Woollahra Bookshop has been tucked down Spicer Street in the heart of Woollahra since 2018, but our history goes back much further than that. Many people knew us as Lesley McKay’s Bookshop. With 50 years' experience in London and Sydney, Lesley is a much-admired pioneer of bookselling.
We’re a proudly independent bookstore. We love giving recommendations (it’s what we do best!) and our staff are very knowledgeable in most genres. Become a regular and we’ll remember your name (and reading tastes). And if we don’t stock a book you’re after, we’re always happy to order it in.
Woollahra Bookshop is open seven days/week. We offer free (local) delivery and can post books anywhere in Australia for a small charge. We are also dog-friendly!
If you are a local author and would like us to consider stocking your book (on consignment) please email or phone the shop to make an appointment with Michael.
Let’s keep Sydney a town of independent bookstores. In the words of Neil Gaiman, “... a town isn’t a town without a bookstore. It may call itself a town, but unless it’s got a bookstore, it knows it’s not foolin’ a soul.”
MEET THE TEAM
Michael Eyes has owned Woollahra Bookshop since April, 2018. Michael moved to Sydney in 1997 and has spent the last 25 years as a bookseller. He has worked at Ariel, Potts Point Bookshop and for many years with Lesley McKay at Double Bay and Woollahra.
If it’s fiction recommendations you’re after, Penelope Peel is the person to speak to. Penelope has worked in this bookshop for almost 30 years. Many of our regulars simply walk in and ask, “what’s Penelope reading?”
We’re very lucky to have former teacher-librarian Elizabeth Phillips on board since 2015. She is endlessly passionate about children’s literature and is especially interested in helping reluctant readers reconnect with books. Elizabeth sources and provides books for several local schools. Please contact us if you’re interested in this service for your students.
Liz Raleigh does our social media and you’ll also catch her wrapping books at Christmas time. She’s a former student of English Literature and her claim to fame is finishing James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses.’
Our newest staff member is Gordon Elliott. Together with Michael, he owns The Elliott Eyes Collection. Located in Erskineville, it includes over 400 paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Art can always be found in the bookshop, including mini-exhibitions by local artists.