Discover Lost Books Cebu, a hidden gem for digital nomads and book lovers. Get to know Cebu City’s newest literary haven.
Finding a used bookstore is like finding a hidden treasure box. I found Lost Books Cebu smack dab in the heart of Cebu. Here, the sound of pages flipping reminds me that some of the best stories aren’t on Tiktok.
Lost Books is set up on the first floor of the CAO Mercado Building on Osmeña Boulevard. A flâneur might miss it because of the unassuming facade. But I’m sure you’ll go back many times once you know it’s there.
This place looks and feels less like a store and more like the living room of a bookish friend. It has warm lighting, wooden shelves, and the subtle smell of old paper, which, let’s not kid ourselves, every book lover quietly loves.
Open 10:00 AM to 7:00PM daily except Thursdays
Address: GF, CAO Mercado Bldg, Osmeña Blvd, Capitol Site, Cebu City (Across Cebu Doctors University Hospital)
Events, Meetups, and More at Lost Books
It was by happenstance that I first learned about Josua Cabrera—while looking through a colouring story book titled Maria Cacao at Lost Books Cebu. I picked it up because of its peculiar cover. I was admiring the artwork when the store clerk blurted, “You know, one of Cebu’s local artists did the sketches on that one,” pointing to the smiling man next to me.
What I was holding was both timeless and local—a marriage of legend and art. The experience was a personal introduction to Cebuano culture. I couldn’t help but think about how Lost Books could offer similar events, like art meetups or author signings, where digital nomads like me could meet creatives in the area.
What makes Lost Books so special is that it’s not just about the books. It’s about building a community—a spot where people can share art, stories, and ideas. You never know when you’ll be standing next to someone who loves dystopian fiction or Joan Didion’s prose as much as you do.
The little room makes it even more intimate. Someone across from you might strike a conversation, and before you know it, you’re exchanging book suggestions that may or may not spark a debate on the pros and cons of paperback vs. Kindle. Walking into a bookstore that doesn’t feel like a business deal is a nice change of pace.
In addition to its collection of gently used books, Lost Books also offers a 250-peso membership that grants unlimited monthly book borrowing, albeit one at a time. It’s a great way to rein in your screen time and get back to reading. This membership gives you access to endless stories without the extra baggage (literally), so if you’re a traveller who can’t bring enough books, this is the perfect solution.
Making the Most of Your Visit to Lost Books
See Lost Books first thing in the morning or in the middle of the afternoon if you’re an introvert like me. The store is a nice place to be between 10 a.m. and noon. Picture yourself reading an old, dog-eared book in a corner while the smell of old paper fills the room.
However, if you’d rather be social and want to pass around brain candy, visit around 3 or 4 p.m., when the place is busier. You can also browse between meetings or after getting coffee, especially if you work nearby.
Lost Books is not too far from a co-working space. You can easily drop by before, after, or in between work.
Start at Produktiv (2F, Revilles Building), which is a whisker away from Lost Books. For a more laid-back vibe, go to The Workplace Cafe (Raintree Mall, F. Ramos St.). It has both public and private seats, so you can either talk to other people or hide behind your computer. Nomads Hub is also a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Nest Workspaces (Basement 1, Horizons 101 Condominium) has comfortable chairs and a quiet place where you can get to work or read your latest Lost Books find. Functionality and comfort come together at Huddle Coworking Space (Velez Medical Arts Building), which makes it easy to finish a task or read a chapter.
Finding the Perfect Pre-Loved Book
The best things in life can’t be rushed, like browsing through a used bookstore. There’s a method to the madness. There’s no particular book you’re looking for, but you end up finding a secret gem that feels like it’s been waiting for you the whole time. It’s like travelling: you have a general idea of what you want to do, but the side trips are what you remember the most.
I once found a flawless copy of The Little Prince buried between a big economics textbook and a 90s science fiction. Who would have thought?
Used book shops like Lost Books Cebu are great for spontaneous discoveries that search engines can’t deliver. There’s a certain satisfaction in finding a rare book that no one else can find at a typical bookstore. It could be a poetry collection that is no longer in print or the original edition of a book that changed the course of literature.
If you only go to bookstore chains, you’ll read the same books everyone else is reading. Lost Books, on the other hand, is a place where you can find lost treasures. You might find a limited edition illustrated Pride and Prejudice on one of the shelves! 😉
Parting Thoughts
Stepping out of Lost Books Cebu, I remembered the words of Jorge Luis Borges: “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” This cosy spot is more than just a bookstore; it’s a place where stories and treasures can be found.
Don’t miss out on other local gems. Check out my musings on whether Nanay Eustiquia is A Digital Nomad’s Little Paradise or Nightmare and discover the Surprising Reasons Digital Nomads Love Bantayan Island in Cebu.
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