NESTLED down a laneway off Main Street, a small second-hand bookshop has spent two decades doing more than just recycling stories – it’s been regenerating the mountain itself.
The Piccabeen Bookshop, named after the native palm that thrives in Tamborine Mountain’s lush gullies, has turned thousands of donated books into thousands of trees, funding vital Landcare projects across the mountain.
Opened in 2005 by local environmentalist and Tamborine Mountain Landcare President Judith Roland, the shop began as a modest idea sparked by an overflow of donated books from the group’s Springtime Garden Festival stalls.
“I clearly remember my excitement and feeling positive that the Piccabeen would be a worthwhile venture,” Judith said.
“The feedback from the community was very encouraging.”
When a small space became available behind the main street shops, landlords Sue and Rob McConachy offered generous support and a low rent, allowing the fledgling enterprise to take root.
At first, Judith ran the store herself, donating part of the profits to Landcare.
But after long hours behind the counter left her missing time in the field, the organisation officially took ownership in 2006 under then-President Jaap Vogel, who rallied a volunteer crew to help run the shop as a not-for-profit.
Since then, Piccabeen has blossomed into a much-loved community fixture.
Locals and visitors alike browse its shelves for bargains, knowing every purchase supports environmental restoration on the mountain.
“Our community has been very supportive, and this has been crucial to the bookshop’s success,” Judith said.
“Book donations have been very strong over the years, and the eclectic range of titles reflects the diversity of our community.”
Funds raised through the shop have helped regenerate more than 20 council reserves and parks, transforming weed-infested areas into thriving native forest.
Among the standout achievements is the Corridors Regeneration Project, which reconnected fragmented habitats and restored safe passageways for local flora and fauna.
“You could say wildlife corridors all over Tamborine Mountain have been created with the assistance of Piccabeen funding,” Judith said.
“The big shed that stores our books and tools was also partially funded by the shop.”
For many volunteers, helping at Piccabeen offers a meaningful way to care for the environment, no shovel required.
“Some people may not be comfortable doing the physical regeneration work, so the bookshop is their way of contributing to our cause,” Judith said.
“The added benefit has been the friendships formed over the years.”
While the digital age has transformed reading habits, the shelves at Piccabeen still hum with activity, and as the shop turns 20, Judith is confident its roots will only deepen.
“It seems like books are here to stay, despite all the other ways to find information or entertainment,” she said.
“We’ll keep raising the funds needed to care for our beautiful forests, and hopefully, a new generation will take over from our ever-so-slightly ageing volunteers.”
