While there I had a lovely chat with Damian who was both enthusiastic and realistic about the bookshop. As an ex-teacher and a published children's author, Damian, the bookseller, wears many hats and is concerned that three other bookshops in Tasmania have recently. He also doesn't carry as much stock as he did several years ago. Perhaps it's the digital changeover that's causing the downfall - or, more likely, he believes, the cheaper sales through internet.
As we chatted over coffee - yes, there's a cafe in the shop as well! - I couldn't help but be buoyed up by Damian's exuberance and positive attitude. Changes are afoot. We all know that, but somehow, I think that Damian and his crew will stay afloat to provide many more years of wonderful service to buyers and browsers of children's books!
ps. The sales desk is a boat!
Thanks for your post, Janeen. It's nice to hear some good news. I think I'd get a lot more work done if my desk were in the shape of a boat with an emormous giraffe overlooking my computer!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's lovingly inspirational, isn't it!
ReplyDeleteHi Janeen,
ReplyDeleteHopefully it will be the personal touch that stands out as a point of difference to keep those special bookshops afloat.
I couldn't agree more, Katrina! We're not robots. Nor must we lose touch with our senses. That's what this bookshop - and others - gives us in bucketsful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous-looking bookshop! Makes you want to curl up in a comfy corner with a book. (And love that giraffe!)
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca. The bookshop was a joy to be in! I think if I were a child I would've liked to have lived in it forever and ever!
ReplyDeleteJaneen
This sounds like a delight for a child- both in the surrounds of the book shop and a knowledgeable owner- hope he had heaps of your books for sale Janeen!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there, Lorraine; a bookshop of double-delight!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds brilliant, Janeen! I must make a point of visiting Damian in his shop when we're down in Hobart soon - if we get up as far as Lonnie.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful atmosphere for a child - if only it could happen in all independent bookshops. I've found most of them have a smallish section for children's books, usually at the back of the shop.
Probably lucky if you have the space to promote children's books more.
Up here in Brisbane, we have Black Cat Books at Paddington, TLC Books at Manly, Coaldrakes Books at Spring Hill, The Book Garden, Avid Reader (a very small space for younger reader books unfortunately), and a few others that have slipped my mind.
Oh, for more spaces like Damian's though!
How sad it is that every shopping centre has a children's toy shop, but no children's book shop. It would be a dream to own one.Thanks for this lovely post and photos, Janine.
ReplyDeleteAngela:)
Thanks, Angela. Somehow, I suspect we're soon going to have to make that dream world connect with technology - so a Techno-Dream-Bookshop!
ReplyDeleteJaneen