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• 1611 Vol. 37 No. 47 SINGLE COPY — $3.00 (includes GST) SUBSCRIPTIONS — $300 pa (print) $150 pa (digital)
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THURSDAY, 27TH JUNE 2024
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Turning the last page The Rotary Bookshop in Coonabarabran has been more than just a place to buy books – it has been a cultural cornerstone, a gathering spot for book lovers and an key fund-rasiser for the local service organisation. The closure of bookshop after almost two decasdes signifies not just the end of another local business, but the conclusion of a cherished chapter in Coonabarabran’s history. by GEORGIA SPENCE The Rotary Bookshop th r ived due to the generosity of the Coonabarabran community – from those who opened their shop fronts to others who have donated their time to ensure its continuation. Currently, the Rotary Bookshop is located in a bui ld i ng ow ned by Ro a c h’s H a rd wa re, however, the building has now been slated for renovations. When Rotary initially moved into the building, the agreement was for a two-year stay, but they were fortunate to extend this agreement, allowing them to remain there for the past five years. Rota r y vo l untee r s have explored various options to move the shop, however, they could not find a benefactor in a central location, on low rent, that offered a lease with a three to four-year time frame. The bookshop has been r un by local volunteers and Rotar y has never struggled to find someone willing to cover the store. Over the years, the b o o k s h o p ex pa n d ed to average $15,0 0 0 a year in funds raised, to disperse through Rotary’s community donations. Coordinators of the
book shop, Co l Wel sh and Ian Bell said they we re g ratefu l to a l l those who suppor ted the stores evolution over the years. “Apa r t f rom Rota r y o rganising it, the b o o k s h o p w o u l d n’t open without the s u p p o r t p rov i d e d by volunteers on a daily basis,” Mr Bell said. “The bookshop has been able to r un because we have been getting next to free rent. This enabled us to sell o u r b oo k s fo r ch ea p and spread the earnings through the community,” Mr Welsh said. “We have been blessed to be in this spot for as long as we have been. It has been a wonderful journey and we will now sit down and come up with ideas to replace it.” In 2005, Rotar y held a book sto re at the Bunny Bazaar and was so successful, they kept their table out the front of what was Peter Young’s Menswear – and opened ever y day for the rest of that week. After a few months of consistent book sales, Rotary moved to where Ray White is now and bounced around various buildings for the next 20 years. They remained open d u e to t h e k i n d n e s s
1 - Coonabarabran Times, Thursday, 27 June 2024
of the community and travellers passing through. To u r i s t s acco u nted for the main proportion of sales. Mr Welsh and M r B e l l sa i d it wa s a
pleasure to hear about their travels, and many to u r i s t s w o u l d o f t e n make a point to return. Rotar y provides services to the c o m m u n i t y, t h r o u g h
the fellowship and hard work of members who direct funds into where the community needs it most. Members will continue with their catering and
bar becue operations and are hopeful the end of bookshop will open doors for new ideas to come through. All books at the Rotary Bookshop are priced for
Rotarians and Bookshop organisers Ian Bell and Col Welsh, with volunteer, Margaret Butler.
sale at $2 until its closure on 31 July. Mr Welsh encouraged anyone interested to join Rotary as a member and bring fresh ideas to the table.