AMANDA Murray has worked all over Broken Hill, but had always hoped to one day own a bookshop.
Recently, her dream came to fruition when she was handed the keys to the Broken Hill Bookshop and Espresso Bar.
“My friend works a few stores down and told me it was for sale,” Ms Murray said.
“Owning a bookshop had always been an idea in my head, I just love books, and had always thought I’d love to own a bookshop.”
Ms Murray said she’s been an avid reader her whole life – a trait passed on through generations of her family.
“My mum and dad were huge readers, so I kind of followed on and so did my daughter,” she said.
“It started with Anne of Green Gables, then The Babysitters Club, then older style novels like Bronte, Little Women.”
Ms Murray said running the bookshop had been everything she’d hoped for.
“It’s my first time running a business, and it’s brilliant,” she said.
“I have a smile on my face walking in every day, and smelling the coffee in the morning!”
Former owner Jonathon Cooper stayed for two weeks after Ms Murray took over to help teach her the ropes.
“I’ve been working with John, the former owner so I could learn the coffee machine and learn everything,” she said.
“We just hope to continue it as John had it, and to make it our own a little bit.”
Staff have also remained.
Ms Murray said she plans to continue stocking the shop with both local books and new releases.
She said she might even convert the currently unused cellar downstairs.
“I think the cellar was a secret lingerie shop once, and at a later time a home décor shop,” she said.
The shop has plenty of Christmas gift options.
Ms Murray suggested cookbooks, and they also stock tea towels and candles.
The Broken Hill Bookshop will be open everyday through to Christmas, closing on Christmas Day for a well deserved break.
