Auckland's Literary Heart Beats On: Hard to Find Books Survives Closure Threat
In a victory for Auckland's cultural landscape and sustainable consumption, Hard to Find Books has successfully relocated to a new home, defying the trend of independent bookshop closures that threatens our city's literary diversity.
The beloved secondhand bookshop, which champions the circular economy by giving new life to hundreds of thousands of pre-loved titles, faced an uncertain future when the Catholic Church decided to sell the historic former convent that had housed the store for eight years in Eden Terrace.
After months of searching, owner Warwick Jordan has found sanctuary in an unexpected location: the basement of Southbound Records, also in Eden Terrace. The move represents more than just a change of address; it's a testament to community resilience and the power of grassroots support in preserving cultural institutions.
A Space That Embraces Sustainability
The new 250,000-book capacity basement space allows Jordan to finally display titles that have been stored in shipping containers, maximizing the environmental impact of book reuse. This expansion aligns perfectly with New Zealand's growing commitment to sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
"If we don't buy them, who will?" Jordan reflects, highlighting the critical role secondhand bookshops play in our circular economy. "There's fewer and fewer secondhand bookshops out there, and many aren't buying because times are tough. But I'm passionate about this mission."
While the new location lacks the historic charm of the 120-year-old convent, with its confessional-turned-children's room and remnants of its religious heritage, Jordan remains optimistic about creating a new cultural hub.
Community Support Drives Change
The successful relocation demonstrates the power of community activism and crowdfunding in preserving cultural spaces. A Givealittle campaign helped fund essential renovations, including floor painting and shelving installation, proving that grassroots support can triumph over economic challenges.
"The amount of community support convinced me to keep going," Jordan explains. "We may be dinosaurs in economic terms, but we serve an essential cultural function."
The Broader Challenge for Independent Retail
Hard to Find Books' struggle reflects wider pressures on Auckland's independent retail sector. The closure of Dominion Books (37 years) in 2023 and Jason Books (55 years) in 2024 highlights how rising rents and changing consumer habits threaten cultural diversity.
Rachel Lynch from Ponsonby's Open Book echoes these challenges: "Money is difficult. We try to pay staff fairly, but foot traffic, especially during poor weather, makes sustainability challenging."
Her shop survives through shareholders committed to community service over profit maximization, a model that prioritizes social value alongside economic viability.
Looking Forward
As Hard to Find Books prepares to reopen in mid-March, Jordan hopes the new location will continue serving Auckland's diverse, book-loving community. The shop's survival represents more than commercial success; it's about maintaining spaces for intellectual curiosity, environmental responsibility, and community connection.
In a city increasingly focused on innovation and sustainability, the preservation of institutions like Hard to Find Books proves that progress doesn't require abandoning the treasures of our past. Instead, it means finding creative ways to adapt, survive, and thrive in changing times.