The results are in. The inaugural Denizen Everyday Heroes saw thousands of votes cast in support of local businesses, with the aim of shining a light on the people and places whose services we rely upon. So without further ado, celebrate the best independent bookstores Auckland city has to offer, as voted by you.

1. MOST VOTED: Unity Books, Auckland CBD
Where would we be without Unity Books? The High Street bookstore is the inner-city go-to for both volumes to add to own own bookshelves and gifts. While you’ll usually find all the latest and greatest releases there, the Unity Books team excels at special orders and can import odd, mysterious titles from across oceans just for you.

2. HONOURABLE MENTION: Time Out Bookstore, Mt Eden
This bibliophile’s haven is situated in the heart of Mt Eden Village, and what makes it so special is its dynamic team of award-winning staff, hand-selected for their passion and knowledge. With an upstairs room available for book clubs and literary events, Time Out Bookstore is truly a gem for book-lovers everywhere.

3. HONOURABLE MENTION: The Women’s Bookshop, Ponsonby
Ponsonby Road is lucky to be home to The Women’s Bookshop, where the team’s purpose has always been to promote women’s writing and to provide books reflecting women’s diverse lives and interests. Having become, in recent years, one of New Zealand’s leading specialists in therapy and counselling books, and with a welcome customer base of men as well, The Women’s Bookshop is a community hub and resource, providing an inviting space for all.

4. Hard to Find Books, Eden Terrace

5. Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop, Ponsonby

6. Dear Reader, Grey Lynn

7. Arcadia Bookshop, Newmarket

8. Novel, Herne Bay

9. Dominion Books, Herne Bay

10. Jason Books, Auckland CBD

11. Booklover, Milford

12. Poppies, Howick

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote for Denizen Everyday Heroes. We will be rolling out the results in the coming weeks online and in our summer issue, on sale now.