Need to find your next page-turner, but sick of seeing the same top 10 across the chain stores?
Contributor Justine de Jonge has trekked across the east to showcase a selection of places to visit and to support local book lovers.
Did we miss out on your favourite reading retreats? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected]
Escape Hatch Books and Coffee
Escape Hatch is designed for children, particularly those who experience vision impairment, dyslexia or speak English as their second language. The children’s area at the back of the store is dedicated to regular story time events and a tree “cubby”. There is an in-store café that serves hot drinks and baked treats for kids as well as parents.
Where: 643 High Street, Kew East
I Love Books
The store specialises in educational books, but genres range from crime to history, travel and cooking, as well as stationery and gift cards. Parents on a budget can purchase recycled school uniforms and textbooks.
Where: 12 Arcade Road, Mont Albert North
Motor Book World
By the early 1960s, households with the highest level of car ownership in Melbourne were concentrated in the affluent eastern suburbs. Owner David Evans has a passion for cars and sells second-hand books, old car manuals, magazines and novels about motoring greats among other memorabilia. The shop is open 11am to 5pm Thursdays and Saturdays or by appointment.
Where: 12 Yallourn Parade, Ringwood
Novel Nook
Some famous writers were either born in or reside in Yarra Glen – Joseph Furphy (aka Tom Collins), R.B.R. Verhagen and Celia Pacquola. At Novel Nook, there are carefully curated shelves spanning many genres, artworks on the walls and comfortable seats welcoming visitors to read or skim.
Stuck for a new book idea? Try your luck at the vending machine where book recommendations will roll out in plastic balls. The store also hosts regular book club meetings, author Q&A sessions and craft workshops.
Where: 21 Bell Street, Yarra Glen
Rainy Day Books
The House of Books
Located in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, this cornerstone shop specialises in antique books and fiction from the 1920s to the 1950s, as well as children's fiction. Some are rare and collectable, dating back to the 1700’s. Owner Meryll Williams started the business as a market stall.
Where: 1301 Mountain Highway, The Basin
The House of Books
Volunteers from the St John the Evangelist Parish Church run this bookshop out of an old 1930s bungalow connected to the church. They have more than 10,000 books for sale, with some available for as little as 50 cents. Money raised goes towards the parish and a portion of proceeds go to the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Where: 508 Whitehorse Road, Mitcham
Yarra Cottage Books
Gold was first discovered in Warrandyte in 1851. By the mid-1850’s, two mine inspectors’ huts from Victoria’s goldfields were transported to Warrandyte by bullocks then joined together to form a cottage on Yarra Road. This is where gold discoveries were registered.
Since 1999, Yarra Cottage Books has resided here. Owners Steve and Jo Brazil pride themselves in filling its five rooms with books that are hard to find or out of print. Retro memorabilia, music cassettes and discount vinyl bins are also found.
Where: 189 Yarra Street, Warrandyte