Share this @internewscast.com
Book by book, hand to hand — hundreds formed a human chain to help Melbourne’s oldest bookshop move to a new home, on a rainy day in the city.
The chain was formed on Thursday morning, in front of the Hill of Content bookshop, which is relocating from the Bourke Street address it has maintained since 1922.
Last year, the building was sold for $5.3 million, forcing the owners of Hill of Content to vacate after 103 years.
“[The] building feels quite iconic, and we’ve loved our time there … but a new chapter is starting, and we’re really embracing that,” Jaclyn Crupi, bookseller, author, and staff member at the store, told SBS News.

“It’s a mix of emotions.”

A person in a blue and pink plaid scarf stands in front of a bookshop called "Hill of Content Bookshop."

In 2008, Jaclyn Crupi entered the bookstore and inquired about employment, describing it as a life-changing experience.

The bookstore is moving 120 meters down the street, from 86 to 32 Bourke Street.

‘Get something positive out of it’

Robyn Annear, the person who came up with the idea of shaping a human chain, told SBS News that she read about something similar happening in the US.
She said that she suggested the bookstore members “get something positive out of [the relocation] and get your customers involved.”
“It is amazing when people come in on a day when small hail is predicted, it’s just fantastic.
“People love these books.”

About 18,000 books were packed by members, and in the human chain, hundreds helped move a few thousand of the books.

Veronica Sullivan, festival director of the Melbourne Writers Festival, was among those passing books from hand to hand in the rainy weather.
“It’s kind of raining a little bit, but it is an opportunity to show how much we love the store,” she told SBS News.
“It says something about the community here in Melbourne … It tells you how much Melbourne loves books and writing.
“We are a city of literature, and that’s embedded in our cultural fabric, and the turnout is testament to that.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
President Donald Trump arrived Friday in Texas for a firsthand look at the devastation from the state's catastrophic flooding, but he has remained conspicuously quiet about his previous promises to do away with the federal agency in charge of disaster relief.

Trump Labels Journalist as ‘Malicious’ During Tour of Flood-Ravaged Texas Town

President Donald Trump visited Texas today to assess the destruction caused by…

Antisemitism Envoy Addresses Concerns Over Controversial Definition in New Plan

Australia’s special envoy to address antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has rejected criticism regarding…

Follow-up: Video of Corgi on Apartment Balcony Raises Worries

A corgi has been surrendered and is now in the care of…
Second Australian city becomes million-dollar housing market

Another Major Australian City Enters the Million-Dollar Housing Club

Brisbane is now part of Australia’s million-dollar property markets, with median house…

“Brazil’s President Threatens Equivalent Retaliation to Trump’s Tariff Plan, Vows ‘We’ll Impose a 50% Charge'”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his desire for a…
Ukrainian intelligence officer 'assassinated' in broad daylight

Ukrainian Intelligence Agent Killed in Daylight Attack

A Ukrainian Security Service officer was shot dead in Kyiv overnight Australia…
Trump hand-picks Aussie politician turned 'alpha male' for diplomatic role

Trump Selects Former Australian Politician, Now ‘Alpha Male,’ for Diplomatic Position

A former Sydney councillor, who once faced suspension from the Liberal Party,…
Air India plane crash site

Engine Fuel Switches Set to ‘CUT OFF’ in Fatal Air India Crash, Report Indicates

The London-bound plane had barely left the runway at Ahmedabad airport before…

US and NATO to Provide Ukraine with Weapons Ahead of Key Announcement on Russia

Donald Trump has announced that the United States will be providing weapons…
Desmond Avery will stand trial after pleading not guilty to all charges over a deadly home invasion.

Man Refutes Involvement in Home Invasion Resulting in Accomplice’s Death

A man facing charges for a home invasion that resulted in a…
A Qantas A380 aircraft passes Gate 20 at The Beach, Mascot on the perimiter of Sydney Airport. Qantas.

Qantas Cyberattack Impact More Severe Than Initially Publicized to Customers

Exclusive: Some Qantas customers have learned that more of their personal information…

“Warning Signs Emerge with Increasing Use of Medical Cannabis in Australia”

On average, one script every five minutes — that’s the rate at…