In conversation with Browsers’ owner, Rebecca Pope

Within the last couple of years, two of Hamilton’s bookstores have closed. This comes as quite a blow to a city that is already severely lacking in book vendors. However, never fear. Hamilton still boasts one store that provides for literary minds.

Browsers second hand bookstore has been operating for the last 15 years, wedged neatly into the cafe district on the more popular end of Victoria Street. It’s a quirky kind of place, furnished with odd trinkets like old transistor radios and model sail boats. Most important is its extensive range of books, spanning from classics like Anna Karenina to self learning books about synchronised swimming.

I talked to owner Rebecca Pope to get a better insight into the store and why, in the midst of what seems to be hard times for the book industry, her store continues to thrive.

Why did you open the store?

I had been travelling and saw second hand bookstores like this one. I really liked the idea and the feel of those places and decided to try my hand at my own store. I wanted to create a place where people can just hang out. Where people can come in and be inspired by the books and art and music.

Where do all the trinkets and furnishings come from?

Most are second hand. I’ve picked them up at garage sales and antiques stores over the last couple of years.

Why do you think you’ve sustained business while other stores have closed? What is it that makes you different?

Put simply, I’d say it’s our prices and range. I don’t want to say too much more than that. But it would be those two things.

So, how do you choose the books you’ll take?

Well, I pick and choose based on quality. They have to be good quality. Sometimes I’ll take really strange books as well and see if anyone goes for it. The other day, I got in a teach yourself synchronised swimming. It was illustrated too. It had stick figures demonstrating positions and they looked like little snowflake drawings. I don’t know if it will sell but it was interesting enough to take.

Why do you have such unusual closing hours?

Again, it’s something I saw overseas and because I’m around the cafes I can keep the same hours. It gives people with hectic schedules the opportunity to come in too.

Finally, do you have any favourite books?

Anything by Jane Austen. Or Tolstoy.

Browsers is open 9.30am to 9.30pm weekdays and 10am to 9.30pm weekends.