Top End bookseller bids farewell to iconic store after 20 years

The Territory book community shared a bittersweet moment as one of the Top End’s most iconic shops was listed for sale. Find out why the owner is selling.

The Bookshop Darwin owner Anna Weldon is selling her business to spend more time with family. Picture: Supplied

One of Darwin’s most beloved bookshops is up for grabs for the first time in 20 years.

The Bookshop Darwin is an independent, nationally-recognised local icon, owner Anna Weldon said in a Facebook post announcing the sale on Wednesday.

“We do a lot of events here, and they’re very well-supported,” she said.

“I think the book community considers it as a local icon, we have people that come in every day in their lunch time just to browse and to be in a really safe and inspiring space.”

Ms Weldon said the Smith St store often partnered with libraries, local authors, and other organisations.

She said The Bookshop Darwin community was loving and supportive, which made the store a “really positive space to be in”.

“We’re just an integral part of the community,” Ms Weldon said.

Territorians took to Facebook share their love for the shop.

“We love this bookstore, my 15-year-old daughter would love to buy it,” Laura Tune wrote.

“The best possible custodians for the last 20 years,” Megan Nevett said.

Anna Weldon said her favourite section in the store was the children's aisle. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Ms Weldon said it would be “devastating” to leave the shop behind but she looked forward to spending more time with her grandchildren.

“I’m really fortunate that my daughter lives here, and that I have the opportunity to spend more time with the grandchildren, and I shouldn’t squander that opportunity,” she said.

“There’s so many people whose grandchildren and whose families don’t live close by.”

Ms Weldon said leaving The Bookshop Darwin would be “like saying goodbye to a child”.

“At the same time, if it gets transitioned into good hands, and it remains part of the community, there’s no reason why I can’t still be part of it on the other side of the fence.”

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