Quixotic Books

Quixotic Books Quixotic Books is an indie bookstore specializing in titles difficult to find offered in Australia. We sell remainder books, but what are they?

Quixotic Books is an independent bookstore owned and operated by Toby Wools-Cobb, specializing in remainder books rarely found in Australia and historical fiction & non-fiction. Well, when a new title is published the publisher can only guess how many copies are going to sell in a given country and more often than not they print too many. The title may be incredibly popular and sell-out at a books

tore and so they order more, but eventually a title’s opportunity to sell in any given store will be exhausted (e.g. Barrack Obama: A Promised Land) and copies begin to take up valuable real-estate on the shelves. When this happens, bookstores are able to pack up any remaining copies and send them back to the publisher for a refund. This may happen for many bookstores and suddenly the publisher finds themselves with a lot of returned books. Generally, they have two options – either destroy the books to free up warehouse space or resell them at a discounted price. It’s fantastic when they choose the latter because it means we at Quixotic Books can not only afford to bring them from overseas to Australia but also pass on the savings to you! Each book has been personally selected from catalogues of tens of thousands of titles from around the world to come to Tasmania. It’s a big wide world of literature out there, but we see so little despite the online world as most outlets are champing at the latest thing. Remaindered books are a fantastic way to expand your reading oeuvre as they're often niche titles which have slipped passed the eyes of stores all stocking the same bestseller. There’s a catch though; publishers mark these books with a black or red pen along the base of the book to indicate the book’s status as being ‘remaindered’. If you can suffer this sacrilege, then you’ll find yourself in good company.

Did you know we offer a Book Finder Service?We specialise in tracking down hard-to-find books. Usually out-of-print titl...
30/05/2026

Did you know we offer a Book Finder Service?

We specialise in tracking down hard-to-find books. Usually out-of-print titles you've searched yourself but hit a brick wall.

Doesn't have to be rare expensive books. In fact, we're often looking for books that have quietly slipped under the radar and become surprisingly scarce. You may not even know the title or author - we can help with that too.

Simply fill out our online Book Finder Form or pop into the shop for a chat. If we can't locate your book straight away, we'll add it to our Long List and keep an eye out over the coming months.

Toby has been running our Book Finder Service for more than five years, continually learning new tricks and developing new sources to track down unusual books. Our clients range from local Tasmanians to readers across Australia, with the occasional request from overseas.

| Book Finder Service | I specialize in finding books you cannot find, kind of like a detective for books. Whether it’s an out-of-print, niche title, or a book you half-remember, let me find it for you.Statement of transparency:I charge a fee for my time researching, sourcing and handling a book i...

It's been a busy few weeks for Quixotic Books.We've said goodbye to our hidden spot upstairs in Brisbane Street we've lo...
27/05/2026

It's been a busy few weeks for Quixotic Books.

We've said goodbye to our hidden spot upstairs in Brisbane Street we've loved for 5 years and moved to 108 George Street.

There's still much to do; furniture to rearrange and books to unpack. We've tried to keep the same comfy vibe people love so much about Quixotic. We'll continue the soft jazz, the homely library feel, the book banter.

The increased foot traffic has been fantastic. So many people popping in for their first visit to Quixotic. Great to have easy parking just outside the door for customers too, and some amazing neighbours.

Pop in and check out the new space!

22/05/2026
We're going to continue the Quixotic Book sale in our new location for the rest of the financial year!Buy 4 books and ge...
20/05/2026

We're going to continue the Quixotic Book sale in our new location for the rest of the financial year!

Buy 4 books and get 50% off the lowest priced book.

Come check out the new digs at 108 George Street, nestled between Samuel Pepy's Cafe and Paddy Pallin!

Happy reading!

First day in the location - 108 George Street Launceston
14/05/2026

First day in the location - 108 George Street Launceston

Bookshop move complete!Our doors open tomorrow Friday 15th from 10:00 until 5:00.You’ll find us at 108 George Street, ne...
14/05/2026

Bookshop move complete!

Our doors open tomorrow Friday 15th from 10:00 until 5:00.

You’ll find us at 108 George Street, nestled between Samuel Pepys Café and Paddy Pallin.

For familiar faces, it’s only a short three-minute walk from our old bookshop location. No stairs, and coffee nearby! For new faces, come and discover what we’ve kept hidden away in Launceston for the past five years.

The bookcases are built and the shelves filled. Now all that remains is to welcome readers into the new space.

Happy reading!

Last day at 109 Brisbane Street before we pack up stock and move to our new premises at 108 George Street.We'll be open ...
09/05/2026

Last day at 109 Brisbane Street before we pack up stock and move to our new premises at 108 George Street.

We'll be open until 4:00 today.

Last day at 109 Brisbane Street this Saturday 9th May!We're moving to 108 George Street, nestled between Samuel Pepy's C...
06/05/2026

Last day at 109 Brisbane Street this Saturday 9th May!

We're moving to 108 George Street, nestled between Samuel Pepy's Cafe and Paddy Pallin.

We'll resume trading in our new location soon!

Pop in and say goodbye to our hidden bookshop before we move!

Wednesday 6th: Open 10:00 - 5:00

Thursday 7th: Closed

Friday 8th: Open 10:00 - 5:00

Saturday 9th: Open 10:00 - 4:00 Last Day!

Happy reading!
Toby and Sam @ Quixotic Books

We're moving!After 5 years in our wonderful space hidden away at 109 Brisbane Street, we’re getting ready to move to a n...
03/05/2026

We're moving!

After 5 years in our wonderful space hidden away at 109 Brisbane Street, we’re getting ready to move to a new home. This next step means more room, new possibilities, and the same carefully curated shelves you know and love.

New Location: 108 George Street
Opening: Late May

We’ll share more details soon, but for now, thank you. Your support has brought us to this next chapter, and we can’t wait to welcome you in.

Toby and Sam @ Quixotic Books

Address

108 George Street
Launceston, TAS
7250

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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