Olde-World Rare and Old Books at Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookshop
Explore the treasure trove of old books at Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller, based on Collins St, Melbourne. Specialising in old books in very good condition, from rare finds to valuable collections, Kay Craddock caters to book enthusiasts of all kinds.
The shelves are adorned with a diverse collection of rare and old books, each bearing the marks of time and human touch. As you browse, you may chance upon a first edition of a beloved childhood classic or a rare manuscript penned by a renowned author.
Visitors can browse, buy or sell old books in-store, or view the extensive inventory online. If you’re in the area though, it’s really worth a look in this quaint Melbourne bookstore.
>> Head straight to our personal tidbits and accessibility advice for Kay Craddock Old Books
Kay Craddock More Than Just Old Books
For avid book lovers and history enthusiasts alike, a visit to Kay Craddock Antiquarian Bookseller offers a unique opportunity to delve into Melbourne’s rich literary heritage. The collection features works that span various genres, from Australian literature to international classics. And ranging from the 15th to the 21st centuries…
In an age dominated by digital media and e-books, the art of bookmaking and preservation is a testament to the enduring legacy of printed literature. The care and attention to detail that go into curating and preserving these rare and old books are a testament to the passion and dedication of the team at the bookstore.
Browsers are warmly welcomed, and staff members are enthusiastic to provide personal service including for book recommendations.
Before or after your bookshop visit, stop at the Athenaeum Library just a few doors down, for more literary wonders and a table of pre-loved books for just $2 each! Read about our Athenaeum Library visit here.
After a stop at the Athenaeum Library, we went onward to the Old & Rare Bookshop which is only a few doors up from the Athenaeum. Another beautiful old building. However these books are all for sale and the outlay of the shop was quite modern and absolutely beautiful. The books themselves were well worth going in to have a look at. Definitely some very old precious books.
– Terrie
History
Established in 1965, Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller has a rich history spanning over five decades. Starting as a joint venture between Kay Craddock and her parents, the bookshop began with a diverse range of secondhand books, bric-a-brac, and handcrafts.
Over the years, the business thrived, moving to various locations in Melbourne before settling in the prestigious Neo-Gothic Assembly Hall building at 156 Collins Street in 1990.
Today, it is celebrated as one of Australia’s finest bookshops, known for its impressive salon-style setting and welcoming atmosphere.
I was delighted to visit the Rare and Old Books shop, which had some very rare and very expensive books. It was mostly window shopping for me here. They had a section on Melbourne Suburbs with a good copy of Sunshine Calvade, reasonably priced, which I would have bought, but I already have in my history collection.
– Joe
The Bookshop Owls
It’s a bit like stepping into a whimsical world at Kay Craddock’s, with an enchanting collection of owls that adorn the shop.
From small wax candles crafted by Kay’s nieces to thousands of owl figurines gifted by customers and friends, each owl holds a unique story. The bookshop’s policy of neither buying nor selling these owls adds to their mystique, making them a beloved drawcard for visitors.
The owls certainly add to the bookshop’s charm as you go about exploring its many treasures.
I have never really been a book person. Having lived and breathed graphics, particularly maps, my whole working life the only things that grabbed my attention in libraries or bookshops were Atlases or Street Directories.
In my retirement I’ve found time for reading and have been delighted to find that there is something in it, some authors have the artistic skill to paint a picture in your mind… using written words only.
So I was happy when our Seniors-in-Melbourne adventure included a couple of libraries and, this week, a visit to the Old and Rare Bookshop.
Kay Craddock’s antiquarian bookshop in Collins Street is next level. If you love old books this, almost museum-like boutique, is definitely worth a perusal.
Children’s books, poetry, romance and war, first editions in mint condition and rare collectibles from renowned wordsmiths are here to purchase if you desire, or just take your time and breathe in some of book publishing’s history.
Lost in words among the works of old authors I was overjoyed to find our cartographic forefathers were also represented with a display cabinet containing some original antique maps.
Books and maps wedded in an awesome, don’t miss, olde-world experience.
– Chris
Tidbits for visiting Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller
- Open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm;
- Visitors can browse, buy or sell old books in-store;
- Some comfortable seating provided;
- View the extensive inventory online;
- Spot all the owls, there are over 1,000!
- Visit nearby Athenaeum Library, read our review here;
- Limited accessibility as there are steps at the entrance;
- Getting there: Various trams and buses service the area, Flinders St Station is 650 metres away.
Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller
The Assembly Hall Building
156 Collins Street Melbourne, 3000
03 9654 8506
