The Paperback Bookshop has been a beloved spot for book lovers in Melbourne and visitors from abroad. Established in the 1960s, The Paperback still retains a distinct character in the heart of the city and remains timeless through the rapid changes of technology. We asked The Paperback Bookshop owner, Anna, a series of questions about nurturing a relationship with readers, community building and what it means to give back to the arts.
What unique qualities The Paperback Bookshop posseses that has helped it remain a consistent favourite in the community?
Anna explains that at the heart of The Paperback Bookshop, “its welcoming atmosphere which we put a lot of time and energy into. Every visitor is embraced with warmth, it’s the basic rules of hospitality. Visitors are encouraged to browse at leisure, and assured that assistance is always at hand. Whether it’s a brief respite from the city’s hustle or a leisurely exploration for residents. We champion diverse voices in literature, from well-known authors to those emerging, the bookstore ensures a rich tapestry of offerings that enthrals and delights its readers.”
Across the years, The Paperback Bookshop retains a distinct character that remains timeless and is able to still draw in new readers. Can you elaborate on any initiatives The Paperback Bookshop has done to engage with the community and foster a connection with readers?
During COVID lockdowns, the importance of social media for staying in contact with readers became evident. Anna notes that, “when we weren’t able to see them face to face, The Paperback Bookshop took the opportunity to embrace all digital platforms to stay connected with its readership. Through social media, personalised recommendations reach beyond the confines of the physical store, making literature accessible to all and expanding our community to interstate and regional readers. Additionally, the introduction of a new initiative, our subscription service. and the continuation of Salon events including our series of conversations and commissions, are examples of The Paperback’s commitment to keeping readers engaged and inspired, giving them all an opportunity to engage with unique stories and new authors.”
The Salon Series is an initiative that features engaging conversations between authors and readers, showcasing both established and emerging talents in Australian literature. How does this initiative contribute to nurturing the community’s passion for literature? Could you share specific instances highlighting its positive impact on The Paperback’s relationship with its devoted readers?
“The Salon Series at The Paperback Bookshop serves as singular events where authors and readers gather together, fostering in-depth discussions and igniting passions for literature. At times it’s a single author, others can be a mixture of up to five or six authors reading, all come with different levels of experience. By curating events that showcase a mix of established and emerging talents, The Paperback ensures a diverse and enriching experience for attendees. Noteworthy moments include when a debut author, Nick Clark, captivated audiences and sparked discussions about a publishing opportunity.” Anna emphasises the organic nature of these events, highlighting their transformative impact on both writers and readers. She adds that The Paperback is committed to ensuring accessibility and coverage for a diverse range of writers.
As an independent bookseller with a strong ethos in showcasing good writing for the times, what would you encourage readers and the community at large to do to help find and support more emerging writers?
Anna notes that, as booksellers at The Paperback, the retailers spend the majority of their day talking to people about books. It’s the core of what they do, giving recommendations basically. However, Anna highlights that it works both ways. “We’re advocates for quality writing, but we also encourage our readers to actively engage with us and share their literary discoveries. It works both ways too. By fostering a collaborative relationship, readers become integral participants in nurturing emerging voices and enriching the literary landscape and ecosystem. Readers are enormously curious and adventurous, they want to try something new and they will often work very hard to find something new themselves.”
What do customers say when they notice The Paperback Bookshop using ArtsPay?
“The Paperback Bookshop's collaboration with ArtsPay resonates when we have spoken to customers about it. Our customers appreciate the opportunity to support the arts community, knowing that their payments are contributing to the creation of new work and sustaining culture.” Anna reflects on the decision to partner with ArtsPay, noting that it was a logical extension of The Paperback's existing efforts to support the arts. She adds that the bookstore is constantly exploring new avenues to ensure proper funding for the arts.
What inspired you to make the switch to partner with ArtsPay and what transformative contributions do you anticipate it making to the local arts scene?
The Paperback Bookshop are always open to new ways to embrace and support the arts, Anna explains. It’s important for a healthy art scene. “This partnership is an opportunity to transform the local creative landscape, channelling new resources directly to individual artists of diverse and different backgrounds, not just writing but visual art, film, performance. Banks get enough money, frankly. When the option is there to contribute to funding for individual artists, why wouldn't you take it?”