By Corey Everitt
Centre Court Book Exchange has made a triumphant return, two and half years on since a fire tragically tore through the secondhand bookstore, destroying a treasured collection.
Jim Gregory has been a well-known face in Pakenham’s Main Street, but residents have been left wondering about the future of his bookstore ever since its 15-year-run came to an end after an arson attack on a tobacco store in Centre Court Arcade spread to his store, destroying a majority of his collection of 30,000 to 35,000 books.
“I’ve easily bought another 20,000 over the last couple of years, probably more.”
With the collection brimming once again, it was time to open up and share. He moved back into Centre Court Arcade, specifically to a larger location across from where he once was.
The store opened back in Pakenham on Thursday 15 February, to the delight of the local residents who were happy to see Mr Gregory’s wonderful array of books back, ready to be shared for all.
