Book lovers will find a treasure trove of books in Lagos, Nigeria‘s bustling metropolis. There are many unique bookstores in the city that cater to diverse tastes. If you’re a casual reader, an avid bibliophile, or just looking for a cozy spot to unwind with a good book, Lagos has it all. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best bookstores in Lagos.
Key Takeaways
- Lagos boasts a diverse range of bookstores catering to various interests.
- Many bookstores, like Terra Kulture and Jazzhole, offer more than just books, providing cultural experiences.
- Visiting these bookstores supports local authors and promotes Nigerian literature.
1. Patabah Books Limited
Located in the heart of Surulere, Patabah Books Limited is a haven for bibliophiles. With its cozy ambiance and wide selection of books, it’s a perfect spot for both casual readers and literary enthusiasts.
Address
Location:Â B18 Adeniran Ogunsanya Shopping Mall, Surulere, Lagos.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Personal Insight
I stumbled upon Patabah during a leisurely stroll through Surulere. The inviting display of books by Nigerian authors immediately caught my eye. Inside, I was greeted by the warm staff and spent hours perusing the shelves, discovering titles I hadn’t seen elsewhere.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide selection of Nigerian literature | Limited parking space |
| Friendly and knowledgeable staff | Smaller space can get crowded |
FAQs
Q: Do they have a children’s section?
A: Yes, Patabah has a dedicated children’s section with a variety of books for different age groups.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “A gem for book lovers in Lagos. The collection is diverse, and the staff is always helpful.” Jane D. | 4.5/5 |
| “I love the cozy atmosphere. It’s a great place to discover Nigerian authors.” Chidi O. | 4/5 |
2. Terra Kulture
Terra Kulture is more than just a bookstore; it’s a cultural hub. Located on Victoria Island, it features a rich collection of books alongside art galleries, a theater, and a restaurant that celebrates Nigerian cuisine.
Address
Plot 1376, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria
Hours of Operation
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Personal Insight
Visiting Terra Kulture feels like stepping into a cultural oasis. I was enchanted not just by the books but by the art exhibits and the delicious local dishes at the restaurant. It’s a place where you can spend an entire day soaking in Nigerian culture.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multifunctional space with books, art, and food | Can be busy during events |
| Rich collection of African literature | Higher prices for some items |
FAQs
Q: Do they host events?
A: Yes, Terra Kulture regularly hosts book readings, art exhibitions, and theater performances.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “A cultural treasure in Lagos. Every visit offers something new and enriching.” – Ade S. | 4.8/5 |
| “A bit pricey but worth it for the experience and the selection.” – Sarah K. | 4.3/5 |
3. Glendora Bookshop
Glendora Bookshop has been a fixture in Lagos’s literary scene for over two decades. Glendora is a treasure trove of books covering a range of genres. Book lovers love its welcoming atmosphere and wide selection.
Address
Location:Â Shop L07b Ikeja City Mall, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Personal Insight
Glendora’s location within the mall makes it an ideal stop during a shopping trip. I enjoyed the quiet ambiance and found several rare books that added value to my collection.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Curated selection of rare and classic books | Limited seating for reading |
| Convenient location in a mall | Prices can be higher than average |
FAQs
Q: Do they offer any discounts?
A: Yes, they occasionally have sales and discounts on selected titles.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “Glendora is my go-to bookstore for hard-to-find titles. Love the quiet atmosphere.” – Tolu A. | 4.6/5 |
| “Great selection, though the prices are a bit steep.” – Nneka O. | 4.2/5 |
4. Jazzhole
A unique combination of a bookstore, music store, and cultural space, Jazzhole is located in Lagos’ Ikoyi district. Live jazz performances and art exhibitions accompany an impressive collection of books and vinyl records. A place where literature, music, and art converge.
Address
Location:Â 168 Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Personal Insight
Jazzhole is a sensory delight. The combination of books and jazz music creates an atmosphere unlike any other. I spent an afternoon here, flipping through books while enjoying the soulful tunes.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique combination of books and music | Limited opening hours on Sundays |
| Vibrant cultural ambiance | Can be noisy during live performances |
FAQs
Q: Do they sell music albums?
