The Book Warehouse began in 1991 as a retail bookshop in South-East Queensland selling publishers’ end-of-line and overstocked titles – referred to as ‘remainders’ in the trade. We were operating ‘pop up’ shops twenty years before they became trendy! Using this model, store numbers would fluctuate depending on availability of empty shops in shopping centres.
Our online store is now the priority as we serve two key markets – families and education Australia-wide.
Our aim is to provide beautiful children’s books at fantastic prices and with more than 5000 titles there is something for everyone aged between 0 – 14! We also have a growing list of titles for all book lovers whether they be 9 or 99.
Hundreds of schools and child care centres now engage with us annually to run book fair fundraisers and the numbers are growing exponentially. Despite technology, nothing quite beats reading a physical book in bed or at the beach. Books create the bonds with children that last a lifetime.
We have been in the current warehouse in Albion for over 20 years. It’s an old ‘banger’ of a shed but it’s in a great central inner-city location. It is full of great titles at amazing prices. We still source titles from local publishers but also travel overseas (Covid-permitting) to help keep up with the demand. New titles arrive every week, so make sure to browse the website often for fantastic bargains!
There are many reasons, but here’s just a few.
Sean, our Director, has had a lifelong love of books and reading. Encouraged in his early years by his parents, in particular, his father, George Berkeley, who was Queensland’s Director General of Education – and an author himself of children’s books, most notably the Endeavour Reading Scheme. The first reader in the series – Digger, went on to sell well in excess of 1 million copies. Sean has republished this iconic book into a picture book and is available on the website to buy.
With our long 30+ year history in sourcing and supplying quality, education books for schools and families, there are few book stores that would have our depth of knowledge and suitability of books for children of all ages. If it’s a popular or classic book that has been read by children over the last 30 years, we will know about it.
Because of the way we started up and our time in the trade, we have been able to source rare, seemingly out of print books – many childhood favourites – for adults and their children or grandchildren. We don’t shy away from special requests.
It’s our commitment to ensuring a balance of classic stories along with our passion for discovering new sensations that makes us the go-to bookstore for so many.
While we have embraced technology with our online bookstore, we still believe in old-fashioned customer service. If you want to order some books and need some help, pick up the phone – we’re here to help.
And then there’s the price!. From day 1, we’ve operated on low margins because we are committed to making books accessible and affordable to all.
We welcome you to The Book Warehouse Community and look forward to being of service.
If it’s on our website, it’s available now – no waiting or back-orders.
We buy from Australian publishers who support Australian authors and illustrators.
Huge discounts on quality books, so your $ go further.
Books have an educational value while helping to foster a love of reading and learning.
Fast & Free shipping on orders over $75 Australia wide. Flat rate of $8.50 for all orders under $75.
Our books and board games are used by some of Australia’s leading early learning organisations.
Secure payment options, secure privacy.
We support schools and ELCs through book fairs, giving a share of commission for fund-raising projects.