A Review of Island Bookstore - Boekhandel
Westerstraat 15, 1015 LT, Amsterdam Netherlands
Set a few canals back from the more touristy center of Amsterdam, this shop has the cozy feel of a quiet neighborhood mainstay, especially since the majority of the shop is in the native language. And located in a neighborhood that is much more inhabited by locals than the throngs of tourists found elsewhere, it’s the kind of bookshop that I’d love to have on my block if I lived in Amsterdam year round (and don’t tempt me with a great idea).
There’s a small section of the bookshop dedicated to English readers, enough to make it worth popping in if you’re nearby, but the bulk of this smaller bookstore is dedicated to books in Dutch, mostly novels, poetry, an array of books about the arts, cooking, gardening, history, magazines, newspapers, literary journals, and more. Book posters and author advertisements adorn the walls, flyers and ads for events tucked in between shelves and pillars. There’s the usual assortment of notebooks, cards, bookmarks, and other bookish gifts. The shop finds a wonderful balance between a small, casual neighborhood shop and the feeling of a bright and bustling shop you’d find in any major European city, well curated and modern while offering an easy-going browsing experience far from the crowds. I love a shop like this, a stone’s throw from a corner café or two, the sound of bike riders peddling by outside, and all the time in the world to putter from shelf to shelf in peace.
Should you find yourself strolling along the Prinsengracht, I highly recommend a visit. Especially if you speak the local language!
Atmosphere — A single, good-sized room with multiple aisles, displays, and levels within the room selling new books in Dutch and English, has a lively look to it while also having a cozy, chill, neighborhood atmosphere.
Quality — The books are new at normal prices.
Quantity — There’s a good stock here, plenty to look through, though being more for locals, there are fewer English options, which is expected.
Diversity — Pretty good mix, lots of novels and poetry, gardening and cooking, new releases and topical books on culture and society, newspapers and magazines, and much more.
Affordability — Perfectly fine prices, as expected for any new bookshop.
Amenities — A couple chairs and plenty of gifts, and there are cafes nearby.
Location — Away from the bigger touristy crowds, this one is right near the western side of the Prinsengracht, very easy to walk to from much of central Amsterdam.
Customer Service — The bookseller there was polite and chatted with a few folks who came in and out.
Overall — A great neighborhood bookstore catering to locals but with enough English book for tourists staying nearby to enjoy. It’s a calm, relaxed bookshop in a great part of Amsterdam. Go live the life of a local and browse if you are in the neighborhood!
