Pages HQ bookshop to open in Drouin
Pages HQ is a new bookshop set to open in Drouin, Victoria on 1 September. Owner Sharyn Swanepoel tells Books+Publishing about the new store and her plans to involve the local community, including through a regular calendar of events.
Why did you decide to open a bookshop in Drouin?
The bookshops I’ve loved the most are places of joy. A shop you don’t rush into to grab something. Instead you browse, enjoying the ambience while searching for your next read. My husband and I have lived in Drouin for a bit over two years, and I’ve wanted to open something like this for our own community ever since I moved here.
Do you have previous experience in the book industry?
My previous experience in the book industry is varied. After 10 years as a newspaper journalist, I moved into performing arts marketing, while starting to write fiction in my spare time. That has led to a wonderful involvement in the book industry, meeting fellow authors, booksellers and publishers. I’ve also had retail and library assistant experience, not to mention spending many hours browsing bookshops and libraries to find my next read. I’m also a state liaison (Victoria) for Romance Writers Australia with author Savannah Blaize, and this year started a book podcast called Pages and PJs with author Louisa Duval.
How big is the store and how many people do you anticipate employing?
Our motto, “book your inspiration”, is a big part of our ethos. The store is around 160 square metres, large enough for all the bookshelves, with room for author events and workshops in a dedicated space. Through those workshops and events, we’ll provide an opportunity for people to share their skills and knowledge with the community, be it craft-based, reading, writing or industry themed. I also want to foster new writers as they begin their own journey to becoming authors.
I will work full-time in the store, but I won’t be able to manage it alone. I’ll need a couple of casual staff to start, with the aim of transitioning those roles into more regular hours.
What books do you specialise in and what differentiates your bookshop from others?
Pages HQ is a general bookshop serving the wider community. As a romance author myself, there will always be romance, but after working in local libraries I know there’s a huge amount of crime and thriller fans out there. We will carry a mix of most genres, including nonfiction, and will always try to support any special requests.
I will definitely be supporting Aussie authors, including indie authors, and I’ve already started booking in-person events.
When you walk into the store you will notice a definite nature vibe. Continuing our “book your inspiration” theme, this leans into our interests in education around nature and wildlife, and connecting with nature in general. For young readers in particular, there’ll be lots of science- and nature-inspired products.
Also, if you love your bookish merch like I do, you’ll love Pages HQ.
What are some ways you plan to engage with the community?
For me, bookshops have always been about community, and bringing people together. There’ll be book clubs, theme nights, author talks and workshops.
We’ll also involve community members in supplying books and local products that complement the books. We’ve already been speaking to local authors, producers and makers.
What do you think customers will love most about your shop?
There’ll be a couple of surprises in the store, which I can’t wait to reveal on opening day, but I hope customers will come and browse, talk books and join some of the events.
With the product range we have planned beyond books, customers will not only be able to pick up their next read but also pair it with items for an atmospheric reading experience.
Category: Features
