Classics to collect at Ulmarra | Clarence Valley News | Local News in Clarence Valley

STANDING just in front of the children's section, overlooking the classics, you'll find the guardian of the newest second-hand bookshop in the Valley.

Russell Brownlee has opened Ulmarra's latest shop of treasures, Ulmarra Books and Collectables.

The self-confessed bookworm has been working in books since 1972.

Until recently Russell ran a small bookshop on the highway at Broadwater.

“I knew Ulmarra would be a better place for the business because people are used to stopping here,” he said.

Unlike most book stores, Russell keeps his computer at home.

“I have to rely on my memory and other people's patience,” he said.

But it's all part of Russell's desire to start a dialogue with his customers.

He enjoys it when customers come in asking for a book and describes the search as a quest.

Thousands of books line the shelves upstairs and down, covering every genre imaginable.

From the obscure to the collectable, the popular to the specific, Russell has quite an assortment for sale.

“The core of the collection is stuff I've been collecting for over 30 years,” he said.

Russell also keeps a range of titles in constant stock.

“The classics are very popular,” he said.

“I've got to have all the Austins and the Brontes because I'll get asked for them.”

But the most common authors asked for are Australian - Tim Winton and Bryce Courtney.

“Dear old Maeve (Binchy) does pretty well too,” Russell said.

In an effort to appeal to everyone's tastes, Russell has also filled his shop with bric-a-brac and art.

“Here there's something for everyone, male or female,” he said.

“A couple will come in and he'll look at the books and she'll look at the bric-a-brac or vice versa.

“No-one has to be bored.”

Ulmarra Books and Collectables is open 10am-4pm, six days a week.

It's closed on Tuesdays.