New bookstore opens

Beach Books opened in Umina on Monday, November 5, and has leisure reading and a colourful children's section.

Owner Bernie Sheehan had been commuting to Sydney every day working in the technology industry.

After two companies she worked for had closed shop, she found herself at another start-up venture and decided to start looking at what she could do locally.

"I felt like the typical sea-changer looking for an alternative and spent endless days driving up and down the coast looking at businesses for sale," said Ms Sheehan.

"I didn't find any businesses which I felt really excited about so in the end looked at setting up something that the area didn't have.

"Umina seemed the perfect place for a new bookshop."

Ms Sheehan spent time with booksellers learning the trade then found the vacant shop at Umina.

"Umina Beach is one of the most beautiful places on the coast.

"I aim to make the bookshop and inviting place where people feel welcome to come and browse."

The bookshop will have a number of different sections including gardening, kids, sport, armchair travel, thrillers, science fiction, romance, biographies, cooking, pets and literary fiction.

Ms Sheehan says there will also be a catalogue mail order service and a community bookclub.

Media release, October 28.