66 Books is the discounted books warehouse in Hertfordshire that, if you’re on BookTok, you’ve probably heard about. And for good reason, with shelves and shelves of books, all around 70% off. I’ve been twice, and it really is worth the trip. But if you are making a long drive, there are a few things you should know first.
Let’s start with the most important thing: this is a working warehouse, not a walk-in shop.
It’s only open to the public on select weekends for their Monthly Book Club events. Outside of those dates, it is closed. It might sound obvious, but people have turned up on weekdays thinking they could just pop in since a lot of the TikTok videos don’t make that part clear. So be sure to check the opening dates on the 66 Books website and updates on their Facebook page.
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What is the 66 Book Club?
Despite the name, it’s not a club at all. It’s simply the warehouse where discount bookseller 66 Books opens its doors to the public two weekends a month to buy and browse shelves full of new and nearly new books, all around 70% off.
What kind of books are there?
It’s best to go with an open mind as there is genuinely plenty of choice. Two full warehouse floors packed with books, and if you’re into fiction you will be spoiled for choice, especially with paperbacks. But there is also loads of non-fiction like coffee table books, cookbooks, gardening, fashion, wellbeing, art, and more. You will not find the latest trending releases or academic books, but if you enjoy a good browse, you will almost definitely leave with something you are excited to read.
How 66 Books works
The warehouse opens (only on monthly book club dates) at 8am, and the last sale is at 6pm.
Membership costs £2 for the whole year, and that covers your whole household. You sign up on the day using a QR code before you go in. There is no booking system, you just turn up and join the queue. If the queue gets too long, they may have to turn people away, especially close to closing time, but they are really good at keeping everyone updated.
You should expect to queue for a good few hours, especially now that it has gone viral on TikTok. On both of my visits, there was a coffee van outside, and you could use the toilets even while waiting. There is no shelter though, so bring an umbrella and maybe a fold-up chair if you have one.
The warehouse is spread over two floors, and you start upstairs. They say it adds up to five miles of books, and since we spent around two and a half hours inside, I believe them! They give you baskets to use while browsing and boxes to carry your books after purchasing, but I would recommend bringing a suitcase if you are planning a big haul.
On my first visit, I bought 15 books for £52.67 — the full price total would have been £168.94.
When to Arrive at 66 Books
I first visited 66 books on Saturday, 3rd August 2024. We arrived around 08:30am ready for the 9am opening time and even then struggled to find a car parking spot. We queued for around 3.5 hours, eventually gaining access just before 1pm. I’m due for a second visit on Sunday 25 July 2025 and will update post-visit.
Getting there (and parking)
The warehouse is based on an industrial estate, down a narrow road that also leads to the local recycling centre. Driving all the way down Eastman Way can mean getting stuck behind two separate queues, one for the recycling centre and another for 66 Books.
If you can, get dropped off nearby as early in the morning, it gets busy very quickly. By 8.30am, there is usually already a queue of cars, and parking is limited both on site and around the entrance.
Traffic wardens do patrol the area, including weekends. We found this out the hard way when we parked on a grass verge the first time and got a ticket. The good news is that 66 Books post regular updates about the pedestrian queue on their Facebook page during each book club weekend, so it is worth checking before you head over.
My honest thoughts
I’ve now been twice, and I’ll absolutely go again. Prices are brilliant, staff are friendly, and it’s a wholesome way to spend a day.
Top Tips
- Wear comfy shoes — between the queue and the browsing, you’ll be on your feet a long time
- Dress for the weather — the queue is outdoors and completely exposed
- Go with an open mind — this isn’t a Waterstones. You won’t find everything, but you’ll probably find something
- Bring a suitcase or sturdy bag — the boxes help, but carrying them to the car is no joke
- Always check the 66 Books website for open dates and updates before you travel
Refreshments van at 66 Books
