Congratulations to the team at Gleebooks Dulwich Hill, named Australian Book Industry Awards (ABIA) Bookshop of the Year for 2026, a well deserved recognition of its outstanding contribution to literature, culture and community life in Sydney's Inner West. The judges praised Gleebooks for staying closely connected to its local community over the years. They highlighted the strong focus on training and mentoring staff, which has helped build a passionate, knowledgeable team and made the store a genuinely welcoming place for readers of all ages. They also recognised the shop's strong sales growth and the effort it puts into promoting Australian books. At a time when global and digital entertainment dominates, Gleebooks Dulwich Hill was praised for backing local authors. Gleebooks Dulwich Hill is a much loved part of the neighbourhood — from author talks and book launches to community events that bring people together. This national recognition is a great reminder of just how important independent bookshops are in strengthening local culture and keeping communities connected. Congratulations to Manager Chris Hawkins and the whole Gleebooks Dulwich Hill team.