I’m Kate Toon a local businesswoman, author, and very proud owner of Umina Book Nook. In April 2024 I stepped in to save our little bookshop from closure. Since then, I’ve poured my heart (and a lot of paint) into transforming it into a cosy, welcoming, family-, dog-, and LGBTQI+-friendly space where readers of all ages feel at home.
What we’ve built together
- A warm community hub with author events and book clubs.
- Regular free story time, plus magical free days for kids - Space Day, Halloween, Fairy Day, Dinosaur Day and more.
- A loyalty program to reward our regulars.
- Free Santa visits at Christmas.
- Partnerships with local schools, including discounts and support.
- Founder of Peninsula Path to help attract visitors to our area and support neighbouring businesses.
What it’s taken to get here
When I took over, the shop was almost empty and stocked with lots of discounted or poor-quality books. I’ve invested heavily to turn things around: nearly $70k in quality stock, new flooring, a full electrical refit, fresh décor and painting, plus advertising - around $150k invested so far (I know, a bit crazy).
I’ve also tried hard to support the local community, with donations and vouchers given to a range of events, and thousands of dollars raised for charities including We Care Connect, Soldier On, Children's Ground, The Pyjama Foundation, Coast Shelter and Indigenous Literacy Foundation
I’ve been able to pay our wonderful staff and but haven’t yet been able paid myself a wage :-( despite thousands of hours spent in store. Right now, I’m supporting the shop (and myself) through my other business, digital marketing coaching.
The challenges are real: high rent, hidden costs like insurance and music licensing, and of competing with Amazon, Kmart and Big W who sell books for less than we can buy them. Recently, I was told the rent would rise again and with a demolition clause looming and no firm date for when this will happen – it’s not exactly a recipe for stability, growth and creativity.
A new chapter — and why I need your help
I’ve decided to 'jump before I’m pushed' and move Umina Book Nook to a new location. It’s a great space but it's also a blank grubby, full of holes, slighty grotty space that needs a lot of work and a full refit.
The good news? It unlocks everything our book-loving community needs:
- A dedicated event space for author talks, workshops, and book clubs ( no more spending 2 hours setting and refreshing the shop)
- A quiet, welcoming area for writers to write in the bookshop (private Narnia inspired writing room)
- Comfy sofas so you can settle in and browse
- Air-conditioning for hot, sticky days and quality heating for chilly snaps.
- A magical secret garden for kids to read, play, and imagine.
- Pop-up shop space available for local artisans and makers to hire
It even has its own bathroom!
There's also potention for a future coffee space and book bar!
This is the future our coastie community deserves, the fancy pants book space that Sydney has, and we want — and I’m asking for your support to help me build it.
Yes the refit will cost at least $50-60 k, and I will cover most of that, it's my business after all, but if you want to help a littl here's why.
How you can be part of it
Backers can choose from rewards designed to celebrate our community spirit: have your name on our Founders Wall, join the VIP launch party, become a Founder’s Card member, Sponsor a Shelf (with your name or dedication), or help bring the Kids’ Corner and secret garden to life. Every pledge - from a simple high‑five to a major sponsor package moves us closer to opening the doors on a bigger, brighter Book Nook.
Why this matters
Independent bookshops are more than shops — they’re where children discover reading, where conversations start, where locals meet, and where we keep our high street vibrant. With your help, we’ll create a lasting cultural space for Umina that welcomes everyone, supports local schools and creators, gives writers a place to work, and gives families a place to belong.
If you’ve ever found a favourite book, a new friend, or a quiet moment in our shop, please consider backing this campaign and sharing it with your friends. Together, we can write the next chapter for Umina Book Nook.
Budget Overview
What your contribution funds:
The fit out will cost around $50k most of which I’ll cover myself, but your contribution will help with.
- Fit-out including shelving, lighting, counters and so much flooring
- Creation of a proper kids’ corner
- Full garden make over with painting, planting and lighting.
- Bathroom renovation (it’s a bit grim)
- Electrical work for ceiling and installing aircon
- Move and setup costs.
- Improving accessibility for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers
- Purchasing additional seating for event space.
No Reward
I choose to have no reward for my pledge.
