Youth head into the woods for book club

AN out-of-this-world bookshop specialising in young adult fantasy (but that’s not all) is gradually growing into a popular hangout spot at the hands of its inventive owner, Faith Dam.

The Woodland Collection Bookshop, which can be found a short dawdle from Alexandra Fountain on the left-hand-side of Mitchell Street, holds, among other things, a weekly book club on Wednesdays from 3.30pm to 5pm, showcasing teen and young adult fiction.

The book club, as well as the rest of the shop’s regular open-to-all activities, typically takes place in the back area of the premises, which is fastidiously adorned with tables and chairs, a lounge, colouring in supplies, a shag-pile rug and a few plush toys to boot.

Faith Dam said it had always been a dream of hers to open an establishment of this kind, and the response had been surprising since it opened in early 2023.

“I know that bookstores are unfortunately a dying business, but we’ve had a brilliant reception from Bendigo locals,” she said.

“It’s been a good few years.”

She said the reading area at the rear of the venue, which has grown in popularity over time, was certainly part of her plan from the beginning.

“I wanted a quiet, safe space where people can come and chillax, especially teenagers,” she said.

“If they have a love of fantasy worlds, then they’ll love the space and obviously the books we stock.

“It’s a friendly place to meet like-minded fantasy nerds.”

The Woodland Collection Bookshop, which is also participating in National Simultaneous Storytime on Wednesday 27 May, can be found at 9 Mitchell Street in the CBD.

The shop is open Wednesdays to Fridays from 10am to 5pm, and from 10am to 2pm every Saturday.

Check out the Woodland Collection Bookshop Facebook page to keep up with what’s going on.