1. The National Library of Malta, Valletta

The entire history of Malta has been conserved in the National Library of Malta, a research and reference library, whose book-lined stacks offers an impressive number of ancient manuscripts, medieval tomes and more modern audio-visual material. Founded in 1776 by Louis Guérin de Tencin, whose collection of over 9700 books and manuscripts made up a substantial part of the original collection, this Grade 1 National Monument, a neo-classical marvel, was officially inaugurated in 1812, once the French left and the British had firmly established themselves on the island.

The building itself – guarded by a statue of Queen Victoria – is spectacular, with classical columns reflecting the symmetry of the façade and, inside, a grand staircase sweeping up to the upper floors. But, it’s the collections which are the major draw: the full archive of the Order of St John (stemming from their time in Jerusalem in the 1100s), illuminated manuscripts, an early edition of Nostradamus dating back to 1566, and papyrus from the 4th century BC can all be found here, as can an edition of the first local newspaper – Journal de Malte, published in 1798 – and maps dating from the 16th century. 

2. Solo Vinyl and Books, Msida

One of the newer kids on the block, Solo Vinyl and Books in Msida officially opened earlier this year, though its pop-up store – open for just a couple of months - next to the hipster haunt Gugar in Vallettta, imported the vinyl and book concept to the island from Milan, where the first Solo store opened in 2011. Here, you can find an eclectic collection of books: tomes on architecture, graphic novels and even vegan cookbooks line the shelves, just waiting to be picked up and browsed through. The store also offers an array of posters, created by local and international illustrators, as well as – predictably – vinyl records, which are restocked every Tuesday. 

3. Central Public Library, Floriana

When an article in Forbes magazine recently proposed replacing all public libraries in the US with Amazon bookshops, the outcry was deafening, which gives some indication of the high regard these public institutions are held in around the world. In Malta, the Central Public Library – and the 56 public libraries around the island – is also firmly embedded in the affections of many a book lover, with the joys of roaming through the library and browsing the shelves on a Saturday morning still burning bright in their memory. This was the place where they discovered the love of reading.

Today, you can still find anything from graphic novels to new releases, lighter reading to more serious work. And, the library is even forging more inroads to spread a deep passion for the written word through its workshops for kids, as well as talks with local authors. There’s even a child’s play area – just in case you and the rest of the family end up staying there a little bit longer than planned. 

4. Merlin Library, Sliema & Blata l-Bajda

There are some shops which sell books as a side-line – together with racks of magazines and chocolate bars – and there are some who make it their business. This is one of them: a bookshop – under the auspices of Malta’s most notable book publishers - worthy of an afternoon of browsing, new discoveries, familiar friends and new acquaintances. A purveyor of a wide range of award-winning novels, non-fiction and children’s books, this is a definite stop over for anyone who loves the musty smell of a good paperback (how come a book’s aroma seems to reflect the excitement within the pages?), as well as for those looking to instil the same desire into their kids. And, the knowledgeable staff – real book-lovers who know their stock – make it a joy to walk in time after time. 

5. Malta Comics, Sliema

Nestled in one of the backstreets of Sliema – and marked appropriately with the bat symbol – Malta Comics is an Aladdin’s cave of collectibles, comic books, action figures, board games and curios. For years, enthusiastic fans of manga, 1980s British and American cartoons, Marvel comic books and cult magazines gathered here to discuss their favourite characters, discover their latest purchase or just gawp at the impressive line-up of material on some of the most iconic of storylines. Its popularity has continued unabated over the years, and has actually increased in the younger segments of the population due, in no small part, to the immense spate of comic book adaptations Hollywood has been churning out. Oh, and probably thanks to a small show you might have heard of, called Game of Thrones.

6. Meli Bookshop, Valletta

There are very few bookshops on the island where you can truly relish the excitement of finding a treasure you’ve been hankering over for months at a bargain price. Meli's - as it is known - is one of these places. A firmament in the island’s book-reading landscape, and a familiar name to all those who have been given to bookish pursuits, this store is located down a side street to the right of the Law Courts in Valletta, and is more of an institution than a mere purveyor of printed material. The shop itself is jam-packed, bursting at the seams with well-priced classic literature, fiction and non-fiction on stories heralding from these small islands, as well as stacks of popular box sets. So much so, you’ll need some time to browse through their collection, and wait for the call of the book.