About Us
New Look Logo for University Book Shop.
For all booklovers, everywhere.
Something old... Something new! With the move to the 'old' shop into a newly (and beautifully!) refurbished building we've also refurbished our logo. We've kept the striking oak tree which reminds us of our recent brand as well as the special outlook onto the Otago Museum Reserve. We're pleased to share this area with the Otago Museum (est. 1898), the University of Otago (est. 1869), and Dunedin's original Post Office in the HD Skinner Annex (est. 1879). In 1960 moved into our now Category II list heritage building, built in 1910 having trekked just through the intersection from 44 Albay Street where we started in 1945.
Trees, especially oak trees, are a wonderful metaphor for wisdom and learning reminding us of the 'tree of knowledge' presented by French philosopher, Rene Descartes. It matches wonderfully with all the relational areas of knowledge we stock - whether the textbooks in the campus store covering all the areas of learning (as represented by the University's grotesques), or the collection of books for all ages and all tastes in our Great King Street store.
While often mistaken for a shop that only sells textbooks or where you need a link with the University, we truly are a bookshop for everyone, from everywhere! Don't worry, we don't check your degree at the door and love to welcome booklovers old and new whether you have more literary tastes or simply want one of the latest (and raciest) popular reads. We sell books via online and mail-order through the length and breadth of Aotearoa. Our new logo references little acorns and for us this represents how great things grow from small things whether that is knowledge over time or little booklovers enjoying a life of curiosity and lifelong ready.
Haven't been to our store for a while (or even, forever!)? Then come on in for a warm University Book Shop welcome. We have a quirky range of gifts, with both elegant and eclectic stationery and diverse range of chocolate! What more could you need?
University Book Shop - About Us
The University Book Shop started life in 1945 with a committee set up in 1944 to consider the place of a dedicated bookshop serving the needs of the University community, particularly in a society with men returning from war, and a renewed focus on education for both men and women after a period of uncertainty and upheaval.
We are known for our thoughtfully chosen selection of books, and our support for contemporary New Zealand authors.
The University Book Shop has something for everyone and meets the specialised needs of students and academics. We are also experts at sourcing books – so if you’re finding it hard to track something down then we would love to hear from you!
Our popular book launches and events celebrate international and New Zealand authors.
Our much-loved Children’s Room helps even the littlest booklovers discover the magic of reading. We host a free story-time on The Magic Carpet every Friday and Saturday at 10.30am.
Textbooks are an important part of what we do, resulting in some unbeatable collections covering Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy, the Sciences, Law, Commerce and the Humanities.
Our range of books includes contemporary literature and non-fiction, new releases, popular science, and the great works of literature. Our children’s and young adult sections continue to grow and we’re widely known for our leisure and lifestyle books including cook books, interior design, architecture, music and film (among many others!).
University Book Shop: one of New Zealand’s oldest and largest independent bookshops, and proud to be a part of Dunedin’s special UNESCO City of Literature status.