Penny Syber's Books

i visited in 2016, and it was one of the highlights of my first time in melbourne. i think of Penny often and fondly, especially when i look at the books i choose to read.

at the time, i sheepishly told her i was partial to Young Adult fiction, although i was technically no longer in that category. she whipped around sharply and said, "Listen to me. Young Adult includes everyone from Young Adults till Dead. You're not dead yet."

she then chose 5 books for me based on what i like, and let me sit down and read before i picked the one i wanted to buy.

it was a wonderful experience, and i hope Penny is healthy and happy.

great penny good rare books.

The place is filled with books from different times and is an exploration everytime one visits. The owner was very kind and helpful to anyone. The cats were very cute too. Will come back again to browse or purchase more books. Thanks

Can't express how much I love this bookstore and the cats! Happen to pass this bookstore few weeks ago and saw some interesting 'ancient' landscape architecture books, but it was after hours, so went there again for them. Great bargain! Even got the orginal star trek for my friend who's a star war's die-hard fan.

I love coming to the shop for a browse and always tend to leave with an armful of books that are super interesting and that I haven't heard of before. I'm missing it a lot in lockdown but I am very excited to be able to visit again soon and talk to Penny and the cats!! I've also learned that the other shop is close to my own home (Penny is walking distance from my dad's) so maybe I will become a semi-regular customer at both shops if lockdown and budget permits!

Definitely 5 Stars!
Penny and cats are amazing, and off-course best selection of old and rare books in the town!

Huge selection of used books, with a good amount of antique and collectable books. The prices are very fair, normally written inside the cover in pencil (much preferable to sticker prices in my opinion). You may not find the exact book you want, but the gentleman at the counter was able to direct me to their sister store, run by his wife, who did have what I was looking for.

I highly recommend this store. The staff are very polite and helpful. The range of books is excellent and prices are good. The fact that cats are there just makes the store feel more inviting.

Love love love this bookshop. The lady their is always so helpful and knows her stock well. I love the resident cats also. Theres so many books here to look through, give yourself sometime to have a proper look about.

Bought a few political books from this store in good condition at bargain prices. The lady who runs it makes you feel welcome and the resident cats are a bonus. Long may this store continue!

Fantastic second hand bookshop, with the biggest range of sci fi/fantasy books I have seen in my travels. Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Love this bookshop so dearly, and missing it a lot during lockdown. One of my first acts post-covid will be visiting your store, catching up with Penny and the cats, and buying a bucketful of books.

Syber's Books deserve 5 stars for customer service alone. As we all know, mistakes happen, but it's what a business does to rectify the issue that makes all the difference. I was so impressed with their frankness (no making up stories to cover themselves) and immediate response. Highly recommended.

Superb selection of wobderfully rare and interesting book and literature. Massive stock, with more that can be retrieved from another warehouse location. Friendly, proffessional, witty and 100% care taken with each snd every individual item. Fast follow up and world of recommendations should you need one.

Great books, great service, great prices. If you go to browse, allow yourself some time

An absolute gem. I can easily spend hours there. Wonderful place with a great selection of books, friendly owner and lovely cats 🌸

Second fantastic dealing with Penny, went above and beyond to fish out a series of books from storage and have them there for me on a Sunday afternoon, I have a new favourite place to visit for literature now I think!

A magical place! I did not want to leave once I stepped in. I was greeted by books, soothing music, incense, stunning cats and a knowledgeable lady who was most helpful.

Lovely atmosphere, amazing books

Top Service from Penny!! Outstanding!!! Unfortunately David Passed Away, but Penny Carries the Olympic Torch on Behalf of David and Continues To give a 1st Rate Performance!!!!