Culture

English language bookshops in Rome

03 Oct, 2019

Rome has a handful of bookshops stocking exclusively English language titles, in addition to larger Italian stores with small sections dedicated to books in English and other languages. Here is our list of the main bookshops, together with a library, which offer a range of books in English, from antique to brand new.

Almost Corner

The Almost Corner Bookshop in Trastevere has a wide selection of fiction works and also carries books on Roman history, art, archaeology, and many other subjects.

Via del Moro 45, tel. 065836942.

Anglo American

Centrally located near the Spanish steps, the Anglo American Bookshop carries exclusively books in English, but upon request can order books in other languages.

Via della Vite 102, tel. 066795222, website.

Open Door

The Open Door Bookshop is a small shop that specialises in buying and selling quality second-hand and antique books in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish, but also carries some new books.

Via della Lungaretta 23, tel. 065896478, website.

Otherwise

Rome's newest independent English-language bookshop stocks North American editions of novels, non-fiction titles, essay collections, and literary journals in English, in addition to hosting cultural events.

Via del Governo Vecchio 80, 066879825, website.

St Patrick's English-language lending library

Although not a bookshop, the 600 books in this library are exclusively English-language and categories include fiction, biography, history, travel and art. The library has been in existence for 60 years and can be found at St Patrick's Catholic American parish near Via Veneto. For details see website.

Via Boncompagni 31, website.

St Patrick's English-language lending library

The little reader

This children's English bookshop in the Esquilino area of Rome stocks books from babies to teens in English and Italian. It also has a cafe and garden and offers a regular programme of literary events and activities for children in English. For details see website.

The little reader, Via Conte Verde 66b, tel. 0687784678, website.

There are other bookshops in Rome that carry small selections of books in English as well as other foreign languages. For full list, including Rome's libraries, see Wanted in Rome's Yellow Pages listings.