

A bookstore can be beautiful for more than just aesthetic reasons. While many contenders in our Beautiful Bookstores series feature marble floors or miraculous glass ceilings, they don’t necessarily have the heart and history that a smaller shop may.
One commenter on the message boards of our “Beautiful Bookstores: Akateeminen Kirjakauppa in Helsinki, Finland” post told us about Bjäre Bokhandel in Båstad, Sweden, a local bookstore with a whole lot of charm. Founded in 1862 by the town’s pharmacist, this store continues to offer a personal shopping experience. From readings by well-known authors to the quaint cafe located in the cobblestone courtyard, Bjäre Bokhandel represents its love of books genuinely and continues to pay tribute to the rich history of Swedish literature and culture.


What makes your local bookstore a Beautiful Bookstore contender?