Wānaka’s independent bookstore The Next Chapter has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary — a milestone that marks more than just the passage of time.

 What began as a 38 square metre container style store in the Paradiso Cinema precinct in 2020 has quietly doubled its footprint, expanded its diverse range of titles and earned recognition across the national and international book communities.

Owners Sally Battson and Jenny Ainge always envisaged the store becoming a destination experience for visitors as well as a favourite haunt for local book lovers.

“We’ve grown in size, stature and industry recognition from those original days when we stocked a modest but engaging book range,” says Sally. “Doubling the floor area has meant  room for more titles, a dedicated children’s section, space for literary events and a small seating area where customers can relax and discover new reads.”

“We have worked hard to maintain the intimate feel that first drew people in. Growing the store has meant we can offer readers a wider, more adventurous selection of books without compromising what makes us unique. At the same time we have expanded our team and therefore the breadth and depth of our book knowledge.”

Sally says that what began as a neighbourhood favourite has attracted attention well beyond that of a boutique bookstore with online interest in its titles from all over the world.

But above all the store remains rooted in its community. 

“We are continually growing our local base and have created and cemented a niche in the Wānaka arts and cultural sector. We have increased our number of book clubs and now host clubs for fiction, non-fiction, classics and poetry. Events such as author talks, launch nights,  and partnerships with literary festivals bring people together and have helped attract loyal, repeat customers.”

Five years on The Next Chapter is a model of how independent bookselling can grow without losing its soul. With more space, a broader range of books and a growing reputation and recognition from the business community of its achievements Sally and Jenny are upbeat about the future.

“The vibe in the store is friendly and relaxed and we love to go the extra mile finding books for customers that are not readily available elsewhere. It’s the personal touch which is key to our success.”

Recommended Summer Reads

Fiction 

The Shadow Weaver     Ivy Cliffwater

Gravity Let Me Go   Trent Dalton

The Loneliness of Sonia & Sunny   Kiran Desai

The Correspondent   Virginia Evans

The Impossible Fortune    Richard Osman

The Vanishing Place    Zoe Rankin

Non-Fiction

Northbound   Naomi Arnold

Fly, Wild Swans   Jung Chang

This Way Up   Mark Cooper-Jones

Tunisgrad    Saul David

Mother Mary Comes to Me  Arundahti Roy

Lone Wolf    Adam Weymouth