From our roving reporter:
A great night. The re-launch of Unity Books Wellington! Everyone present was invited to tag a column (see mayor’s signing photo below) which will become a permanent part of the shop and Wellington’s history. Tilly emphasized the great loyalty shown by customers and staff to make sure Unity Books and independent bookselling would continue. She also highlighted the important role played by independent publishers and other like-minded independent stores in establishing a community we were all proud to be a part of.
The 4th revised Edition of Unity Books was attended by numerous public (we were filled to 130% capacity!), her Worship Celia Wade-Brown, with many of the Wellington and NZ literati, such as Karen Ferns from RHNZ, plus the great book-buying public of this town. Lawrie and Jo McColl from Unity Auckland were also here to celebrate with their children. The Mayor’s speech touched on the unpopular Wellywood sign and her wish to see the reports she’s often exposed being given titles as creative as the one’s she’s seen on Unity’s shelves. Celia Wade-Brown also toasted the independent publishers of Wellington as well its booksellers and implored the public to keep such institutions as Unity alive and growing. Glasses were raised to Alan Preston in memory of his endeavours in founding an independent bookshop in Wellington, the risk that involved and the pleasure that so many people have taken in what he established.
Footnote:
The Bookman so wishes he could have been there for what was obviously a grand night of celebration.
My warmest congratulations to Tilly and her team at Unity. Their energy and commitment is an inspiration to booksellers everywhere. Not only are they surviving at this time of great change in the bookworld, they are striving forward with confidence and elan and I have huge admiration for them. Kia kaha.
PS Apologies for the double spacing on this post. Have spent half an hour trying to correct it without success. Must be something to do with the photos I think?
That bottom photo shows Lincoln Gould and Noel Murphy enjoying a laugh with Tilly Lloyd. I wonder what Lincoln said to cause so much hilarity?
A great night. The re-launch of Unity Books Wellington! Everyone present was invited to tag a column (see mayor’s signing photo below) which will become a permanent part of the shop and Wellington’s history. Tilly emphasized the great loyalty shown by customers and staff to make sure Unity Books and independent bookselling would continue. She also highlighted the important role played by independent publishers and other like-minded independent stores in establishing a community we were all proud to be a part of.
The 4th revised Edition of Unity Books was attended by numerous public (we were filled to 130% capacity!), her Worship Celia Wade-Brown, with many of the Wellington and NZ literati, such as Karen Ferns from RHNZ, plus the great book-buying public of this town. Lawrie and Jo McColl from Unity Auckland were also here to celebrate with their children.
The Bookman so wishes he could have been there for what was obviously a grand night of celebration.
My warmest congratulations to Tilly and her team at Unity. Their energy and commitment is an inspiration to booksellers everywhere. Not only are they surviving at this time of great change in the bookworld, they are striving forward with confidence and elan and I have huge admiration for them. Kia kaha.
PS Apologies for the double spacing on this post. Have spent half an hour trying to correct it without success. Must be something to do with the photos I think?
That bottom photo shows Lincoln Gould and Noel Murphy enjoying a laugh with Tilly Lloyd. I wonder what Lincoln said to cause so much hilarity?
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