Jason Books

Jason is a staple on the book circuit of any Auckland book lover. It’s slightly tricky to find, but once you get inside, you know you’re in good company.
The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable, not only about their stock but about books in general, and are more than willing to help. They also have extremely high tolerance for those of us who insist on making an art out of browsing.
One thing that’s really great about Jason is the involvement of the staff in the world of books outside the shop. This year, for instance, one of their rare book specialists is giving a special talk about book valuation at the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival.
Also, the shop is really well organised and they have an impressive selection of New Zealandy stuff.

Jason Books is a wonderful rare and second-​hand bookstore tucked away in an underground shop along O’Connell St. Many of the second-​hand books are in immaculate condition and at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay full price, which is great news if you are a penniless book lover like me. The books at Jason’s provide an easy-​to-​navigate selection of more alternative reading, with many authors and book types you would not find in mainstream chain bookstores, and they are all organised in logical categories around the shop (which sometimes is a rarity in second-​hand book stores). I could spend hours navigating this well-​organised literary treasure trove and chatting to the well-​read staff members about book recommendations, however there always comes a time where I have to snap back to reality and emerge from this peaceful underground refuge.

I Love everything about this place; probably because I’m addicted to books, but who isn’t? Jason Books has some really great old and new books, and most of them are fairly cheap. Most of the books are in good condition too. It’s hard not to find a bargain here. Why pay a ridiculous amount for new books and textbooks? Don’t do it I say!
The location of the store is a bit out of the way, down a few side streets and a few wrong turns later you’ll find it. Best to check a map first. I used to come here when I was studying as it had many books that I required for university, such as textbooks and other works you might need. Warning: You’ll probably end up buying stuff you don’t need/​can’t really afford as well.