About Us

The story of The Book Connection is one of resilience, passion, and a love for books. Since 1983, the Pankhurst family laid the foundation for this bookstore, starting in a Dubbo shopping mall. In 1990, they acquired The Book Connection mail-order business and merged it with their physical store, creating a vibrant hub for book lovers in a new, larger main street location. Over the years, the store flourished with the invaluable contributions of long-term staff, whose expertise and dedication have enriched the customer experience. With a vast collection of over 50,000 new and used titles, The Book Connection became renowned not only for its range but also for its specialization in unique fields like agriculture, horticulture, natural science, and trades—reflecting its deep ties to the central west NSW farming community.

In recent years, as the Pankhursts prepared for retirement, The Book Connection was listed for sale for five years. By early 2025, the beloved store faced the brink of closure. That’s when I stepped in, fueled by my own passion for books and a commitment to keep this cornerstone of the community alive. With experience in bookselling since 2021, I saw an opportunity to preserve the legacy of The Book Connection while bringing fresh energy to the store.

Today, The Book Connection remains an independent bookstore dedicated to serving readers of all tastes and interests—from literary enthusiasts to those seeking technical knowledge. Our mission is to provide not just books but also a space where stories are shared, connections are made, and the love of reading thrives. Together with the support of the community and my ongoing dedication, I look forward to writing the next chapter of this remarkable bookstore’s journey.