Whether you’re looking for a life-affirming read to enjoy this summer or the perfect present for a bookworm, here are a few of the best local bookshops for browsing in south west London

1 Clapham Books
 Located next to Clapham Common, this independent shop stocks a hand-picked selection of fiction, children’s and art books. Look out for regular events and talks with local authors as well as picture book storytime sessions for the little ones.
26 The Pavement, Clapham Common SW4 0JA; 020 7627 2797; claphambooks.com

2 Hurlingham Books
 This award-winning store has been a favourite with Fulham locals since it first opened in 1968. It might be small in size, but Hurlingham Books stocks a wide variety of genres (and keeps over a million books in its warehouse down the road). Can’t find the title you’re looking for? Use the website’s very handy ‘book search service’. Books are also available to purchase online.
91 Fulham High Street, Fulham SW6 3JS; 020 7736 4363; hurlinghambooks.com

3 Barnes Bookshop
 Barnes Bookshop, run by Venetia Vyvyan, who has over 30 years’ experience in bookshops, stocks an impressive collection of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a brilliant range of children’s books (and toys!) for all ages. The website even has a section dedicated to local authors and Barnes’ literary heritage.
60 Church Road, Barnes SW13 0DQ; 020 8741 0786; barnesbookshop.co.uk

4 Sheen Bookshop
 A little book haven on the Upper Richmond Road, Sheen Bookshop embraces the area’s literary heritage and actively promotes its local authors, including journalists Sir Trevor McDonald and Andrew Marr. The owner, Adam Hewson of Hewson Books, also runs Kew Bookshop.
357 Upper Richmond Road, Sheen SW14 7NX; 020 8876 1717; hewsonbooks.co.uk

5 Nomad Books
 You’ll find more than just books at this popular Fulham Road shop. Customers can enjoy coffee and cake from the café, pick up cards and stationery or sign-up to the monthly book club to discuss the latest must-read over a glass of wine.
781 Fulham Road, Fulham SW6 5HA; 020 7736 4000; nomadbooks.co.uk

6 Wimbledon Books
 If you’re spending an afternoon browsing the local shops in Wimbledon village, it’s worth stopping by at this hidden gem. You’ll find the latest bestsellers, along with cards, toys and stationery. If you can’t find what you’re after, order the title online.
40 High Street, Wimbledon SW19 5AU; 020 8879 3101; wimbledonbooks.co.uk

Nomad Books