English-language bookshops near NTU
Chain stores and second-hand shelves around Taiwan's top university
For readers seeking out English-language books in Taipei, finding decent books can sometimes feel like a challenging treasure hunt — if you don't know where to start.
However, there are more options than you may initially think, with English books dotted across the city, from big chains to academic bookshops to cozy second-hand stores.
Bookshops also often double as places to linger. Many have seats and quiet corners, and many people settle in and read a book in the store.
If you're after a new release, a classic, or just somewhere calm to spend an afternoon, these bookshops are a good place to start, and all are located near National Taiwan University (NTU).
#1: Eslite
Taipei’s big-name bookstore chain
Eslite is a popular go-to for English-language books in Taipei, with branches across the city and dedicated English-language sections.
Founded in 1989 by Robert Wu, it started as a single small humanities and arts bookstore in Taipei before growing into one of Taiwan's best cultural brands, according to Eslite.
The selection can be a few months behind bookshops in the English-speaking countries, but it's still one of the easiest places in Taipei to wander and discover new books.
These days, Eslite is part bookstore, part lifestyle shop, selling stationery, gifts, puzzles, cards, and vinyl.
As well as the store near NTU, the Songyan branch in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park is the brand's main 24-hour bookstore. It's a great option for late-night browsing, reading, or jet-lagged wandering.
#2: Bookman Books
Fantastic value new books and academic finds
Bookman Books is a great alternative to Eslite if you are looking for English-language books.
According to the store's website, Bookman has specialized in publishing and importing Chinese- and English-language books since 1977. The topics they specialize in include new releases, literature, classics, and humanities subjects.
Prices are a draw, with many English books around NT$300, while used books are even cheaper, according to Bookman's online store.
The atmosphere is laid back, and there is plenty of space to sit and read. As well as the branch near NTU in Taipei, there are also branches in Taichung City and Kaohsiung City.
#3: Mollie Used Books
A second-hand bookshop lucky dip
Mollie Used Books began as a small family-run stall in Guanghua Market in the early 1990s, before opening its first larger branch near Gongguan in 2002, according to the bookstore.
Owner Tsai Mou-li first collected used books from recycling centers while still working at 7-Eleven, before eventually quitting to run the shop full time.
The name “Mollie” comes from Tsai and his wife, Tai Li-chen, combining parts of their names.
Today, Mollie has five branches, in Taichung and Kaohsiung as well as in Taipei. Each has its own character, offering second-hand books at reasonable prices, according to the store's website. There's a branch on Heping East Road near National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) and one on Roosevelt Road near National Taiwan University (NTU).
Lots of new books are added to the shelves every day, but it's probably not the place to go if you are looking for something very specific. If you want to wander and discover something unexpected, it's worth checking out.
