Books of Buderim, an independent bookshop in the Sunshine Coast town of Buderim, closed down on Christmas Eve 2018 after doing business for 51 years.
Since it started operating in 1967, Books of Buderim had provided books for everyone from all walks of life and all ages. They had an eclectic stock of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s picture stories, board books and bestsellers.
The owner, book enthusiast Fiona Blond, and her friendly staff were proud of their book-finding skills. Name it and, most of the time, they can hunt it down for you. They can source books from across the globe in as little as over a week.
Community interaction was integral to the bookshop so it participated in events that provided many opportunities to fall in love with books. It also supported local causes including Gardens of Buderim Festival, Readers cup, Reading Hour, Voices on the Coast, Imagineers and School and Kindy fundraising raffles.
Located at the end of the lovely courtyard across from Buderim Tavern, it has been the venue for Anywhere Theatre festival to stage “The Likely Story” play amongst its bookshelves.
The place also offered author events in conjunction with schools and the council. Many local authors launched their books and writing careers in this bookshop. Authors like Lynette Noni, Jessica Townsend, and Peter Phelps provided crowds with lines that reached way down Burnett Street.
Classics Bookclub was a monthly book club that allowed people to engage in interesting conversations or just come together and network, creating a sense of belonging in the community.
But the evolving changes of the digital age presented a challenge to the bookstore. The increasing overhead costs and the slowly declining sales due to the increase in online retail shopping took a heavy toll so there was a need to shut the shop.
The bookshop traded up until the 24th of December 2018, after which a farewell gathering was held in the premises.
Having been part of the community for 51 years, Books of Buderim will certainly be missed.