As the Internet has permeated our lives, countless people have shifted their reading habits from a book to reading Facebook updates, Tweets and other social media. However, reading a good novel or a substantial magazine article can benefit you in many ways. From stimulating your mind to reducing your stress levels, expanding your vocabulary and knowledge and improving your focus and concentration, there's no better way of broadening your mind with the help of a book. And with a vast variety of literary genres on hand for you to select, there really is no excuse for not finding something that interests you.

What book genres can you find at book shops in Malta?

Local bookshops are filled with all kinds of books, a feast on the eyes for the avid reader or for the individual who would like to rekindle their reading habits. The most popular genres include fiction and non-fiction, however, each is divided into other subcategories. For instance, other common non-fiction genres consist of biographies and memoirs, self-help books, essays and speeches to name a few, whereas fiction categories include crime and detective, fantasy, horror, humour and many more. Melitensia which generally focuses on the history, culture and traditions of the Maltese Islands are also in demand. Speaking of Melitensia and the Maltese language, here are some English words that became Maltese and vice versa. 

Other books deal with cooking, health and fitness, war and military and nature. Coffee-table books, known for being large and lavishly illustrated, primarily intended for casual reading have become increasingly popular. In addition, children's books are also on hand, with these ranging from your baby's first board books to your teen's favourite novels, right through exam study guides.

Books in both Maltese and English are widely available, whilst books in other foreign languages are also popular. Typically, bookstores also serve as newsagents, having available all major Maltese newspapers, along with other selected titles from across Europe, most notably the UK, France and Germany. The same applies to magazines and comics.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Worry not. Most stores can order any book on your behalf irrespective of whether it is an item that has simply run out of stock or whether it is a product that they do not usually have available. Here are 5 tips on creating the ultimate summer reading list. 

Buy Books Online

As more people are favouring shopping online as opposed to spending time visiting a local store and selecting books off the shelf, more and more bookshops are now offering their products for sale via their websites. All you need to do is simply visit the website, add the books of your choice to your cart and pay. You may also have the option to collect your books in store or to have them delivered to you within a few days' time. Delivery will usually take longer for books that have to be placed on order due to non-availability. Alternatively, some shops may accept an email of your order which they will prepare for you. Delivery is usually free of charge when spending over a specific amount.

Promotions and Special Offers

Periodically, bookshops have special offers and discounts on certain products, whilst promotions can be seasonal or related to specific celebrations such as Mother's Day or Valentine's. Some establishments carry out special events whereby a number of new and old titles are discounted at highly affordable prices for a day or two, rendering such events unmissable. Furthermore, many offer special prices on all school textbooks just before the beginning of the new scholastic year.

Promotions and special offers, as well as the various events organised are usually advertised within the store, as well as on bookshops' websites and Facebook page.

More than just books

Did you know that many stores act as one-stop-shops whereby you can find many other products apart from books and magazines? Whether you're sending your kid off to school for the first time or you need to equip your office, stationery items are popular products found in many local stores. From pens, pencils, highlighters and other items such as diaries and storage solutions, books stores are well-stocked, whereas others may sell basic computer peripherals like keyboards and mice. Some may also act as gift stores, selling an array of corporate presents like stress balls, wine glasses, briefcases and greeting cards, together with children's items like board games, jigsaw puzzles and different, age-appropriate flash cards. Depending on how large the establishment is, some shops offer printing and photocopying services and spiral binding, while a few select businesses also do t-shirt printing, mug printing and digital printing for wedding invites, mourning bookmarks, flyers and posters amongst other things.