Number Seventeen, More Than Just a Bookstore

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The historic town of Maryborough in Queensland has a unique attractiveness of authenticity and intrigue that entices businesses to open in the town. On a recent trip to Maryborough, I came across Number Seventeen, which is more than the usual bookshop and incorporates the magic of Mary Poppins ’ at No. 17 Cherry Lane, with different hubs of seating areas for reading and browsing.



Proprietor, Debbie has an association with Maryborough with her parents once living in Boonooroo, a small fishing town nearby. Debbie’s love of books brought her idea to life when she opened Number Seventeen, which creates a space where people could wander around and select a book, sit and read while enjoying a cuppa. There is also a hub where you and a friend can enjoy a game of Chess.



Apart from the table and chairs in the front of the building, I loved the idea of being able to wander about around the hubs, which was like walking around a maze, to find an assortment of books from different genres.



All the books are placed on wooden bookshelves in sections depicting, crime, romance, children’s, biblical, music, self-help, arts and crafts, classics, history, pets, royalty, business and political, mystical and spiritual and a specialty for Number Seventeen is an immense collection of book series. Debbie travels all over the world purchasing book series that any book lover would be proud to have in their home.


Another section towards the back of the store was filled with CD’s LP Albums, guitars, and sheet music. The seating area in this section was really amazing where sheet music had been wall-papered onto the old brick wall and the seating was what would have been used in an old theatre. This bookstore is one half of the old Embassy Theatre, where Maryborough residents gathered especially, on Saturday evenings to watch movies. My father worked at the Embassy Theatre in his youth.



If you are not sure what to purchase for a friend, a great idea is a mystery book wrapped in brown paper with a catchy phrase written outside; “Blind Date” with Modern, Classical Fiction, or even, a mystery pack of 10 Marvel comics. I purchased one for my girlfriend, who has everything!



Number Seventeen looks after Fraser Coast Authors too, and books written by local people are displayed on the shelves. There is also a section towards the back that showcases second-hand goods, statues and watches for sale.



Another creative idea from Debbie is a wall of coffee mugs, which if you are a regular, you can purchase a cup for $3.00, and have your name put on it. Next time you visit, your cup is waiting for you to use. Most of us have a special coffee cup at home, so, now you can have one too when you visit Number Seventeen.



If you have excellent quality books to sell, Debbie is happy to talk to you about this. Also, if you have any old photographs from the days of the Embassy Theatre, Debbie would love to display them on the walls.

At times, Number Seventeen has visiting authors highlighting their works, and personally signed books are available when you purchase them. Recently welcomed, was Jaymin Eve , who writes young adult fantasy and supernatural books.



After talking to Debbie and her staff, I was inspired to make more time on my next trip to Maryborough and enjoy the atmosphere created at Number Seventeen. People were deeply engrossed in their reading, unaware of those around them. Isn’t this what reading an enjoyable book is all about?



Debbie explained plans for a larger meal selection in a room at the back of the building with lunch varieties and Devonshire teas. I am sure Maryborough, and visitors will be excited by the upcoming enhancements for Number Seventeen.



I loved this creative space and like the business name says, “ Number Seventeen, is More Than Just A Bookstore .” Situated at 72 Ellena Street, Maryborough , pop in next time you are in town. For more information, you can email Debbie at [email protected] or call 0435 111 064.

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# Things to Do
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