A Book Crawl like no Other: Unleashing the Love of Reading in Newcastle

Independent bookstores have long been a staple of Australian culture, but how about a book crawl to bring them all together? For the first time, book lovers in and around Newcastle are getting involved in the Global Book Crawl, a book-lover’s adventure that’s taking the city by storm. Global Book Crawl website
The concept is simple: collect a Global Book Crawl “passport” from a participating store, get a stamp at every bookstore you visit, and you’re in the running to win book prize packs or gift vouchers. The participating bookstores in Newcastle are:

• MacLean’s Booksellers, Hamilton
• BOOK FACE, Erina Fair
• Q’s Books, Hamilton
• Betty Loves Books, Newcastle
• The Press Coffee and Bookhouse, Newcastle
• Cooks Hill Books, Newcastle
• Readers Retreat, Salamander Bay

One of the architects of the Global Book Crawl’s Newcastle leg is Alison Rogers, the owner of Readers Retreat. Rogers has been an avid reader since childhood and has even published a book review at just 11 years old. Her passion for reading and writing has led her to create a writer’s room at Readers Retreat, where she offers book clubs and writing workshops. “I call Readers Retreat ‘a place where people and books come together’ because I wanted to create a space where people could connect over reading and writing,” she says. “As well as selling new and used books and artworks from local artists, I have a writer’s room where I offer book clubs and writing workshops.”
Rogers’ enthusiasm for independent bookstores is evident in her efforts to promote them. “We are constantly conversing with customers and letting them know that independent booksellers are opening up, expanding and thriving thanks to the support of booklovers who understand the value of what we offer,” she explains. The National Literacy Trust report from last year reveals that only 35% of eight to 18-year-olds enjoy reading in their spare time. However, Rogers is delighted to report that young people frequent Readers Retreat. “I’ve had young men come in and spend their Saturday morning casual job money on a stack of classics from the Penguin spinner. I have many young women who read books on their electronic device or an audio book, but then order the book to add to their own bookshelf collection,” she says. Rogers’ dedication to promoting reading among young people is admirable, and her efforts are just one part of the Global Book Crawl’s mission to bring book lovers together. The book crawl, which takes place from April 21 to 27, is a great opportunity for book enthusiasts to explore the city’s independent bookstores and meet fellow readers. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just starting out, the Global Book Crawl is a fun and engaging way to discover new books and authors. So why not join the book crawl and start exploring the world of reading?

Learn More about the Global Book Crawl Newcastle and join the fun!