It’s a place of wonder and magic where you’re literally surrounded by a wealth of knowledge and imagination.
Best-selling author Jen Campbell wrote: "Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.”
For Jacki Avers of Collins Booksellers Echuca, there is nothing like the smell of a bookstore.
“I love walking into a bookstore and absorbing that special smell and atmosphere,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful place to look around and peruse the new books in-store.
“I don’t think books will ever go out of fashion because I think people like the feel of a book and they like to turn a page, rather than swipe.”
As such, the Echuca bookstore is more than just a shop.
For 22 years it has been a haven for bookworms of all ages, eagerly pouring through the doors on the hunt for their next literary adventure.
“We have thousands of books to choose from in-store, from fiction to non-fiction, classics to crime, biographies and picture books and we’re regularly getting in new titles and favourites,” Jacki said.
“We also have puzzles which are extremely popular and sell out very quickly.”
And if what you're looking for is not on the shelves, staff can easily order it in.
Since the business opened in its new premises in High St on Boxing Day last year, Jacki said the store had been extremely busy.
“The new location has proven to be a good move with tourists and locals who are really enjoying the lovely big premises,” she said.
Taken over by current owner Cindy Patzel in October 2018, the shop has continued to thrive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We haven’t seen a huge impact apart from having to reduce store hours and staff for a few months,” Jacki said.
“While foot traffic has been down, sales are still good because we offered phone and online orders and home deliveries which we are continuing to do.”
Collins Booksellers Echuca is open seven days a week at shop 2/519 High St, phone 5482 2902.