A: Yes, Jazzhole offers a wide range of jazz and African music albums.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “A must-visit for music and book lovers. The vibe is incredible.” – Femi L. | 4.7/5 |
| “I love the eclectic mix of books and music. Always find something new.” – Yinka M. | 4.4/5 |
5. P.A.G.E Book Connoisseurs
P.A.G.E Book Connoisseurs is a boutique bookstore in Ikeja GRA, known for its extensive collection of business, self-help, and motivational books.
Address
Location:Â 82, Allen Avenue, Ikeja
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Personal Insight
I visited P.A.G.E during a quest for business literature. The well-organized shelves and the helpful staff made my experience seamless and enriching.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Specialized in business and self-help genres | Closed on Sundays |
| Professional and quiet environment | Smaller selection of fiction books |
FAQs
Q: Do they offer online shopping?
A: Yes, P.A.G.E Book Connoisseurs has an online store for book purchases.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “Perfect for professionals looking for business and motivational books.” – Sola K. | 4.5/5 |
| “Great service and selection, though they could expand their fiction section.” – Dayo E. | 4.2/5 |
6. Roving Heights
Roving Heights is a popular online bookstore with a Lagos location. There are books on contemporary fiction, self-help, and education. A dynamic and engaging bookstore, it promotes reading and hosts book-related events.
Address
Location:Â 28 Ogunlana Drive, Surulere
Landmark Center, VI.
Hours of Operation
Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Personal Insight
Roving Heights feels like a community hub for readers. I attended a book launch here and was impressed by their efforts to engage with the literary community.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on African literature | Can be crowded during events |
| Frequent literary events and book launches | Parking can be challenging |
FAQs
Q: Do they have a loyalty program?
A: Yes, Roving Heights offers a loyalty program for frequent customers.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “I love the community feel and the range of African books available.” – Amaka N. | 4.6/5 |
| “Great bookstore, but it can get quite busy during events.” – Tunde F. | 4.3/5 |
7. Laterna Ventures
Known for its extensive book and stationery selection, Laterna Ventures is a sprawling bookstore. Laterna Ventures caters to diverse reading preferences with academic textbooks and bestsellers. Guests can explore the store’s shelves at their leisure in a tranquil environment.
Address
Location: Plot 1611 Adeola Hopewell Street, VI, Lagos
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Personal Insight
Laterna Ventures was a serene retreat. The focus on religious texts made it a unique stop, and I appreciated the peaceful atmosphere for browsing.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive collection of religious books | Closed on Sundays |
| Calm and serene environment | Less variety in non-religious genres |
FAQs
Q: Do they offer gift wrapping services?
A: Yes, Laterna Ventures provides gift wrapping services for book purchases.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “A serene place to find inspirational and religious books.” – Funmi A. | 4.5/5 |
| “Great for religious texts, but limited in other genres.” – Lanre C. | 4.1/5 |
8. Ouida Books
Oudida Books publishes African literature, especially contemporary fiction. Readers interested in African literature can find new voices and perspectives here. Ouida Books contributes to the growth of African literature through its thoughtfully curated collection.
Address
Location:Â 3c Oba Dosumu Street Off Isaac John Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos
Hours of Operation
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Personal Insight
Ouida Books felt like a breath of fresh air. The modern design and focus on African authors made it a highlight of my bookstore tour in Lagos.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong focus on contemporary African literature | Closed on Sundays |
| Chic and modern bookstore design | Smaller space compared to others |
FAQs
Q: Do they host book signings?
A: Yes, Ouida Books frequently hosts book signings and literary events.
Reviews and Ratings
| Review | Rating |
|---|---|
| “A must-visit for fans of African literature. The design is modern and inviting.” – Ada E. | 4.7/5 |
| “I love their events and the focus on African authors.” – Kemi I. | 4.5/5 |
In summary
Lagos’ bookstores offer more than just books. From Patabah’s cozy corners to Terra Kulture’s vibrant cultural scene, each store presents a unique cultural experience. If you’re a casual reader or a literary connoisseur, Lagos’s bookstores are sure to captivate and inspire. Bring an extra tote bag for all the literary treasures you’ll discover!
