Mary Martin Bookshop celebrates first anniversary at QVM

The September school holidays bring a special celebration for Mary Martin Bookshop as it marks its first anniversary at Queen Victoria Market (QVM).

The festivities will take place on Sunday, September 22. Bookshop owner Jaye Chin-Dusting told CBD News that the store would host various games and activities throughout the day.

“We’ve planned an all-day program featuring games like pass the parcel, guitar sing-alongs, and storytelling sessions with a couple of authors,” Ms Chin-Dusting said.

Mary Martin Bookshop is well-versed in hosting events. Since its opening, it has been an active community participant, known for its innovative book clubs, such as the Breakfast Club – a collaborative event with neighbouring coffee shop Market Espresso.

“We meet once a month at 8.30 in the morning, they have breakfast and they describe crime books,” Ms. Chin-Dusting said. 

“The tagline is ‘it’s crime with your croissants and coffee’. You get regulars coming in and then people join us, which is good fun.”

Another popular evening event is Mystery Night with Mary Martin Bookshop, designed for those who relish enigmatic experiences.

“We hold it at one of the little wine bars on Queen St, less than three minutes away from where the bookshop is.”

After purchasing tickets, participants are escorted to the venue by staff members.

“A glass of wine is waiting for them and the books are all wrapped up, so they don’t know what the book is,” Ms Chin-Dusting said.

To ensure customers don’t miss out, more details about the first-anniversary celebration and book clubs can be found on Mary Martin Bookshop's website. •