A Cozy Evening With Friends at Ouida Bookstore Lagos

Since arriving in Lagos, my friends and I have been planning to go bookstore hopping. As luck would have it, Ouida Bookstore opened a new space just a week ago, right across the road from my office and a short distance from my house. We figured there was no better time to check it out than on Friday when we were to have our pizza and movie night.

Ouida’s first space, a three-story building in Ikeja GRA, is a haven for creatives and artists. It features a bookstore, café, art exhibition space, modern recording studio, workspace, seminar room, and even a publishing house.

Though our original plan was to visit the Ikeja GRA space, the new space was much closer, so we decided to check it out first.

Ouida Bookstore Lagos: Opening Hours

Monday – Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM

Saturdays: 10 AM to 5 PM.

Ouida Bookstore doesn’t open on Sundays and public holidays, so plan your visit within their opening days and hours.

Locating the New Ouida Bookstore in Lagos

The new Ouida Bookstore is at 34 Ajanaku Street, off Salvation Road, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

We took a Bolt ride, which made the trip much easier. If you’re using public transport, here’s how you can find your way:

From Ikeja Underbridge (Computer Village)

Take a Keke (tricycle) heading to Opebi and get off at Salvation, usually the last stop. The fare was ₦200 at the time of writing. Walk into Salvation Road, then turn right into the first street, Ajanaku Street. Walk down the street and look for Ouida Bookstore at number 34—it’s easy to spot.

From Ikorodu Road/Maryland Side

Take a bus to Ikeja. If you find a direct bus to Opebi, get off at Salvation. If not, stop at Sheraton and take a keke to Opebi or Salvation, then get off at Thomas Ajufo Street. Walk into the street, turn left into Ajanaku Street, and you’ll find Ouida Bookstore a short walk in on your left at number 34. 

The New Ouida Bookstore in Lagos

The new Ouida Bookstore has a cozy ambiance, and it’s easy to spot on the street with its elegant white signboard above the fence. 

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a security personnel who will open the gate for you. The main gate leads into a small compound, which likely doubles as a parking area for visitors with cars. The entrance to the bookstore features a wooden door adorned with intricate carvings, adding to the artistic vibe of the space.

The staff at Ouida Bookstore are very welcoming, whether or not you’re there to purchase books. We even noticed a few visitors who came by just to take pictures.

Inside, the space is hall-like, with shelves lining the walls and some demarcations that divide the area into sections. Adjacent to the entrance is a mini shelf featuring books currently on sale. Directly across from the entrance is the restroom. The receptionist area is next to the restroom, with a staff-only door positioned between them.

In the center, there’s a round table surrounded by cushioned seats covered in something that looks like Asoke fabric, with a small table at the center. These seats are also placed in front of some shelves, allowing visitors to sit comfortably as they browse. A glass door leads to another hall, which was closed off to visitors during our visit.

At Ouida Bookstore, you’ll find books across various genres, including nonfiction, fiction, and children’s books, along with wall frames displaying book covers.

We wandered around, took so many pictures, and eventually found the books we liked. I bought two books for N10,000. The third book was a bit pricey for my budget, so I decided to put it back for another time, as I can always stop by on my way home from work.

Afterward, we checked out our orders and headed home for pizza night.

Have you visited the new Ouida Bookstore yet or are planning to visit? Let me know in the comment box below.

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