Imagine a beloved treasure, a cornerstone of childhood wonder, finding a new home after decades of enchanting young minds. That’s exactly what’s happening as The Little Bookroom, Melbourne’s cherished children’s bookstore, settles into its new digs in Brunswick East—just in time for its 65th birthday!
This isn’t just any bookstore; it’s a living legend. Founded in 1960 by the visionary German-born Albert Ullin, The Little Bookroom holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest continuously operating children’s bookshop. Its original doors opened in Melbourne’s Metropole Arcade, marking the first time an Australian bookstore dedicated itself entirely to young readers. And this weekend, it’s throwing a party to celebrate its grand reopening (https://www.littlebookroom.com.au/event/65th-birthday-and-grand-re-opening/). But here’s where it gets emotional: Ullin’s legacy lives on not just in spirit, but in the very shelves that have traveled with the store through its many moves—shelves he built himself.
Over six decades, The Little Bookroom has been more than a shop; it’s been a launchpad for local talent. Celebrated authors and illustrators like Michelle Conn, Sherryl Clark, Mitch Vane, and Danny Katz owe a nod to its nurturing environment. When the move to Brunswick East was announced, the creative community rallied. Illustrators like Gabrielle Wang, Lucinda Gifford, and Ben Wood reimagined the store’s logo, flooding social media with love and support.
But this move isn’t just about geography—it’s about evolution. After nearly two decades in North Fitzroy, the store has ventured a few kilometers north, a leap that comes with both excitement and responsibility. Enter Michael Earp, the store’s new owner, a non-binary young adult fiction writer and seasoned bookseller who’s no stranger to The Little Bookroom’s magic. Earp managed the store from 2018 to 2022, during which they snagged the 2021 Bookseller of the Year award. They describe the bookshop as a “living legacy to the power of books, imagination, and community”—a sentiment that’s hard to argue with.
Taking the helm, Earp admits the role is “daunting, but exciting.” They’re confident the new location will attract fresh faces, nestled as it is in East Brunswick Village, alongside a Coles, a cinema, and other local hotspots. “It’s a good mix,” Earp says, and it’s hard not to agree.
But here’s where it gets controversial: In an age of digital dominance, can a physical bookstore—especially one so niche—thrive? Earp thinks so, and they’re putting their money where their mouth is. A GoFundMe campaign (https://www.gofundme.com/f/littlebookroom) to cover moving costs has already smashed expectations. Within 48 hours, $20,000 was pledged, and it’s now on track to hit its new goal of $45,000. Donations have poured in from local authors, illustrators, booksellers, publishers, librarians, teachers, and readers—nearly 400 people in total. Over 50 volunteers even rolled up their sleeves to help set up the new space.
“The [sense of] community is huge,” Earp reflects, visibly moved by the outpouring of support. “I was really surprised at how much people cared about keeping The Little Bookroom alive. It’s this cornerstone of Melbourne’s book community.” And this is the part most people miss: In a world where independent bookstores are increasingly rare, The Little Bookroom isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, thanks to a community that refuses to let it fade away.
So, here’s the question: What does The Little Bookroom mean to you? Is it a nostalgic gem, a vital community hub, or something else entirely? Let’s spark a conversation—because in a world of e-readers and algorithms, places like this remind us of the magic that only a physical bookshop can create.
