Murwillumbah couple to open Slow Books café and bookstore

A NEW bookstore and café is set to open in Murwillumbah later this month.

Slow Books, created by locals Steve Nowland and Sarah Bartley, will combine literature, art and pour-over coffee.

The couple said the idea grew from their shared love of reading, art and coffee.

“Murwillumbah has such a strong creative and cultural spirit, and we wanted to contribute to that,” Steve said.

“We wanted to create a space where like-minded people can discover a new book, stumble across a local artist’s work, listen to good music, and enjoy a beautifully made, slow pour-over coffee.”

The name reflects both their coffee style and the pace they hope the shop will encourage.

“‘Slow’ was a recurring topic for us,” Sarah said.

“We knew we wanted to serve pour-over coffee, often referred to as ‘slow’ coffee, and that idea of slowing down really resonated with us, going back to more traditional ways of doing things.”

“We wanted to create a space where people don’t feel rushed, a place to take their time choosing a book or to sit with a coffee and enjoy conversation.”

The shelves will feature a mix of classic and contemporary fiction, alongside art, design and non-fiction titles.

There will also be manga for teens and a selection of children’s books.

Steve said the store would highlight Australian and Japanese authors.

The historic Murwillumbah building will influence the shop’s design, blending classic and contemporary elements.

The couple also plan to host exhibitions, readings and community events.

“We want Slow Books to be a space that showcases local artists,” Steve said.

“Murwillumbah already has a strong arts identity, and we hope that Slow Books will add to that.”

Slow Books is expected to open in late March.