing ones around Brighton, which I suggest you explore as well. Happy reading!
Another article you may enjoy – https://thebadgeronline.com/2026/03/art-from-spaces-in-crisis-why-we-read-palestinian-poetry/
