The Anglican Book Room is a bookshop with a mission: to be a specialist bookshop, making Christian
books and worship materials available to Tasmanians at reasonable prices, and to be a special
bookshop, devoted to raising money for mission.
From the beginning, the Book Room has been entirely staffed by volunteers, and expenses have been
kept to a minimum, with the aim of ensuring that as much as possible of the Book Room’s takings go directly to mission. The entire net profit is divided between ABM and CMS.
In the financial year to 30 June 2004, the Book Room has given $6,000 to mission.
The story of the Book Room begins in 1985. The Diocesan
Book Shop had closed, and Bishop Mervyn Stanton saw a continuing need for a bookshop to serve the Anglican community. With the help of Mrs. Barbara Briggs he opened the Anglican Book Room at 125 Macquarie
Street, Hobart (near St David’s Cathedral). It had a small stock and opened only 2 days a week.
From these small beginnings the Book Room continued to grow and thrive. After several years at 125 Macquarie Street
it moved to the Bishop Hay Centre. But towards the end of 2001 it was forced
to seek new premises if it was to continue.
Fortunately the Book Room was able to obtain new premises in St. George's Church Buildings, at
30 Cromwell Street, Battery Point, where it moved
at the beginning of 2002. One of the benefits of the move is that there are no
steep stairs to negotiate, and parking is more readily available than it was when the Book Room was in the city.
So what will you find when you come to the Anglican Book Room?
First of all, a friendly welcome from the staff. And then of course the
books: a good selection of Christian books, many different translations of the Bible, commentaries, hymn books; a wide range
of children’s books, including books with children’s prayers, songs, stories; worship resources, prayers, hymns
and the latest books on religion. If you are planning to undertake any Biblical,
theological or pastoral study, check with the Book Room to see whether the books you need are in stock.
If you can’t find the book you’re looking for, tell the staff about it, and they will
get it in for you if at all possible. They are willing and experienced, and are
dedicated to providing an efficient service. They have trading accounts with
all the major religious publishers in Australia. Whenever they can, they give a discount (on books only) to parishes, schools and the
clergy.
The Book Room is also able to order in books on all subjects from leading Australian publishers,
such as Penguin Books and Harper Collins. They have access to a wholesaler who
can supply them with a wide range of general books, but a little time is needed to enable them to do this. Bearing in mind their aim of raising money for mission, the staff is happy to provide this additional service
– if the customers are prepared to give them the time to do so.
As well as books, the Book Room sells greeting cards at very reasonable prices, candles and clerical
shirts.
At the Anglican Book Room the mission is to raise money for mission – but the work can continue
only if you, the book-buyers, give it your support. The Book Room is open 10
am to 4 pm Monday to Friday at 30Cromwell Street, Battery Point, 7004, or contact them by phone or fax on 6223 8504.
