I’m the owner/bookseller/bookfairy that has been delivering books around WeFo throughout lockdown while we try and get the bricks & mortar shop up and running.
Here’s a little about me – My name is Reem, and my origins hail from the oldest capital city in the world – Damascus (Syria). My parents were emigrants who who moved around a bit so I ended up being born in the U.S.(with my twin who lives in San Francisco), and raised in London and the Middle East.
I met my husband while studying for my Masters degree in London. A charming Aussie that did his thing and lured me down under back in 2008. Now we’ve been living in West Footscray for more than 10 years.
I’ve spent most of my professional career as a social policy researcher in univeristies and with government. I recently got my PhD from Deakin University, after which I (perhaps belatedly) realised that a full on acacdemic career may not quite be my thing. I’ve also learned, in my various roles as a community leader (with Muslim Collective) that a vibrant local community is so vital for healthy living.
Last year’s lockdown really clarified how much our little community needs a local bookshop. I hope that my endeavour will deliver. Thanks everyone for their fantastic support and I hope to see you at the bookshop soon.
Wow – I walked past today and noticed we finally have a bookshop in the neighbourhood! I am so looking forward to coming through the doors and touching real books, congratulations!
Thank you Margaret 🙂 We are so happy to be here.
I watched that apartment building go up and wondered what would end up in that retail space down the bottom. ANOTHER restaurant? I was so VERY excited to walk past the other day and see books. LOTS of books. I’ve lived in Maidstone/West Footscray for over 40 years, and while we have the library on Barkly St., I don’t think there has ever been a book store in the area. I now live in Church St., and I can’t wait until you open.
See you when lockdown 6.0 ends.
Thanks Matt! Looking forward to seeing you at the shop 🙂
Burning Books was the last book store in Footscray. So glad to see your store open now! Been a few years since it shut down. Congrats & look forward to visiting
A bookshop is a Brilliant idea! I have lived here for over 50 years and have seen many shops come and go. I hope you are a keeper and the community gets behind you. Can’t wait to pop in!
I am so excited to see your bookshop taking shape, and can’t wait to come in and browse properly! Welcome and thank you!
Can’t wait to get to your bookshop, and make a few purchases whilst enjoying a latte! Just what we need in the west to lift our spirits at this time🥳Well done;👏cannot wait to get there👍