$1 OR MORE3 chosen
High-Five Supporter (Digital Founding Supporter)
What you get: - Your name listed on our digital “Founding Supporters Roll” on our website and in-store chalk wall. - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates
$17 OR MORE11 chosen
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Secret Garden Leaf Dedication
What you get: Your name (or the name of a loved one) on a hand‑painted on a leaf in the new Secret Garden mural. Emailed photo of your leaf. Thank‑you shout‑out in the campaign wrap‑up. Access to the “Book Nook Insiders” Facebook group. Fulfillment: Installed 4–8 weeks after opening; one name per leaf; family‑friendly text. Limited number of leaves to keep it special.
$27 OR MORE5 chosen / 35 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
“I ♥ Umina Book Nook” Tote (Limited Run)
What you get: - One limited-run tote bag featuring “I ♥ Umina Book Nook.” - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates - Pickup: Local pickup at the new shop. - Shipping at extra cost Fulfillment: Printed post-campaign; ready within 4–6 weeks after funding ends (or first two weeks after opening). We’ll email pickup instructions.
$29 OR MORE7 chosen / 93 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Bird and Baby Writing Pass
Quiet Hour Write‑In Pass — $37 What you get: A 2‑hour seat in the Book and Baby writing room (group session max 6 people) 10% off purchases on the same day. Thank‑you shout‑out in the campaign wrap‑up + Insiders group access. Fulfillment: Booking calendar released within 2 months of opening; please book within 3 months and attend within 6 months. Transferable once with 4 days’ notice.
$37 OR MORE1 chosen / 9 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Book nook Breakfast
come to our breakfast launch! Free coffee. Muffin 10% of all purchases. 8-10am limited spots
$39 OR MORE2 chosen / 48 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
After-Hours Browse for Two
What you get: - One private-ish 60-minute browsing session for two after-hours - Personalised recommendations and 10% off purchases during your session. - Optional sparkling wine - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates We’ll release a booking calendar with multiple evenings to choose from (within 2 months of opening). Transferable once with 4 days' notice. Fulfillment: Voucher emailed post-campaign; please book within 3 months; experience to be completed within 6 months of opening.
$297 OR MORE0 chosen / 5 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Founder’s Card (1-Year Member Perks)
What you get for 12 months: - 10% off full-priced in-store purchases. - Early access to select events and ticket presales. - Free birthday book (up to $25 value). - Your name on the in-store Founders Wall for Year 1. - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates Terms: Valid for one year from activation (on opening day) Non-transferable; excludes already discounted items/special orders; cannot be combined with other promos. Fulfillment: Physical card issued at pickup
$350 OR MORE1 chosen / 49 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Corporate: Sponsor a shelf
What you get: - Your name or dedication on a shelf plaque for 12 months. - Thank you mention in our newsletter. - One “social post highlighting “your” shelf. - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates - Dedication up to 40 characters (e.g., Sponsored by JH Real Estate Agents; The best agents on the coast” “In honour of Mrs. Lee, beloved and kind teacher”). - Fulfillment: Plaques installed within 4–6 weeks of opening; digital assets scheduled within 6–8 weeks post-opening.
$747 OR MORE1 chosen / 4 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Kid's corner sponsor
$1,500 — Kids’ Corner Sponsor (1 Year) - What you get: Branding placement in the Kids’ Corner for 12 months (e.g., plaque/sign). - One year of Kids’ Book Club sponsorship mention (in-store and online). - Two social reels + newsletter thank-you + two social posts. Notes: Family-friendly branding only; we’ll align placement to fit the space design. Optional co-branded storytime/photo moment. Fulfillment: Branding installed within 4–8 weeks of opening; content scheduled across the year.
$1,497 OR MORE0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
Corporate - Secret Garden Sponsor
What you get Branding placement in the Garden area for 12 months (e.g., plaque/sign). - One year Kid's event sponsorship mention (in-store and online) (4 events a year - Three social reels + Three newsletter thank-yous + threesocial posts. - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates Notes: Family-friendly branding only; we’ll align placement to fit the space design. Optional co-branded storytime/photo moment. Fulfillment: Branding installed within 4–8 weeks of opening; content scheduled across the year.
$1,997 OR MORE0 chosen / 1 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25
VIP Launch Party Invite
What you get: - First look at the new shop, welcome drink/snack, and 10% off purchases during the event. - Thank-you shout-out in a campaign wrap-up post. - Access to 'Book Nook Insiders" Facebook group for exclusive updates
50 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Dec 25