History...

past
present
caffe libri
staff

 

 


The American Bookstore is a 100% Queensland owned and operated family business. We began life in 1957 in a small shop in Edward Street, Brisbane City. Founded by an American gentleman, the store imported titles from the USA and Japan not commonly available in Australia.


The business was purchased by the Zavelsky family in 1959, and this family retains ownership today. Over the years the store has grown and moved, expanding the range of titles and subjects we stock (we now have up to 40,000 titles in store and stock over 70,000 each year).

We are no longer just an American Book store - we stock books, audio material, software, education resources and associated materials from around the world. Even with all this growth we have always felt it was important to maintain the atmosphere created by Maurice and Bertha Zavelsky (pictured above) all those years ago.

The ABS continues to be the place to go for hard to get titles and special orders, after all - special orders are our speciality.

 

As part of the QLD community we are proud to support and sponsor local groups and organisations including QLD Cancer Fund, RSPCA, On-going student programs, such as the ETAQ Book Competition and the App. Support Program at Yeronga TAFE as well as sponsoring many schools, colleges and charities

Our long history and continued growth has ensured that our bookstore has developed to meet the requirements of our customers. Browse through our New & Noteworthy pages to get a feeling for the range and depth of the books we stock. Why not sit back, relax, and let us help you with all your reading needs? 40 years of experience makes us truly Older and Wiser!

Caffe Libri

Located in the heart of The American Book Store, Caffe Libri will tempt you with gourmet sandwiches, scones, salads, home-baked cakes and other tasty treats...Oh and of course, the best coffee in town!

For a more substantial meal, why not treat yourself to a morning/afternoon tea or lunch with friends? Caffe Libri specialise in catering for most occasions, no matter how big or small. Why not call in soon to discover why Caffe Libri is so deliciously different.

 

 

Caffe Libri ABN: 3700 965 879

Caffe Libri Telephone : (07) 3229 7559

Caffe Libri Fax : (07) 3221 2171

Caffe Libri Opening Hours :
Monday to Friday : 8:00am - 3:30pm (lunch served until 2:00pm)
Closed on weekends

Meet Our Staff

Rest mouse over each image for more details

Anita is our accounts person and organisational genius. We have many large account customers, and Anita checks and maintains their orders. Her love of order ensures that information is easily accessible and correct. Anita is not commonly seen on the sales floor, but many customers have seen met her via phone or fax queries. She enjoys spending her spare time with her grandchildren. Douglas has been a member of The Book Garden team since 2000. He is the Early Childhood sales representative who spends a lot of his time travelling all over the state. Well known for his distinctive voice, Douglas' favourite book is Princess Max. He enjoys spending time with his family and looking dapper. Helen is our store manager and a long-standing ABS staffer. She has been a local bookseller for over 10 years and and her knowledge and experience make her a valuable team member. Helen is widely read with a preference for books by contemporary male American authors. Her favourite book is The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghessan Boyle. Helena is our Language Centre expert who looks after our ESL and LOTE customers. Helena has previously worked as an English teacher in Guyana in South America. Helena's love of language is evident in her studies. She has studied French, German and Japanese and is currently learning Spanish. Helena speaks fluent (if rusty) Polish. her favourite book is In the Memory of the Forest by Charles T. Powers.
John has worked as a sales representative for The Book Garden since January 1994. His job involves a lot of travel as he journeys to schools visiting librarians with the latest and greatest in educational resources. In his leisure time, John enjoys the performing arts and watching cricket. His favourite book is The Very Long Nose of Jonathan Jones. Leonie is another newish member of our team. She works at various TAFE campus stores dealing with the many and varied queries of both lecturers and students alike. In her spare time she likes to decorate her home and catch up with friends. Affectionately known as Mother, Bertha is a mainstay of the American Book Store. Since Bertha and her husband Maurice purchased the store, Mother has been witness to a lot of changes and business growth. Mother works with Deb at The Book Garden (Milton) and (when not busy filing) enjoys crossword puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren. Dean has worked at ABS for a long long time. He looks after various websites, advertising, catalogues and helps out in the store from time to time. He likes music, chocolate and reading (in that order).
Ali is a well-organised member of our team in charge of the unpacking and dispatch department at our Milton warehouse. She also ensures that all deliveries are dealt with in a timely manner. Her favourite book is Keys to the Kingdom by Garth Nix. Her time management skills are always tested during our busy textbook seasons. Di manages Caffe Libri. She makes fantastic sandwiches which have earned her a loyal following of regular lunch customers. Di is also a tireless fundraiser for The Leukaemia Foundation. In her spare time, Di enjoys making mosaics and some of her work can be seen on the tables at Caffe Libri. Deb manages The Book Garden (Brisbane store) and has many years of experience as a specialist early-childhood bookseller. Her interests include travelling, reading and she has a passion for teddy bear collecting which borders on obssession! Robyn can be found at our front counter on weekends. She is well known for her bright, friendly manner and deep interest in alternative health.
Mark works with Ali at our Milton warehouse in the busy receipting and dispatch area. Phillip is a member of the family who has owned and operated our book store for over forty years. For over twenty years he has led our team as General Manager. Phillip is best known for his remarkable memory and illegible handwriting. His reading interests include books about business development and management. His favourite book is The Committed Life by Rebbetzin Esther Jungries. Phoebe is American Book Store's resident 'surfer-chick' and is hoping to turn pro on her body board any day now. Phoebe was a childcare worker for nearly a decade and has an interest in yoga, kids books and rocks among other things.  
     

 

 
 
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