New book store Number Seventeen opens in Maryborough

A book store celebrating Maryborough’s connection to magical nanny Mary Poppins has opened its doors. But books are far from the only thing it is offering.

Owner of Number Seventeen Debbie Clarke.

For the past year, Debbie Clarke has been on a mission to find and buy books to bring to life one of the dreams on her bucket list.

Now Ms Clarke has brought that dream to life, opening the doors of her bookstore in Maryborough’s Ellena St about three weeks ago.

But as she says, she wanted it to be “more than a bookstore”.

The store is called Number Seventeen, in honour of Maryborough’s connection to Mary Poppins through author Pamela Travers, who was born in the city.

Number 17 was where the Banks family lived on Cherry Tree Lane.

Inside the store are nooks and crannies, spaces to read, seats for books clubs to meet and talk, eclectic collections and bric-a-brac in addition to the books, some of which are for sale and some of which aren’t.

The eclectic items throughout the store add to the magical feel of Number Seventeen.

On one shelf there are stacks of Harry Potter novels, which is fitting, because in addition to the Mary Poppins’ theme, this store feels a little bit magic.

Those who drop in often comment to Ms Clarke that this store is exactly what Maryborough has needed.

Ms Clarke used to be a lawyer and she has also previously run a vintage shop on the weekends on the Gold Coast.

“I like old things, I like things that are different, it always attracts my attention,” she said.

“I hate things going into landfill.”

After deciding her next adventure was a bookshop in Maryborough, she secured the site of the old Embassy Theatre in Ellena St and the fun began.

The children's area at Number Seventeen.

Her parents reside in nearby Boonooroo, having lived in the area for 40 years, and Ms Clarke has quickly fallen in love with the quirky city with its heritage buildings and caring community.

From deceased estates to travelling all the way to Texas in the United States, the store’s 15,000 books have found their way there in a variety of different ways.

The books are a mix of old and new.

Ms Clarke said she knew trying to compete with Kmart or Big W on book prices wasn’t possible, so she showcases a variety of special books, many collector’s items which have been signed by the famous authors themselves.

A wall of mugs for sale at Number Seventeen.

To achieve that goal, Ms Clarke has travelled to a number of different places, including a book fair in Texas and meets the authors in person.

She has plans to attend another in Sydney in June where some of the best national and international authors will be gathered so she can offer the limited-edition items right here in Maryborough.

Local authors are also among those showcased at the store.

Among the second-hand books, there are delights for just about everyone.

She had created a children’s sections, complete with a reading nook and a large, cosy bear for youngsters to sit on while they discovered the joy of reading.

A cosy spot to meet and to read.

There is a section for young adults, for lovers of fantasy and science fiction, crime, horror, romance and nonfiction.

In addition to books, there are LPs, DVDs and a man cave with a wide selection of various bric-a-brac items.

Soon Ms Clarke will open another section in the shop, giving those who love to play board games the perfect space to have fun with others with the same passion.

While she currently offers coffee and cakes, she has plans to open a kitchen on site as well.

A wall of mugs shows just how much Mr Clarke wants her customers to feel at home – they can be purchased and taken away, or left with your name written on the side, ready to go for when you stop by for another book and a hot cup of coffee.

The shop is open from 9am to 4pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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Originally published as New book store Number Seventeen opens in Maryborough