The Rotary Bookshop in Coonabarabran has been more than just a place to buy books – it has been a cultural cornerstone, a gathering spot for book lovers and an key fund-rasiser for the local service organisation. The closure of bookshop after almost two decades signifies not just the end of another local business, but the conclusion of a cherished chapter in Coonabarabran’s history.

The Rotary Bookshop thrived due to the generosity of the Coonabarabran community – from those who opened their shop frontstootherswhohave donated their time to ensure its continuation.

Currently, the Rotary Bookshop is located in a building owned by Roach’s Hardware, however, the building has now been slated for renovations.

When Rotary initially moved into the building, the agreement was for a two-year stay, but they were fortunate to extend this agreement, allowing them to remain there for the past five years.

Rotary volunteers have explored various options to move the shop, however, they could not find a benefactor in a central location, on low rent, that offered a lease with a three to four-year time frame.

The bookshop has been run by local volunteers and Rotary has never struggled to find someone willing to cover the store.

Over the years, the bookshop expanded to average $15,000 a year in funds raised, to disperse through Rotary’s community donations.

Coordinators of the bookshop, Col Welsh and Ian Bell said they were grateful to all those who supported the stores evolution over the years.

“Apart from Rotary organising it, the bookshop wouldn’t open without the support provided by volunteers on a daily basis,” Mr Bell said.

“The bookshop has been able to run because we have been getting next to free rent. This enabled us to sell our books for cheap and spread the earnings through the community,” Mr Welsh said.

“We have been blessed to be in this spot for as long as we have been. It has been a wonderful journey and we will now sit down and come up with ideas to replace it.”

In 2005, Rotary held a bookstore at the Bunny Bazaar and was so successful, they kept their table out the front of what was Peter Young’s Menswear – and opened every day for the rest of that week.

After a few months of consistent book sales, Rotary moved to where Ray White is now and bounced around various buildings for the next 20 years.

They remained open due to the kindness of the community and travellers passing through.

Tourists accounted for the main proportion of sales. Mr Welsh and Mr Bell said it was a pleasure to hear about their travels, and many tourists would often make a point to return.

Rotary provides services to the community, through the fellowship and hard work of members who direct funds into where the community needs it most.

Members will continue with their catering and barbecue operations and are hopeful the end of bookshop will open doors for new ideas to come through.

All books at the Rotary Bookshop are priced for sale at $2 until its closure on 31 July.

Mr Welsh encouraged anyone interested to join Rotary as a member and bring fresh ideas to the table.

IMAGE: Rotarians and Bookshop organisers Ian Bell and Col Welsh, with volunteer, Margaret Butler.