The Thousands

I recall an alarming shopping experience in Melbourne, which involved going into Polyester Books and discovering a shelf stocked with DIY-type publications. Few were priced above $10. I was taken aback. There’s never really been a shelf like that on the West Coast. Ever.

Perth bookstores seem bewildered by these types of publications. Where to put them? By the Banksy? In with Bryce? They generally end up in the weird space beneath the front of the counter, held in by an elasticky piece of rope. Or stacked with a few other unclassifiable titles in a (gah!) old Lonely Planet bookstand.

Coastal Shelf opened up last week on Pier Street, and it has dedicated not just one shelf, but many shelves (and a few tables, too) to the display and sale of small, DIY publications. Said shelves are made of strong, bleached pine and look rather proud to be holding titles such as The National Grid, Z/X, Task Newsletter, WON Magazine, Mountain Fold, Graphic, et al, Sandwich and Soft Copy (Coastal Shelf’s first publication). There is not an elasticky rope in sight. Fire engine red furnishings (but no dusty stands) complete the set up, along with apparel by Alexandra Cassaniti and ffiXXed, and the odd piece of design.

From not one shelf – to an entire shop. Prepare to be taken aback.