A community of dedicated patrons came together to support a historic Melbourne bookstore, Hill of Content, as it relocated after 103 years in its original spot. The store’s owners, Diana and Duncan Johnson, called for assistance via social media, prompting around 200 locals to create a human chain to facilitate the move. This collaborative effort allowed the community to pass thousands of books just 120 metres to their new location.
A week prior to the move, staff had meticulously packed up 17,000 books, emptying shelves that hadn’t been bare for over a century. Despite the potential challenges of such a labour-intensive task, the involvement of numerous volunteers made the work lighter and more efficient. Even inclement weather could not deter the committed customers, who rallied to protect the books from the rain.
By lunchtime on moving day, the majority of Hill of Content’s vast collection had been successfully transported to its new home. Many participants documented this memorable event on social media, showcasing their pride and dedication to preserving their beloved bookstore. The Johnsons were required to vacate their old building, which is set to be replaced by a new Chinese restaurant, marking the end of a significant chapter in the store’s rich history.