In this guide
In Ñemby, a good bookstore is one that has your list in stock today, gets your copies done on time and gives you a receipt. Before heading out, send a photo of the school-supply list or the exact book title over WhatsApp and ask what they have; that saves you walking around the centre in peak school season. The city's bookstores are listed above; here is how to choose.
Bookstore or stationery shop? What you'll find in Ñemby
In Paraguay, librería mostly means a shop for school supplies, stationery, photocopies and printing. Shops that stock novels and general reading are fewer. Decide first what you need:
- School supplies: notebooks, folders, pencils, backpacks, craft materials.
- Textbooks or reading books: ask whether they stock them or order them in, and how long it takes.
- Photocopies, printing and binding: confirm file format, price per page and pick-up time.
- Office stationery: paper reams, envelopes, ink, stamps.
Where are Ñemby's bookstores?
The busiest shopping area is the Centro, around the Mercado Municipal ("el mercadito"), near the San Lorenzo parish church and Plaza Fulgencio Yegros (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Route PY01 (Acceso Sur) runs through the city, so many shops sit along it or in barrios such as Villa Anita, Mbokajaty, Pa'i Ñu and Cañadita.
If your children go to a neighbourhood school, a shop near that school often knows its lists by heart. For a big shop, go to the centre and compare.
When is it busiest?
The peak is just before school starts. In 2026 the Ministry of Education (MEC) opened schools on 10 February and started classes on 23 February (Hoy (opens in a new tab)). The weeks between those dates have the longest queues. If you can, buy the basics in January and leave only last-minute requests for February.
Copy and print counters also get busy in exam weeks and when assignments are due.
How to save on the supply list
Paraguay's consumer protection office (Sedeco) recommends (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)):
- Check what is left from last year: lightly used notebooks and unused pencils still work.
- Buy gradually from a list of basics instead of everything at the last minute.
- Compare prices in at least three shops.
- Buy from formal businesses and ask for a factura (receipt) in case you need to complain.
- If you pay in instalments, ask for the cash price, interest and total cost.
If your child attends a public school, wait for the MEC kit before buying. In 2023 the MEC asked public-school teachers and principals not to request other supplies, especially work materials, because the kit already covers them (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
What to ask before you go
- Do you have everything on this list today? (send the photo)
- Can you pack the order for pick-up? Do you deliver? (Sedeco notes delivery usually costs a bit more.)
- For copies: do you take PDFs over WhatsApp or email? What is the price per page and when will it be ready?
- Do you take card, QR or bank transfer?
- For books: is it in stock or does it need ordering, and how long?
How to choose between two shops
Send both the same list. Pick the one that replies quickly, tells you what they have and what they don't, and gives you a total. A shop that packs your order in advance saves you the February queue. Online star ratings help filter, but in school season what matters is who answers clearly and delivers on time.
FAQ
When are Ñemby's bookstores busiest?
Between schools reopening and classes starting: in 2026, 10 to 23 February. Buy the basics in January if you can.
Do bookstores in Ñemby sell novels?
Most focus on school supplies, stationery and photocopies. For a specific book, ask whether they stock it or can order it, and how long it takes.
How can I save on the school-supply list?
Reuse last year's leftovers, buy gradually, compare prices in at least three shops and ask for a receipt, as Sedeco recommends.
Do I need to buy supplies for a public school?
Wait for the MEC kit. In 2023 the MEC asked public-school teachers and principals not to request supplies the kit already covers.
