Thanks to Hugh for his summary: "The independent bookselling chain Readings is a Melbourne institution and part of the heart and soul of this great city for over 50 years. Mark Rubbo is the MD of Readings, past chairman of the Australian Booksellers Association and Founding Chair of the Melbourne Writers Festival. He took us on a vocational journey, describing the history of this national treasure through tough times, international competition, disruption from category killers and the advent of online e-books.
And still, Readings forged a place in our hearts and minds for promoting Australian literature that spoke of our own perspectives and passions. It is particularly pleasing that Readings thrives under Mark’s constant leadership and is now forging new frontiers in an industry that is showing a natural growth in readership and appreciation of one of the finer things in life. Plus giving back to the community through the Readings Foundation, distributing 10% of profits to fledgling writers and promoting Australian literature; classic values appreciated by all Rotarians."
