From 1876 to 2026 – QBD Books celebrates 150 years and 90+ physical stores

QBD Books, Australia’s largest network of retail bookstores, is proud to announce its 150th anniversary. For a century and a half, QBD has been a cornerstone of Australian reading culture, and its founding mission remains the same: ensuring that learning, literacy, and the magic of reading are accessible to every Australian.

The company’s story began in 1876 as the Book Depot. Its foundation intrinsically linked to a defining moment in Queensland’s history with the store opening its doors just months after the passing of the landmark state Education Act of 1875. As the government championed free and compulsory schooling, the Book Depot was established to meet the soaring need for accessible educational materials and books for the wider public.

Today, that same commitment to accessibility drives the proudly Australian-owned company. Having weathered massive shifts in the retail landscape, from economic recessions to the digital revolution, QBD Books continues to expand its network of over 90 stores across the country and grow its online presence to break down barriers to reading by offering diverse, affordable titles and fostering early childhood literacy programs.

“Our 150th anniversary is more than just a retail milestone; it’s a celebration of a 150-year commitment to Australian minds,” said Nick Croydon, CEO of QBD Books. “When the Book Depot first opened in 1876, it was driven by the belief that books and education should be within everyone’s reach, and we are incredibly proud to be continuing that legacy. Our longevity is a testament to the enduring power of physical books, the dedication of our passionate staff, and, most importantly, the unwavering support of our loyal customers who have made us part of their reading journey for generations.”

To commemorate this historic milestone, QBD Books will be hosting a series of nationwide activations throughout the year beginning in March, including:

A top 150 books of the last 150 years
Promotions across 92 stores and online
Brisbane-based large-scale event in June, QBD 150 Year Festival of Reading
A limited edition 150-year print magazine with author interviews and more
Limited edition 150-year in-store products

As QBD Books looks forward to the future, it remains deeply committed to the belief that empowered the company in 1876: that a well-read nation is a thriving nation.

For more information about QBD Books’ 150th anniversary events, or to find a local store, please visit www.qbd.com.au.