Gleebooks has moved back to its original premises, now renovated

By David Gaunt (Gleebooks co-owner), Bulletin 3/2024, May 

Gleebooks took possession of the fine freestanding building at 49 Glebe Point Road in 1989, having purchased it from the Laming family.  It had for years been the dual purpose ‘Dealatorium’ with ‘Laming’s Golden Gloves Gymnasium’ upstairs (via a separate laneway entrance). We understood at that time that it was variously a large general store (post its 1890s construction) and then briefly the meeting rooms for returned servicemen after WWI. Any more detail or correction to its history would be very welcome. 

The rich and varied history of the building means that it’s dear to many locals (they tell us!). As one of Glebe’s largest commercial buildings and a landmark to many visitors, it would be good to know more. 

Gleebooks had opened in the third of the Galluzzo family’s shops at 191 Glebe Point Road in 1975 as a second-hand bookshop under the ownership of Tony Gallagher. After Tony’s death in 1978, we (Roger Mackell and David Gaunt) took over. We traded at both locations for more than thirty years. We undertook an extensive renovation of 49 Glebe Point Road in 1991–1992, preserving as much as we could of its character and heritage (we even added the verandah, so it’s only a 40-year-old feature). At that time, the Glebe Society was a staunch and active supporter of our plans, much to our benefit with Council.  

Sadly though, the dear old building literally sagged and listed and leaked as the decades rolled by, and it became clear that a major refurbishment was necessary. A guardian angel in the person of our former staff member Liz Allen offered to buy the property and undertake a major renovation. It took three years of (Covid-impacted) planning, negotiation and building (we moved out for 15 months) before we were thrilled to be able to reopen at the end of February. We are delighted that a beautiful building has been reborn out of all the planning, effort and expense. We think it has preserved and enhanced the best the building has offered – and can offer – and represents a fine example of how connecting past, present and future with material and design can work. 

Gleebooks turns 50 next year, and you’re all invited. Here’s hoping we can continue to serve Glebe and the broader reading world for another 50 years!