Published: July 2024
After 14 beloved years in the Mount Lawley and Highgate neighbourhood, Beaufort Street Books has moved just 50 meters up the road to the corner of Vincent and Beaufort Street.
In a feat worthy of a record, 14,000 books — or countless hours of quality reading — were transported with the help of a “community conveyor belt.”
Proprietor Jane Seaton, who is as much a community cheerleader as she is a bookseller, assembled more than 150 volunteers in an “overwhelming response,” with 15 more committed to delivering home-baked goods.
Photo by Jens Kirsch
“It went way quicker than I anticipated and it was so lovely – the community felt so involved and connected in the whole process, which was just beautiful,” Ms Seaton said.
“It was better than I thought! As a bookstore, we try to give back to the community, but on Saturday they gave it all back to us.”
Under the keen supervision of local author Annabel Smith, volunteers formed a human chain, passing small boxes of books to the new shop. There, staff swiftly unpacked them onto temporary shelving, while the empty boxes were rushed back for repacking. It was a well-orchestrated book ballet.
Photo by Jens Kirsch
“It seems books today are not just for grownups,” Ms Seaton said.
“Lots of children helped. That surprised us; there were so many young helpers. That is just beautiful. A new generation showing interest and a love for books.”
A few comments from the excited helpers were:
• “I am really, really happy to help. We all come together to do our bit for the community.”
• “Our faith in humanity has been restored, seeing all these volunteers.”
• “This is our store. I want to help our independent bookshop.”
Inspired by a similar event at October Books in the UK, this move was a true community effort. The new space promises more room for books, events, and community gatherings, continuing the tradition of being a vibrant hub in the neighbourhood.
Ms Seaton, a former nurse, has always prioritised serving the community beyond just selling books. Known for her warm greetings and valued book recommendations, Ms Seaton has also been a community representative on the Highgate Primary School Board for 10 years and supported customers during the pandemic by delivering books throughout the neighbourhood.
“Over the years, we have done some crazy events. We have done movies, book-based speed dating, yoga; we’ve done a community sausage sizzle when the whole street was suffering due to construction works,” Ms Seaton reminisced with a smile.
As book retailers face significant challenges, the community rallied to support this local bookstore. This move is a testament to the enduring importance of bricks-and-mortar businesses, which continue to be the heartbeat of the community.
Ms Seaton reflects on why it is so important to have independent bookstores in the community: “Bookstores fill the important role of being a community hub for like-minded people. Now, being able to run events hosting local, national, and international authors, we aim to elevate this experience.”
Despite the struggles small businesses face, Beaufort Street Books is taking a leap of faith by doubling its floor space, inspiring locals to reimagine the main street’s atmosphere. The new space will fit up to 100 guests per event.
“Events help people not just buy a book, but experience the book,” Ms Seaton said.
The new location will feature larger event spaces, new book sections, and more room for browsing and community gatherings. The bookstore aims to continue to build a warm, well-read culture as part of the hum of Beaufort Street life.
The store closed its doors at the previous location on Wednesday, July 17, and was due to reopen at the new location on Thursday, July 25, with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, July 27 featuring a sausage sizzle and a warm welcome.
The future program kicks off on Wednesday, August 14 from 6 – 9.30pm with The Gourmet Farmer, Matthew Evans. Mr Evans will discuss his recently published non-fiction work on a controversial superfood, offering a powerful, entertaining, and eye-opening commentary—all while being served fantastic food by Vince and his team at IL Paiolo Catering, prepared in the wood-fired oven out front of the shop!
Tickets via the Beaufort Street Books website: beaufortstreetbooks.com.au/c/matthew-evans.
Beaufort Street Books has been more than just a bookstore; it’s a community cornerstone. The move to the new location is a new chapter in its story, and with the community’s support, Ms Seaton promises it will be an exciting read.
For any queries, please get in touch.