About Us

In late 2021 Gallovidia Books launched our mission to become the best little new bookshop in Dumfries & Galloway.

Located on St Mary Street in the pretty harbour town of Kirkcudbright, Gallovidia Books is simply a bookshop for the book lovers. Owned by the bibliophile husband and wife team of Stewart and Elizabeth Parsons with a combined 40 years’ experience of libraries, arts, and live cultural events. Gallovidia Books will seek to create a friendly home - from - home for readers who are keen to escape into their next favourite new book.

Gallovidia Books invites the local community to celebrate the owners' immense joy in reading for pleasure, share their passion for the power of literacy, and enjoy the blether of recommending books to those who also love good books.

But, mainly, it’s just a really great place to buy good books and connect with other readers Find us at 75 St Mary Street, on the corner of Gladstone Street and close to the Dark Space Planetarium. There is street parking all around the shop and free parking in the car park in the centre of town. And when you've had your fill of books, be sure to visit all the other amazing independent shops and galleries in Kirkcudbright https://www.kirkcudbright.town/

Where is Gallovidia Books?

Find us at 75 St Mary Street, on the corner of Gladstone Street and close to the Dark Space Planetarium. There is street parking all around the shop and free parking in the car park in the centre of town. And when you've had your fill of books, be sure to visit all the other amazing independent shops and galleries in Kirkcudbright https://www.kirkcudbright.town/

Can I order a book with you?

Yes! If we don't have a particular book in stock we can usually source it from our suppliers within 24 hours. If it's a new release you can pre order it with us and we'll let you know the second it arrives! If you live within ten miles of the shop we'll even deliver it for you. Our book ordering service can be found here.

Is the shop accessible?

Our store is tiny but we do our best to keep it uncluttered and accessible. At busy times it might be difficult to have more than one pram or buggy in at a time. If there's anything our team can do to support any specific access needs just let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

I'm an author. How do I get my book onto your shelves?

Please email us with your proposal. It gives us time to think about your proposal; it gives us time to chat to our colleagues, and it gives the opportunity to deal with the request within our normal day.

If you do decide to show us the book in person, please don’t visit unannounced. It’s beneficial instead to email ahead so we can arrange a quick appointment for you with the appropriate buyer at a time that works with the shop diary. There's more information and advice here

Are you dog friendly?

We are indeed a dog's best bookshop friend - ask for biscuits and water should a bookish refuel be required. For your dog, not you, that is. All we ask is that you keep a close eye on your four legged friend and watch out for any accidents....

How do I find out about and sign up for your events?

Follow our social media posts and sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about author signings, spoken word shows and special celebratory events.

Are your books listed online?

Our stock is rapidly changing to accommodate new releases so we don't have every title listed. However every title you can dream of can be easily found and ordered on our online platform

here

Will you be able to recommend new authors to read based on what I already like?

You could live three lifetimes and maybe still not get through all the books that will be recommended your way such are the galaxies of writers who can be cross referenced and bundled together as 'something similar to'. If we don't have a title in stock, we will endeavour to have it on your doorstep within the week. Please recommend something we won't be able to put down, too.

And finally, why on EARTH did you open an independent bookshop in 2021?

If you listened to some people, there is NEVER a good time to open a bookshop given the omnipresence of you-know-who however here at Gallovidia Books we are keen to give you a friendly, home-from-home, human experience with other real life book lovers who want to connect with you . Bookselling and book-buying with heart and authenticity in a beautiful town where your custom truly counts - and we promise not to spend your money on vanity trips to space......