How to Buy Books in Hay-on-Wye

Situated on the Welsh and English border, Hay-on-wye can be a little confused about its identity. However, where there is confusion there is culture and this town is not only home to over 35 major bookshops, but also holds an annual literature festival Bill Clinton described as "the Woodstock of the mind." Basically Hay-on-wye is haven for book lovers and the following steps will help you buy the books you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get to Hay-on-Wye. Trains to Hay-on-Wye are serviced by Builth station on the Welsh side and Hereford station on the English side. Unfortunately they are both 20 miles from the town. The best option is to drive as Hay-on-Wye has plentiful parking.
2. Look at a list of the Hay-on-Wye bookshops and see what is available. The link to the Hay-on-wye website (see Resources below) has all 41 book shops with contact numbers and links.
3. Go to one of the festivals. There are two book festivals in Hay-on-Wye, the Guardian Hay festival and the Winter festival. It is here you can listen to readings, and talk to like minded people who will be able to give you ideas on what books to buy.
4. Search for antique books. Many of the bookshops are antiquarian and perfect for book collectors. To find something good you need to give yourself time to wander.