The local independent bookshop plays an important role in any collaborative community, according to a new study released earlier this year. Booksellers as Placemakers explores how the establishments contribute to successful shopping districts and the halo effect they have on their surrounding community.  

The research commissioned by the Booksellers Association of the UK & Ireland saw that over 90 per cent of the booksellers involved actively worked to support the local community with things like creating recreational and cultural spaces and maintaining an attractive appearance to their city centres and towns.

More important than the aesthetic components, the study concludes that most booksellers were found to be natural exemplars of best practice, often going above and beyond for certain groups of people, particularly the elderly – while also being passionate, energetic, adaptable, and full of new ideas they are willing to try.

What is the halo effect? When a positive impression has been created by one thing trickles down to a person feeling positively towards other things that are associated with it. You may be thinking what does that have to do with bookshops? The study showed that bookstores often lead the way in creating positive experiences in shopping ‘High Streets’ in the United Kingdom. This led to more people coming not only to that particular store but spending more time shopping on the street.

Closer to home, there’s a local bookseller who is aiming to do just that by helping to create a shopping district that is an oasis for shoppers, while also providing a place for events and helping to boost the local economy.

The Book Cow, located on Jardine Street within the Kingston shopping district, is owned and operated by Peter Arnaudo. He believes the UK study confirmed what he always knew about local independent bookstores; they have the ability to bring people together and allow them to slow down for a short while.

Unlike many chain bookstores you see in almost every mall or shopping centre, The Book Cow is focused on providing an accurate reflection of what people in Canberra’s Inner South want in terms of their books, events, and shopping experiences.

Peter says retailers can come together to bring events to the community. For example, during Lunar New Year celebrations, they worked with other nearby businesses to hire traditional lion dancers, creating delight for shoppers, locals and passers-by as they performed along the streets and into the stores.  

Each Tuesday, The Book Cow holds a story time in Green Square where children up to five years old and their parents/guardians are invited to hear stories, get involved with music, and be a part of the community. Their social media is updated with the story choice each week.  

It’s not just children they organise events for. On Thursday 28 July, The Book Cow will present a conversation with one of Australia’s most distinguished television producers, Anita Jacoby AM, at the National Press Club.

It’s not even just humans they consider when planning events. Recently, they hosted a pet parade to celebrate the launch of Anna Battese’s newest children’s book, PD McPem’s Agency for Mysterious Mysteries. We have been assured that no pets went missing in The Book Cow’s adventure!

As much as The Book Cow loves to host fun and exciting events, Peter says the most important thing is ensuring that everyone who comes into the store feels welcome and looked after.

Find out more about The Book Cow and their upcoming events at bookcow.com.au

The Book Cow | 47 Jardine Street, Kingston | 5100 2730

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