The Wheeler Centre has a new neighbour, and it’s a bookstore. Following news of the closure of Borders, Angus & Robertson and Reader’s Feast, the operators of Embiggen hope that their science-oriented books will help the store buck the recent trend.
Opening opposite the main entrance to the Wheeler Centre on Little Lonsdale Street - just a little further up the hill - an Age report today quotes Warren Bonett, a co-owner of the store with partner Kirsty Bruce, as saying that the store’s idiosyncratic title is inspired by a 1996 episode of The Simpsons (Springfield’s motto is, ‘A noble spirit embiggens the smallest man’). As well as science titles, Embiggen will stock environmental and DIY-green books, children’s books and a selection of adult fiction titles. Bonett and Bruce also hope to host science-related events. The store was previously located in Noosa, and we hope it will bring a little Sunshine Coast sunshine to Melbourne too.