Maryborough’s Lions Club Bookshop, set in the main street of Maryborough, has become something of a drawcard for visitors to the area. With its vast range of books, friendly, knowledgeable staff and central location, it is often the first port of call for tourists visiting the goldfields.

Lorraine Parker heads up the team of volunteers at the shop. She said staff are always keen to help shoppers, whether their query is about finding a new book to read or the best place to buy a cup of coffee.

“As well as our regular locals, we have many customers from around the state, interstate and overseas,” Lorraine said.

“Our volunteers are a happy, welcoming group from the community who enjoy providing information about our region.”

In the 10 years the shop has been operating, Lorraine said they have had thousands of books on their shelves. It has gained a reputation among readers, with everything from classics, crime, novels, autobiographies, history, gardening, children’s, health, sport, craft, cookery, and theology, as well as DVDs, CDs, vinyl records and stamps.

“If customers are searching for a specific book our staff will do their utmost to find it for them; they are encouraged to leave their name and contact number just in case a copy of what they want comes in later,” Lorraine said.

Books are displayed in category and alphabetical order of authors, and the store is wheelchair accessible. All funds raised in the shop, are distributed back into the local community.