They say many hands make light work, and this was evident when hundreds of Melburnians formed a human chain to relocate the books from the iconic Hill of Content bookshop on 10 July, marking the end of an era for the store that had been at its original location for 103 years.
The beloved bookstore, established in 1922, was compelled to move due to the sale of its heritage-listed building at 86 Bourke Street. It is understood the new owner has plans to turn the old site into a Chinese restaurant.
Owners Diana and Duncan Johnson orchestrated the move to a new premises just 120 metres away at 32 Bourke Street, enlisting the help of volunteers to pass approximately 17,000 books hand-to-hand in a “book brigade” inspired by a similar event in the U.S.
Despite the rainy weather, around 300 volunteers, including book lovers, construction workers, and families, participated in the event, wrapping books in brown paper to protect them from the elements.
The initiative not only facilitated the physical move but also symbolised the deep cultural and emotional connection Melburnians have with the bookstore.
The Hill of Content’s name, often a topic of debate, reflects founder Albert Spencer’s vision of a tranquil literary refuge amidst the bustling city.
The new location aims to preserve the charm and atmosphere of the original, with similar colour schemes and design elements and the location ensures it still has a prominent place on the hill on Bourke Street.
