Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

Peter Schiotz from PS Books relaxes in a sunny corner of his shop

They say that bookshops are a sign of a thriving community, and Maleny is no exception.  This relatively small community has two thriving second hand bookshops in its main street.  They are both different, but at the same time, complementary.  

Peter Schiotz from PS Books maintains proudly that Maleny is the cultural centre for south-east Queensland, and it is populated by a wide variety of artists, writers, poets, designers, stitchers, photographers and film makers. So, naturally says Peter, an astounding range of books pass through his store. 

“I buy and sell books everyday”, said Peter, “but I am quite choosy and look for interesting books in good condition.” 

The shelves in Peter’s small shop are certainly crammed with an array of novels as well as books about gardening, art, travel, history, ‘how to’ books, women’s issues and esoteric/spiritual subjects. 

Peter started out dealing in antiques and books, but his great passion for books soon took over. He previously owned a bookshop in Brisbane, but moved to Maleny to be near his family and further indulge his passion for the printed word. 

Peter feels he was fortunate to locate his shop in the old CWA rooms in the Community Centre. The rooms have a great social history which lends appeal to the shop.  One of Peter’s greatest delights is to see youngsters discover his extensive section of childrens’ books. 

“I am happy to say that Maleny children on the whole are avid readers, and that’s so good to see in this computer age. About 80% of my business though, comes from tourists who are collectors looking for that special book to add to their collection.”

Jim and Millie at Maleny Bookshop love to chat to customers about books.

Further up Maple Street you come to the Maleny Bookshop. Once inside you are captured by the aroma of old books, the feeling of history and of tales once told.  Jim and Marlene have owned their business for 20 years and they certainly know their books.  

It was in London thirty years ago where Marlene ran an antique textile gallery that she began her love of books.

When they left England to live in Australia, they brought a large number of books with them, and began selling them at the Closeburn Markets outside Brisbane. Then they moved to Maleny and launched what is now recognised by local and interstate visitors as the place to source unusual and collectable books. 

The pair have a great working relationship, with Marlene buying the books from her numerous contacts, Jim selling them, and Millie (the dog), charming the customers.  

“We are very fortunate to have two ‘bricks and mortar second hand bookshops’ in our town”, said Marlene. “Many people these days are being caught out buying books over the internet, which they were led to believe were valuable.

I am happy to lend my expertise and experience to people to help them source the books they are after.

“The advantage of going into a book store is that ‘what you see is what you get’.  We make a point of keeping our prices affordable, so more  people can enjoy their love of books. We want everyone to appreciate books, as much as we do.”