That concept is on its way to Port Macquarie with Australia’s oldest bookseller Berkelouw Books to open in Port Central Shopping Centre. 

Work will start on the shop next month.

The family business was established in 1812, and has a strong tradition of selling antiquarian, rare and collectable books, and creating spaces for people come to together, lose track of time and share a passion for books. 

Port Macquarie has been without a new bookstore since early this year. Berkelouw Books managing director Paul Berkelouw said the Port Central store would be much more than a standard bookshop, offering varied and eclectic stock and an entire experience for locals and holiday-makers to enjoy.

“We will have a dedicated children’s area, and a lounge area for people to pause with a glass of wine or cup of coffee while they browse our bestsellers, second-hand books and unique titles,” Mr Berkelouw said. “Our focus is on providing value to the local community through literary events, author talks, and building relationships with local book clubs, schools, hospitals and universities.”

He said the bookselling trade was going through tremendous upheaval, and digital books and online sales certainly had a market, yet there was still a significant number of people who wanted real relationships, a sense of connection and tangible service. 

There are 10 Berkelouw bookstores in Australia.

Pacific Coast Shopping Centre managing director John Gowing said the Berkelouw bookstore was a key feature of Port Central’s rejuvenation of the mall that runs from Boost Juice down to IGA. 

“Berkelouw Books will open out onto Hay St south, next to Michel’s Patisserie, as well as into Port Central itself, creating an important link through to the centre,” Mr Gowing said.

“There are some exciting changes taking place in this section of the shopping centre, including a reconfiguration of shop fronts that will breathe fresh life into the area.”