Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

BOOKS N BOBS: Taman Desa & GMBB, KL *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Branding itself as Malaysia's largest online secondhand bookstore, Books n Bobs has over 36,000 books across many genres and hundreds of new books added weekly. If you prefer browsing books physically, fret not as they have a store in Taman Desa and GMBB in Kuala Lumpur. Books of various genres can be found here, and new arrivals are updated on their website frequently. Their website also offers readers the option to purchase books for charity where a 15% profit from the proceeds from these books will be shared with the charity organization they support, Rumah KIDS.

Books N Bobs, 37, Jalan Desa, Taman Desa, 58100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6018 248 9909, support@booksnbobs.com│Unit 2-10 & 2-11, Level 2, GMBB, 2, Jalan Robertson, Bukit Bintang, 50150 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia, +6018 248 9909, https://booksnbobs.com

DOKUSHO BOOKSTORE: Ara Damansara, PJ *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Since 2017, Dokusho Bookstore has been a cherished online destination for second-hand books. In March 2024, the store transitioned to a new brick-and-mortar shop in Ara Damansara. Book enthusiasts can explore Dokusho’s extensive collection both online and in person, with the option to collect their orders at the physical store. Customers can find books priced as low as RM$10 each, with genres including fiction, non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, and more to be found here.

BOOKS FOR A BETTER WORLD: Various Locations *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

BFBW was founded in 2022 and began as a cozy corner in Amcorp Mall, Petaling Jaya. Today, the store has grown into a vibrant network with over eight bookshops and book corners across the Klang Valley. The store relies on a self-service system, occasionally supported by friendly volunteers, allowing customers to pick and pay with ease, or even drop off books you  no longer need. BFBW is dedicated to keeping books out of landfills by giving them a second life and recycling those that can’t find new homes. As a "for-profit" social enterprise, BFBW aims to nurture a love of reading in future generations while offering affordable prices and maintaining a sustainable mission. Their locations include Avenue K, Paradigm Mall, IPC Shopping Center, Da Men Mall, Cheras Leisure Mall, and more. For those looking for some work experience, BFBW also welcomes volunteers.

Books For A Better World,  +6012 913 8121 / +6017 812 8121, www.bfbwsb.com

BUKU BY PJ PRELOVED HOUSE: KL Eco City, KL *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

BUKU by PJ Preloved House is a charming, unmanned bookstore located in KL Eco City. Initially launched online, BUKU quickly grew into a physical store due to popular demand from book lovers eager to browse used books in person. With a minimalist, self-service setup, customers enjoy affordable prices of RM$5 or RM$10 per book, and the option to browse and read at nearby seating areas and cafés. If you prefer shopping online, they are also available on Shopee.

Buku By PJ Preloved House, Lot L3-21, Level, 3, INC, 3, Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, www.facebook.com/pjprelovedbooks

A WORD AFFAIR: Taman Desa, KL *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Originally a pop-up bookstore in Taman Desa, A Word Affair moved to an online model after closing its physical location in 2020. This year, however, the store has reintroduced the opportunity for customers to visit in person, though this requires an appointment. This new arrangement allows book enthusiasts to once again experience the charm of exploring A Word Affair’s collection firsthand to find some classics and treasured gems.

A Word Affair, +6018 781 4013, www.facebook.com/awordaffairintamandesa

RIWAYAT BOOKSTORE: Jalan Tun HS Lee, KL *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Riwayat is an independent bookstore in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur, located in a pre-war building on Jalan Tun HS Lee in the heart of KL City. Aiming to emulate the independent bookstore culture found in Europe, focusing on Malaysian literature and heritage, Riwayat offers a diverse selection of fiction and non-fiction in English and Malay, including rare books and translations in German, Spanish, and French. The store caters to both casual readers and scholars, boasting a wide range of genres and topics with a majority of the titles dedicated to all things Malaysian.  The bookstore’s name, meaning 'narrative' in Malay, reflects its mission to enrich Malaysia's literary landscape and foster a reading culture.

Riwayat Bookstore, 34, Jalan Tun HS Lee,, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, +6010 227 9113, bookstore@riwayat.my, www.facebook.com/riwayatmy

KL BOOK EXCHANGE: Taman Desa, KL *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Founder Gladys Wong has been managing the Kuala Lumpur Book Exchange in Taman Desa since 2014, transforming it from a modest collection into a vast repository. What began as her concern over recycling books in good condition has evolved into a popular event where over a hundred books are exchanged during each two-hour session. Initially inspired by a book exchange program in Subang Jaya, the book-swapping activity also features a plant-swapping exercise for plant lovers. Today, the KL Book Exchange boasts over 11,000 Facebook followers and the exchange usually takes place at the parking lot of Faber Tower in Taman Desa on the fourth Sunday of each month where readers are encouraged to do a one-for-one swap, or purchase a book for RM$5. Additionally, exchanges also take place at Level 5 Commune in Sunway Velocity Mall. To stay up to date on the book exchanges, follow them on Facebook.

KL Book Exchange, Faber Tower car park, Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, www.facebook.com/klbookexchange

READERS SANCTUARY: Online *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Parents looking for a budget-friendly option for children's books can check out the collection online at Readers Sanctuary. Choose from a collection of preloved mini hardcover and early reader books priced at just RM$4.50 each! These budget-friendly gems are not only a great value but also a sustainable choice, helping to reduce waste by giving these beloved stories a new home. Perfect for tiny hands and on-the-go reading, these mini hardcovers and early readers are ideal for young ones starting their reading adventures. Readers can check out their Shopee page for exclusive discounts and deals.

Readers Sanctuary, +6017 652 5457, hungryminds.my@gmail.com, shopee.com.my/readers_sanctuary

BOOKURVE: Online *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

Since 2012, Bookurve has been on a thrilling journey to make reading more accessible and enjoyable by enhancing the book browsing and discovery experience. Why buy when you can rent? Bookurve offers you the convenience of buying, renting, or trading in books. With over 1,300 English titles and more than 700 Chinese titles, there's bound to be something that will pique your interest. To start renting, choose from one of the three plans available starting from RM$119 per year for two books per rent or opt for four books per rent priced at RM$199 per year.

Bookurve, No. B2-01, E-Tiara Service Apartment, Persiaran Kemajuan Subang, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, contact@bookurve.com, www.bookurve.com

BOOK CATCHER: Seremban S2 *Best Preloved Bookstores In Kuala Lumpur

A short drive south to Seremban will bring you to Book Catcher, a charming hidden gem for enthusiasts of preloved books. Situated in S2 commercial center, this quaint store specializes in a diverse collection of used storybooks, novels, autobiographies, as well as new books. Many of these children's volumes which appear to be sourced from libraries in America have been given a second life on their shelves. Visitors will discover a delightful assortment of books, with children’s books starting as low as RM$3. It's the perfect place to find affordable picture books with a touch of character, making each purchase economical and unique.

Book Catcher, No. 245, Jalan S2 B12, Uptown Avenue, Seremban, Malaysia, +6012 712 9270, bookcatchers@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/BookCatchers