Finding a good read is easy with our guide to Bendigo’s bookshops
There are plenty of bookstores in Bendigo to grab a good book, and curl up in a corner. And as part of Love Your Bookshop Day, we’ve found some of the best.
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Old books, new titles, and the bling to match; Bendigo’s bookshops are standing out by offering more than just the written word.
In honour of Love Your Bookshop Day on October 7, we have done the round up of Bendigo’s best bookstores.
Bendigo Book Mark, 24 High St, Bendigo
The display windows of Bendigo Book Mark, on High St, are bristling with merchandise to help you express your fandom.
From the book themed handbags to brooches, mugs and pins, the bits and pieces to show your support for your chosen genre is there.
Daren Lewis owns the store and his sister Kristy Bridgeman is responsible for the accessories business inside it.
Mr Lewis estimated there were 30,000 books in the store, which included the upstairs area.
“When I first bought the store I thought our demographic would be an older age group,” he said.
“But kids are coming through a lot more and are a growing audience.”
Ms Bridgeman sources the bags, brooches, mugs and pins that help book readers express their fandoms.
In the cabinet are Cashire Cat and Snow White brooches and many more fairytale favourites.
It’s the treasure hunt that keeps both of them so engaged.
Mr Lewis finds stock which is a blend of new and preloved books at deceased estates sales, book fairs, op shops and markets.
Libris Bookbinder and Stationer, 81-83 View St, Bendigo.
Husband and wife team Simon and Belinda Dart own this traditional bookbindery and stationary store.
It also makes market day appearances at the annual Lost Trades Fair.
The shop sells handbound books and albums, wax seals, craft paper and pens.
It was established as a boutique bindery in 2004 inside a classic, Victorian building, in Bendigo’s Arts Precinct.
Mr Dart teaches the art of creating traditional hand sewn, hardcover bound books regularly at workshops the store.
“The bindery is upstairs,” he said.
Book Now, 1 Farmer Lane, Bendigo
Book Now was established by the current owner in 1984 and has an enormous range of second hand titles.
It is estimated to hold about 60,000 books.
It is located in 19th century building with a mezzanine floor and a cellar.
Bendigo Pottery, 146 Midland Hwy, Epsom
This historic landmark is best known for producing collectable pottery and its artist studios, but is a little known it as a rich source of vintage books.
Hidden behind the glass working studio where Leanne Grylls makes her handmade jewellery, is an Aladdin’s cave of antique and vintage homewares, clothes and collectables.
Independent sellers keep stores there, stocking mostly preloved items and others have a sprinkling of brand new stock.
Books sets are common and just require a discerning eye to find.
Woodland Collection Bookshop, 9 Mitchell St, Bendigo
The soft furnishings and whimsical decor in this bookshop make it a must visit for fiction fans who are in the mood to browse for hours.
Faith Dam, 19, opened the store with the help of her father Luke Dam, in February.
She wanted it to be a “quiet space for young adults who love to escape into the world of fantasy” which is why it is furnished with beanbags, tables and chairs.
“The point of difference from traditional bookshops is the theme,” Ms Dam said.
“It’s a niche and we were tentative about opening it a lot of people have really liked it and reach out online and place orders.
“It’s really interesting to see where people have come from.”
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