“Our bookshop has been around for 36 years and I love that it is a place that people love to spend time in and I love my staff.”
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In this special series, Sydney Writers' Festival speaks with bookshops across Australia about the special place they hold in our bookworm hearts. From recommendations on your next great read to their favourite memories in a bookshop, hear from the people many of us trust the most.
This edition, we speak to Jodie Dalglish, owner of Megalong Books at Leura.
What do you love most about your bookshop?
Our bookshop has been around for 36 years and I love that it is a place that people love to spend time in and I love my staff. They are all so passionate about books and about putting the right book in the hands of a customer.
What purpose do you feel a bookshop serves in the community?
I think every community needs a good bookshop. Bookshops are more than just retail stores. We work with local schools and other community organisations to bring authors and events to the community. We support and sponsor local groups and schools. We support local authors.
What do you get asked about most by customers?
I am constantly told that customers would love to work in a bookshop and they then ask if we get to sit around and read books all day. I think most people think our days are very much like Black Books, full of red wine with very little work done. If only it was!
Advice on getting through lockdown or realisations borne through lockdown?
I think you have to learn to adjust to what your community needs in lockdown. Whether that is home deliveries or a good chat on the phone, you just need to be there and have a little fun with customers and staff when you can.