Books on East started as a small popup bookstore during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since expanded into a swiftly growing bookstore.

The store recently underwent an exciting new expansion as their customer base and the demand for more stock warranted a larger space.

Originally, the bookstore was only a few second-hand shelves in a cosy space, but after knocking down a few walls in the store, the store’s overall atmosphere has improved with more room for books and more light shining through.

According to the business owner/founder Hilary Manning, when she first opened a popup bookstore for Christmas back in 2020, she never thought it would grow to what it is now.

“I grew up in Narrandera and got caught there during Covid, very happily so, in the middle of 2020,” she said.

“I thought to myself one day, ‘you know what would be fun? Opening a popup bookstore during Christmas,’ and that was really the depth of my thinking… it ended up doing really well and it just stayed open.”

Despite other independent bookstores struggling to remain open in a world where people are not as interested in reading as they once were, Books on East continues to thrive against all odds.

The store initially only sold secondhand books but is now selling new books to meet the demands of the locals and to follow the reading trends from social media.

They also stock a wide range of genres, from Science Fiction to Children’s books and even Japanese Manga and are actively looking to expand what they have on offer.

For those who are unable to find specific books, they can put through a special order in the store.

Books on East has also built a reputation among the locals for selling unique items that make the perfect gift for loved ones, such as artisanal chocolates, Indigenous teas and coffees and bags and phone cases.

Ms Manning said that the bookstore brings her immense joy and she has truly enjoyed seeing it grow.

“It’s all been really insightful, and I am learning that books are like fashion; people don’t want to wear the clothes they wore ten years ago, and people don’t want to read what they were reading ten years ago,” she said.

“I didn’t realise when I first opened that I had tapped into so many unmet needs… the variety and sheer diversity of special orders that I get are fascinating, and I can’t stock kids’ books fast enough. I think every child in Narrandera must have gotten a book for Christmas last year.

“I am very agnostic about my reading taste. I know there are a few bookstores in Melbourne that would not stock certain books, but for me, if people want to buy it, I’ll sell it.”

Three years on, Ms Manning successfully continues to juggle Books on East while also working a full-time job in Victoria.

Ms Manning has also made a point of engaging with local authors by hosting ‘Meet the Author’ sessions as well as stocking their books, which are sold on commission.

In the three months prior to Christmas last year, she paid out commissions to 18 different authors and artists in the local community and hopes to continue to engage with local creatives.

For those looking for a new spot to read or somewhere to find a new book or trinket to gift, Books on East can be found at 124 East Street next to the Courtyard Cafe.

They are open four days a week from 10am to 4pm on Thursdays and Fridays and from 9am to 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 9 May 2024.