A LOCAL pop-up bookshop recently added a new chapter to its story after receiving a highly sought national award which recognised its efforts in spreading love for the written world.
The Lioness Club of Millicent’s Bookshop Project won the Fonnie Tresize Award at the Lioness Multiple District 201 Convention in Geelong over the weekend.
Judged by an independent panel, the award acknowledged the project’s benefits, as well as its inclusivity of both club members and the general public.
Founded four years ago, the bookshop was initially formed as a small fundraising project held in conjunction with the annual Geltwood Festival, but has since grown in stature, raising over $10,000 this financial year alone.
Lioness Beccy Field said the club was “totally overwhelmed” after they asked community members for book donations for its weekend project.
“People seemed to have massive stacks of books at home they did not want to throw out,” she said.
“The bookshop idea seemed like something they could do with books without wasting them.
“We spent a good week organising and sorting the books into the shop we had borrowed for the day and we had so many that we spilled out onto the footpath and street.
“Sales on the day, even with prices ranging from $1-3 per book, were exceptional.
“With such massive donations we had many left over after the sale and held two more at the Lioness Den in the 12 months that followed.”
After the project’s initial success, the club explored permanent options with council before it was offered use of it’s current Davenport Street premises.
The shopfront, next door to the former Millicent and District Community Club building, was donated by Mrs Morgan and Mrs Sinclair, with Ms Field saying the bookshop would not operate without the pair’s generosity.
Use of the building has meant 100pc of proceeds raised from sales are distributed across community projects.
“Some people will come in one week and buy a few books, only to return with those books a week or two later and purchase a few more,” Ms Field said.
“Many locals drop in for a friendly chat with the Lionesses on duty, who are more than happy to do so.
“On any given Friday or Saturday the books keep coming in from the generous Millicent community.”
The project has supported many projects and organisations including the Millicent Museum, craft group, soccer club, library, Sheoak Lodge aged care facility and local families who have suffered major loss due to fire and medical treatments.
Ms Field said the club was always considering new projects in need of support.
