For those of you who have not switched to the dark side of kindles and nooks and still appreciate cracking the spine and turning the pages of a book, you are in luck! Some consider Buenos Aires the book capital of the world.

If your Spanish is not quite up to par, or you are looking for one of your favorite classics, fear not, there are five decent places to find English-language book selections in Buenos Aires, and the majority of them have just as much character as the books themselves…

Book Cellar’s Daniel Zachariah (Photo: Beatrice Murch)

The Book Cellar

When Daniel Zachariah moved to Buenos Aires, he started searching for English books as a hobby. Today, five years later, his apartment is filled floor to ceiling with used English, Spanish, French and German literature. Many of his books are hand-me-downs from the two original English bookstore chains in Buenos Aires that have since closed: Mackenzie’s and Mitchell’s.

If you are looking for a hard-to-find classic, The Book Cellar is the place to go. This chef-turned-bookseller is extremely knowledgeable about the English book population in Buenos Aires and if he doesn’t have the title you are looking for, he can tell you where to find it. Stop by for a look at his collection and have him make you some proper English tea!

For more information, click here.

Walrus Books not only offers English language books, but also holds literature courses, (Photo: Beatrice Murch)

Walrus Books

Tucked away among the old school cafes and cobblestone streets of San Telmo is Walrus Books, English language book store. Although small, this tiny gem is full of new and used quality novels, non-fiction, and children’s books. The atmosphere is just what you want from a neighborhood used bookstore: dim lighting, red accents, fresh plants and rich wood bookshelves full of new literary journeys to take.

There are a few comfy chairs to take a seat and read through your book options. U.S. expat Geoffrey and his wife Josefina, from Salta, founded the store and provide excellent customer service both in English and Spanish. Bring in a book you have just finished to receive a discount on your next purchase. In addition to a great book selection, Walrus Books offers literature and writing courses.

For more information, click here.

Entre Libros

Entre Libros; racks upon racks of books to choose from. (Photo: Athena Feldshon)

With two locations, one in Alto Palermo and another in Belgrano, Entre Libros has a great selection of English books. Owned by Argentine couple Alicia and Daniel Kiceleff, Entre Libros has been a reliable source of used and new English literature for over 33 years. While strolling down Santa Fe Avenue, stop at 2450 and enter the gallery. The store is a little hard to find but keep walking and eventually go down the stairs and you will come across a “We Sell English Books” sign.

The store has a very neighbourhood bookstore feel with green painted windowpanes and rotating book carousels. Entre Libros also offers a book circulating service in which you can pay a monthly fee to have access to their entire library, renting a few books at a time.

For more information on the location in Alto Palermo, click here.

For more information on the location in Belgrano, click here.

Kel Ediciones offers a wide selection. (Photo: Beatrice Murch)

Kel Ediciones

Kel has been the place to go for English-language learning supplies in Buenos Aires for over 25 years. With ten Buenos Aires locations, Kel carries English books in a wide range of genres including cookbooks, classic literature, and travel guides. Their selection is all-new and they can order books that they do not have in stock.

Beware that if you are looking for a place to sit down and browse an eclectic book selection, this is not the place to go. The ambiance is bland and is similar to that of a pharmacy or corner store. The selection is also a bit more expensive because all of the books are new. But when it comes to new English books, Kel is a reliable place to find contemporary titles.

Ten Buenos Aires locations, click here.

SBS Librería Internacional

SBS Libreria, with everything from dictionaries to design guides. (Photo: Athena Feldshon)

With locations all over the city, SBS Librería Internacional specialises in resources for language learning. In addition to educational supplies, SBS has a good selection of English non-fiction as well as their stock of German, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese books. Like Kel, SBS is not a place to spend a lot of time and the books are a bit more expensive. Their collection is substantial and provides English speakers and learners with a wide range of options.

If you are in search of contemporary fiction, SBS has it covered. They also organise book fairs in educational centers and offer an SBS Advantage system that rewards frequent customers with discounts.

For a list of store locations, click here.