Riverbend Books, Bulimba, QLD

Riverbend Books opened its doors in 1998 on the corner of Oxford and Cambridge Streets. The name Riverbend harkens back to the early days in Bulimba when Indigenous Australians called the area Tugulawah, which translates as Riverbend. Riverbend is proud to be part of this community and one of the stores that takes its place amongst the many stores, cafes, cinemas and the beautiful Oxford Memorial Park that line the Oxford St strip down to the river. Many of our customers love to travel here by City Cat or ferry and wander up the street to visit us. The ambience of the shop is warm and friendly with a beautiful deck out the front where you can enjoy some lovely light, fresh meals and of course great coffee or a glass of Australian wine. The bookshop runs an extensive program of author events, poetry evenings, workshops for children, bookclubs. Bookchats are also widely popular. These involve a staff member giving book recommendations to groups. These may be Teacher librarian network groups, social groups, work colleagues, bookclubs etc. In 2004 Riverbend launched a project within the local community that was aimed at raising funds to support literacy in remote Indigenous communities where literacy levels are very low. This project has grown enormously since then, becoming a Foundation that does important literacy work in remote communities. You can find out all about it or make a donation at: www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.au Recognition by peers in the publishing industry has provided some highlights along the way. Riverbend has won Queensland Independent Bookshop of the Year 6 times and Australian Independent Bookshop of the Year twice. In 2014, the owner Suzy Wilson was recognised in the Australia Day Awards when she won the Queensland Local Hero Award.