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In the midst of the daily commotion of traffic hurtling past, and people rushing about their business, the city noise quietens to a sudden hush when one enters Mundy’s Book Exchange on Cape Road, on the cusp of Central and Richmond Hill. Behind the counter, Gail Mundell runs this calm oasis, full of as much character as the many books neatly stacked on towering bookshelves throughout the shop.
Mundy’s Book Exchange has always been a family-run business, since Gail’s mother, Jean Mundell, bought the shop. Sincethen, the business has consistently proved to be a blessing not only to the Mundells but also to the people of the city. Its beginnings were an utter act of faith on the part of Jean Mundell, and the fascinating story of its origins is the making of a modern-day miracle.
It was in 1975 that Jean Mundell was running a business selling books and antiques. By this time she had been praying for almost a year, searching for a way in which to make ends meet. One day a still, small voice inside her led her around the corner of Eastbourne Road, and down Cape Road. When she set foot inside the shop where Mundy’s is today, she knew, and unequivocally stated to the then owner, “I’ve got to have this shop. I’m sure that this is my shop.”
The shop was put up for sale at that time and it did indeed become hers, as it was meant to be.
“At that time my nine-year-old brother came up with the idea for the name of the business,” said Mundell.
“My mum still says that running Mundy’s Book Exchange was the best years of her life.”
Situated inside a building more than a century old, the Mundell family ensured that the shop would be a safe space of quiet enjoyment to many people over nearly 50 years.
Gail remembers how she used to do her homework in the shop after school. Still to this day local people, as well as those who visit their childhood city after having emigrated, revisit and bring their children to see the bookshop where they used to buy books and comics, and spend their afternoons. I can see how strong the feelings are that nostalgia evokes in previous customers, and the fond childhood memories that stayed with them throughout their adult lives are inextricably linked to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the bookshop.
It seems that Mundy’s has managed to forge connections that transcend the limitations of time and culture. The way in which the business is run benefits everybody. People from all walks of life, backgrounds, and social standing frequently visit the shop. A second business location has also sprung up in Newton Park.
“For me the shop is a personal thing. It’s essentially about creating relationships. Right from the start my mother did away with handling fees to make affordable books available to everyone. I love my regular customers and have made so many friends throughout the years. You sense when someone needs a kind word or just a smile, not only a book,” said Mundell.
The fact that so many people have a hunger for books is a joy to Mundell. In order to help people get access to free books, and add to an ever-growing community of readers, is also why she started her own charity effort, providing regular boxes of free books on the pavement outside the book exchange.
“Regardless of the technological era we live in, I’ve realised that the majority of people still want to hold a book,” she said.
There is indeed something extremely comforting about the thought of books changing hands and kindred spirits exchanging stories. The act of reading can be many things, an escape, an unravelling, an adventure, a journey of discovery, a light that shows the way. Similar to the comfort found in books, the shop itself has always been Mundell’s happy place.
“I’ve poured my passion and my everything into this shop. I live day by day and could do this for the rest of my life.”
Mundy’s Book Exchange, with Mundell at the helm, has definitely become a historical and local landmark. With its blue exterior and wide windows, it reminds one of a lighthouse, steadfast and reliable, ever-present.
“I know books won’t disappear off the face of the earth, not in my lifetime,” Mundell says confidently – a message of hope summed up in a single sentence.
