"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." — George R.R. Martin
We are an independent bookshop in Canberra that hand-picks every title on our shelves. No algorithms, no bestseller lists — just stories worth your time.
Find your next favourite read
What we carry
Every book on our shelves has been read, discussed, and championed by our team. We organise our stock not by genre alone but by the feeling a book leaves behind. Here are a few of the collections our readers return to most often.
Character-driven novels that linger long after the last page. We favour debut voices, translated works, and stories set in landscapes most readers have never visited. Our shelves rotate monthly, so there is always something unexpected waiting for you.
First editions, signed copies, and out-of-print treasures sourced from estate sales, auctions, and fellow collectors across Australia. Each rare book comes with a provenance card detailing its history and condition. We also accept consignments if you have a collection to rehome.
Board books for tiny hands, illustrated chapter books for newly independent readers, and young-adult novels that adults secretly devour. We host weekly story-time sessions every Saturday morning and maintain a recommended-reading list for each age group from zero to sixteen.
Narrative non-fiction, memoir, natural history, and cultural commentary rooted in the Australian experience. We are especially proud of our collection of First Nations voices and regional histories that rarely make it into chain bookstores.
Your reading journey
Whether you visit us in person or browse from home, we have designed every step to feel personal. Here is how a typical experience unfolds when you come to Encompass Books.
Walk in or send us a message describing the last book that kept you up past midnight. We listen carefully — mood, pace, setting, and themes all matter more than genre labels.
Our booksellers pull three to five titles from the shelves (or the stockroom) that match your reading temperament. No pressure to buy — we genuinely enjoy the matchmaking.
Take your book home, savour it, and come back to tell us what you thought. Your feedback helps us refine future recommendations and keeps our community conversations alive.
Every month we run themed reading circles — from speculative fiction to memoir — where readers gather over tea and biscuits to discuss a shared title. It is the best part of what we do.
What others say
Encompass Books is doing something rare in Australian retail: treating every customer like a friend who just asked for a recommendation at a dinner party.The Canberra Times, 2024
Their rare-book room alone is worth the trip to East Connor. We found a signed first edition of Cloudstreet tucked between two poetry chapbooks.Good Weekend Magazine, 2023
A bookshop that remembers what you read last time and has already set aside something new for you. That kind of care cannot be replicated online.ABC Radio Canberra, 2024
Common questions
Yes. We ship to all Australian states and territories via Australia Post, and we can arrange international shipping for rare and antiquarian titles. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Most domestic orders arrive within three to five business days.
Absolutely. We have accounts with major Australian distributors and can usually source any in-print title within a week. For out-of-print books, we tap into our network of collectors and secondhand dealers. Just send us the title and author and we will do the legwork.
Each circle runs for one calendar month. We announce the chosen title on the first of the month, and you have four weeks to read it at your own pace. On the last Thursday evening we gather in the shop for a relaxed discussion over tea. There is no fee — just bring your copy and your thoughts.
We selectively purchase secondhand books in good condition, particularly Australian literature, poetry, and non-fiction. Bring your books in during trading hours and our team will assess them on the spot. We offer store credit or, for larger collections, a cash offer.
We are open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm. We close on Mondays and public holidays. During the Canberra winter we sometimes extend our Saturday hours for evening author events — check our noticeboard or drop us a line for the latest schedule.
We love hosting book launches, poetry readings, and small literary gatherings. Our space comfortably seats thirty people and we provide tea, coffee, and a sound system. Get in touch with details about your event and we will put together a plan that works for everyone.
Get in touch
9314 Jake Knoll, East Connor, ACT 7216, Australia
We respond to every message within one business day. If your enquiry is about a rare book, include the title, author, and any edition details you have — it helps us search faster.
