about farrells
We are a proudly independent general bookshop located in Mornington Victoria, about an hour south-east of Melbourne on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
We have been part of our community for more than 40 years, sharing our passion for books and reading and providing our customers with quality service and specialised knowledge. Farrells is a welcoming and inclusive space to connect with other book lovers.
At Farrells we strongly believe in the relevance and importance of independent bricks and mortar bookshops in the 21st century – the desire is greater than ever for people to connect within their communities and enjoy face to face relationships with those who can provide them with passionate service and advice.
our philosophy
We believe that books matter. Reading and books have so many benefits – improving your mood, reducing stress, learning new skills or ways of thinking, understanding others and the world around us, and finding connection – to an idea, a feeling, a community. And, of course, entertaining us or giving us a form of escape – without travelling anywhere except the inside of our own heads.
In Farrells we strive to create a place of community, understanding and acceptance, through a shared love of books and everything they can bring us. Matching a reader with a book that will change them, nurture them, reveal a truth they have been searching for or simply bring them pleasure, is what we love to do most. Books can change the world, one reader at a time.
our history
Farrells was established in the late 1970s by Roy and Liz Farrell, who nurtured the business for its first 20 years, before handing the reigns over to Ian and Meredith Horton, formerly of Pages Bookshop in Kew. Both the Farrells and the Hortons were passionately involved in leadership within the book industry in both Victoria and at a national level. They remain active and committed members of the Peninsula community and very regular Farrells customers!
Today Ian and Meredith have passed the mantle to their daughter, Kate. Together with our amazing and passionate staff, Kate works to ensure Farrells continues to evolve to meet the needs of our community. We are constantly humbled by the love our community shows for our little bookshop and the importance it has held in the lives of multiple generations.
Chloe`s Favourite Series
If you`ve ever asked Chloe for a fantasy recommendation, chances are she`s handed you The Winternight Trilogy by @arden_katherine
Set in the frozen wilderness of medieval Russia, this breathtaking trilogy follows Vasilisa "Vasya" Petrovna, a young woman who can see the ancient spirits that protect the land. As Christianity spreads and the old beliefs begin to disappear, Vasya is drawn into a world of folklore, dark magic, political intrigue and the enigmatic Winter King, Morozko.
With lush, lyrical writing, unforgettable characters and a heroine you`ll be cheering for from page one, this is a series that lingers long after you`ve turned the final page.
Perfect for readers who love:
Immersive fantasy
Fairy-tale retellings and folklore
Strong, fiercely independent heroines
Slow-burn romance
Atmospheric winter settings
Have you read The Winternight Trilogy, or is it still waiting on your TBR?
Last night we welcomed @hannahrichell to chat with us about her latest book An Ocean and a Day. A powerful and moving memoir of grief, loss and hope.
Thank you @hannahrichell for coming to our bookshop and sharing so much with us.
@harpercollinsaustralia
#farrellsbookshop #bookish #bookstagram
Did you know that @morningtonpeninsulalibraries host author talks? They are free events, but you need to book. We`re usually there selling books.
Last week week @victoria_brownlee was at the library talking about her new book The Writers Retreat.
A wickedly twisty and atmospheric thriller set at a writers` retreat in the South of France, The Writers Retreat is Knives Out meets Anna Downes’ The Safe Place from an exciting new voice in the thriller/mystery space.
@simonschusterau
Listen to your doctor!
#bookish #farrellsbookshop #greenbooks
Narm-Jaap A Flinders Street Story by Melissa-Jane Fogarty and Dylan Finney @melissajwriting @dylanfinneyart
This is a beautifully illustrated, and richly informative picture story book. It is an excellent introduction into some Aboriginal language names for the area we know and love, as well as being an accessible and detailed account of key historical events from before and after colonisation. Highly recommended.
@hachetteaus
New puzzle alert! WELL READ CATS. 1000pieces of pure joy. In store now.
@thamesandhudsonau
#puzzles #catsofinstagram
PRE-ORDER NOW!
Jump online www.farrells.com.au or pop in store now.
After selling out on its first allocation, Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump is now available to pre-order. Expected back in store early August.
From Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, this highly anticipated new release offers an extraordinary inside account of Donald Trump`s return to the White House. Drawing on unrivalled access and extensive reporting, Haberman and Swan explore the people, decisions and power struggles shaping one of the most closely watched presidencies in modern history.
Whether you follow American politics closely or simply enjoy exceptional political journalism, this is one of the year`s most talked-about releases.
@simonschusterau
Mornington, this one is for you!
We’re beyond excited to welcome Holly Ringland as part of her Victorian book tour and even more excited that she’ll be stopping right here on the Mornington Peninsula.
With only four Victorian dates on the tour, this is a truly special opportunity to hear from Holly in person, discover the stories behind her books and celebrate the magic of Australian storytelling.
Secure your spot for our Mornington event before tickets disappear! www.farrells.com.au/whats-on or pop in store and we can book you in.
@hollygolightly @harpercollinsaus
#HollyRingland #MorningtonPeninsula #AuthorEvent #BookLovers #AustralianAuthors #BookshopEvents
community
We are committed to promoting the importance of books and literacy within our community. For several years we have run a Children’s Book Week Story Writing Competition for kids from Prep through to Year 12, which now attracts hundreds of entries annually. We work closely with many local schools to develop their school libraries and reading initiatives, and run pre-school storytimes in store to foster a love of books in our youngest community members. We regularly run events including book clubs and author talks to extend our customer experience and create opportunities to bring the community together to celebrate books.
We also partner regularly with local not-for-profit groups, including Rotary and Lions Clubs, on projects that aim to add value to our community.
We feel lucky to be a part of a regional community that values us and continues to nurture and inspire us in our business and look for every opportunity to give back and nurture that most important of relationships.
In the broader book community we are a proud member of the national industry association known as BookPeople (formerly the Australian Booksellers Association).