Two old book stores for English readers
Sports books at Halpers Once you are in Tel Aviv, you will quickly realize that you can get by with English alone. Many restaurants have English menus, hotels have a large number of English speakers and there is always someone who can translate for you. But when it comes to books and magazines the story is a little bit fuzzy. Most of the large chains, Steimatzky, Pinat Ha'sefer (Book Corner) and alike have an English section. While it's usually the largest foreign language section, it's mostly dominated by current paperbacks (for Danielle Steele and Crinchon fans, go there). But there are other alternatives, and for me, they are actually much better. There are two good used English bookstores in good locations. The first is Halper's bookstore on 87 Allemby (in the back of the building) Tel: 03-62-99-710. Halper is a quiet and incredibly knowledgeable book seller. Apparently he has been in this location for a long time and has a very wide selection of books. Most of the store is in English. You can find here not only the current paperback in almost new condition, but also everything from Art to Zoology. A large section of history, politics, biographies and even business and economy. He also has sections on art and literature with many great old classic books. Halper's seem like an old library, except you can buy all the books. Being mostly in English, this is an Anglo-Saxon bibliophile's hidden garden -- come and browse for a while...
Paperbacks at Book Boutique There is another store for English readers, the Book Boutique, at the north end of Dizengoff street at 190 (at the back of a building's arcade) Tel: 03-527-4327. This store is virtually all paperback. It covers mostly popular fiction and I mean... COVERS IT WELL. You will find books of just about any style and genre you can imagine. If you are a novel, mystery or historical fiction this is your place. Most of the books are 1/2 price with some in the very low range (I bought an excellent condition Clancy for 11 shekels). The popular titles are usually in great shape and are very cheap.
Both stores and other used book stores in Tel Aviv will also exchange. If you are a regular, you will get a fairly good exchange rate. There are lots of other book stores in Tel Aviv, but these two are the ones I would recommend to English readers.
Editor's note: See Tel Aviv 4 Fun book shops page, with interesting reviews. See IsraEmploy article (originally in Ha'aretz) good story!
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