In a heartfelt farewell to Brisbane's diverse community, a cherished LGBTQ+ bookstore bid adieu with an unforgettable drag story time event. The beloved store, known as Shelf Lovers, located in Wooloowin, hosted a vibrant celebration as it closed its doors for the final time.
On the final weekend, Shelf Lovers transformed into a hub of joyous activity, welcoming patrons and friends to commemorate its closing chapter. The bookstore partnered with the renowned Gold Coast drag queen, Cady DeVille, who captivated attendees with her storytelling prowess. As the event unfolded, laughter and tears mingled in equal measure, underscoring the deep connection between the store and its community.
Reflecting on the event, Kat Nurthen, the passionate owner of Shelf Lovers, took to social media to express her gratitude. "What a weekend!" she wrote. "There were laughs, tears, and of course, lots and lots of books. Thank you so much to everyone that shared our last weekend with us." Her words resonated with the many who had made Shelf Lovers a cherished part of their lives.
A Difficult Decision
The decision to close the bookstore was one that weighed heavily on Kat. Having announced the closure in March, she shared her heartfelt reasons for the decision. "It is with great sadness that we announce that Shelf Lovers will be closing when our current lease finishes at the end of April," Kat revealed.
For Kat, the choice was not an easy one. Balancing the financial realities of running a bookstore with her personal health and family considerations made the decision even more challenging. She expressed, "We can't express how impossibly difficult it has been to come to this decision."
Despite this difficult choice, Kat remains hopeful about the future. She mentioned that there are plans being considered to continue the business in some form. "We are currently investigating options to continue the business in some form, though we don’t have any definite answers just yet on what that might look like. We'll keep you posted," she promised.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Shelf Lovers' story began in July 2023, motivated by a deeply personal journey. Kat, a former librarian, was inspired to open the bookstore after her youngest son came out as trans in 2020. "I tried to find books that we could read to find out how best to support him," she shared with ABCQueer in 2024.
Kat's quest for inclusive literature for her son highlighted a broader issue: the scarcity of physical books featuring LGBTQIA+ characters in mainstream Brisbane stores. "I thought it would be great to have a place here in Brisbane where people could find hard-to-source LGBTQIA+ books," she explained. Her vision was to create a safe and welcoming space, where community members could discover legitimate resources and connect with others.
Through Shelf Lovers, Kat succeeded in building not just a bookstore, but a vital community hub. It became a sanctuary for those seeking representation and connection, offering a welcoming environment for everyone, especially those who didn't have other places to turn to.
Looking Forward
As Shelf Lovers closes its doors, the impact of its presence will continue to ripple through Brisbane's LGBTQ+ community. Kat's dedication to fostering inclusivity and understanding remains unwavering, and she remains committed to exploring new avenues for her mission.
While the bookstore's physical presence may be gone, the spirit of Shelf Lovers lives on. The community it nurtured will persist, fueled by the relationships and memories forged within its walls. As Kat and her supporters look to the future, the hope is that Shelf Lovers, in some form, will continue to be a beacon of love and acceptance for all.
As we reflect on this significant moment, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Let us know in the comments below how Shelf Lovers has touched your life, and join us in honoring its legacy. Remember to keep the conversation respectful as we celebrate this beloved community landmark.
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