Bookworms, listen up.
You’ve no doubt got a long list of reads you need to pick up, from the latest BookTok loves to new bestsellers.
But the cost of books is ever rising, with the average RRP of a paperback set to hit £12 this year, according to Nielsen BookData.
And that’s why you need to know about 66 Books, aka a readers’ heaven.
The unassuming warehouse in Hertfordshire is a treasure trove for readers looking to stock up – without breaking the bank.
One of the country’s top wholesalers of books, the warehouse specialises in clearance, remainders and reprints, opening to the public on selected weekends. Typically twice a month, you do need to keep track of the dates online or via Facebook, as the appointed weekends can sometimes change.
To join the monthly book club and gain access to all of these books at a heavily discounted rate, all you have to do is show up.
The warehouse is stacked with rows upon rows of literary delights, ranging from bestsellers to obscure finds – and across a huge variety of genres.
Whether you’re into thrillers, romance, cookbooks or children’s tales, the chances are you’ll leave with a heavy bag of books and a huge smile on your face.
If you’re thinking of organising a trip, there’s a few need to knows. If you’re driving to the warehouse, there’s space to park on site and immediately outside of the gate. However, don’t worry – if you’re without a set of wheels yourself, you can still get your hands on a bargain book or two.
Hop on a Thameslink train to St Albans City and from there it’s a 20 minute bus journey, followed by a 10 minute walk. It’ll take you approximately an hour door-to-door – but, hey, books aren’t cheap.
Upon arrival, you’ll see signs to scan a QR code to sign up to their book club, costing just £2 per year for the entire household. This is the only way you may be permitted to shop in the warehouse – and it can only be done on the appointed weekends, not during the week or online.
Come prepared for a bit of a rummage. The atmosphere is a bit more ‘organised chaos’ than quiet library browsing – but that’s all part of the charm.
You’ll be sifting through stacks of books that are often mixed up, and you might have to do a little digging to find your perfect read. But, given the discounts, the hunt is well worth it.
From paperbacks that usually retail for £8.99 being sold for around £3, to larger hardbacks at even greater discounts, it’s a bargain hunter’s dream.
The last entry time 4pm, with no more sales going through past 6pm.
Book buyers on TikTok also warn of lengthy queues. Keep an eye on the Facebook page as the staff update it with estimated wait times throughout the day so you can monitor when is best to go.
Remember, you’re shopping at a huge discount – so don’t expect a super organised set up like Waterstones or Foyles.
Instead, embrace the thrill of the hunt and dive into this magical, book-filled labyrinth.
It’s certainly got social media into a frenzy with viral videos raking in the comments from avid bookworms.
One user, @carmenxs commented: ‘Such a dream!’ while another cried: ‘I need to be there’.
Other comments were full of questions regarding the organisation of the warehouse, as well as the types of books stocked.
It seems as though your favourite reads won’t be stocked alphabetically as your usual book store might be – but there is a wide range of genres on offer and at great prices that make it totally worth it.
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