English Books In Ba

[dmpoles]

I love to read and I am moving to BA in December. Is it realistic to find a library and or book store in BA that sells English written books? Thanks.

Dave

 

[mjohnstone]

Some book stores will have an english "pocket book" section (El Ateneo - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Ateneo -, La Boutique del Libro -http://www.boutiquedellibro.com.ar/ ).
Kel (http://www.kelediciones.com/) has a wider selection even though they probably focus more on teaching/school material.
Walrus - http://www.walrus-books.com.ar/ - in San Telmo is probably your best bet for new, used and book exchange.

 

[JoeGillis]

Dave, there are limited English language book stores in BA. The most notable is KEL, with several locations throughout Greater Buenos Aires, but due to import hassles (not so much restrictions), their stock is not quite up to what it was several years ago. I find it much too limiting. However, there is a wonderful English language book store in the San Telmo barrio, WALRUS BOOKS. Most of the books are used but in very good condition, and the store has a splendid selection, particularly for avid readers. Very often I have been pleasantly surprised at what can be found at Walrus. Try it and enjoy!

 

[Rich One]

Avenida Santa Fe and Pueyrredon next to the subte entrance, a huge used bookstore with English section $20 pesos for some books!! El Ateneo is for the Rich

 

[nledec]

Kel is a nice bookstore, and I've been able to find a lot there. Same goes for Walrus.
However, if you are a big reader your best bet is to go ahead and get a Kindle or similar. Nothing is as nice as holding a real book, but an electronic device is going to ensure your best access to material. Just depends on how much of a priority it is for you.

 

[Vagrant Violet]

I would have gone mad long ago if I had not had my e-reader. In terms of convenience, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread for me. The previous comments are correct about absurd and impossible importation restrictions, and the mail system here is a lottery that I woudln't count on.

Bookstores like KEL are alright, but they are super expensive, and don't always have a lot to choose from (a kind of limited and random selection). However, if you do ever want/need a paper book in BsAs, there is a guy who has his own used bookstore in Belgrano, called "The Book Cellar," which I highly recommend... Good variety of books and they are very reasonably priced. Definitely worth checking out!

(http://www.bookcellarbsas.com/)

 

[ajoknoblauch]

Walrus in San Telmo is small, but still has a good selection and the owner is super-simpático.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

BA is for book lovers. Lots of second hand book stores. Almost all of them have a small English language section. Been to the one on Avenida Santa Fe and Pueyrredon next to the subte entrance, huge English language books. They have a cat name Romeo. Great bookstore.

 

[mellowshipslinky]

I'd second the e-reader option , and if you can get digital subscriptions to magazines back home also you should, they're impossible to find here

There's an english book stall in alto palermo, bottom level...."English Books for Everyone" or something like that? seem to have a pretty good range, not sure on pricing

 

[cbonanni]

I am a voracious reader , and have a huge collection home in the states. It got to be a big problem hauling books down here and searching for new , interesting reads. My son bought me a Barnes & Noble Nook for Christmas. I love it ! I really resisted , but now , I am sold .

Regarding Walrus , Nice chaps good selection. I took some books in to exchange , which they do , but felt I did not get such a bargain. It is like a walk back in time. You see books you read years ago. Plus , I live in Zona Norte. There are some stores with English book sections , and a full on English book store at the DOT mall , but again , selection leaves a little to be desired.

As for old books , there are lots of places with them. The antique market at Barrancas station on the train della costa is a good choice. Lots of English speaking ex pats out here in the burbs.