Wally said although he had left school at just 14 he has always been an avid reader.
Setting up his second-hand book emporium in Marton was because he wanted to have his own business and Marton was a cheap place.
He was once a union man and a sexton at a Wairarapa cemetery where, before he left he had planted 2500 native trees.
As well as a huge collection of fiction, non-fiction, childrens book's and some valuable old books, he has a collection of nearly 900 Penguins.
"Penguin books publish the best authors," he said.
His personal favourite author is John Steinbeck, especially Steinbeck's 1945 novel Cannery Row.
However, Wally admits his pride and joy are his collectable books, first editions and rare books kept out the back.
"Regular book collectors used to come in and buy several rare books but now I'm lucky if they buy one."
Even though he is in Marton many of his customers are out-of-towners, he said.
"Especially with so many of them touring in their camper vans. They are great readers, these campervanners. They come in and exchange books, buy books, give me books and talk books. It's always interesting."
Kind of beats those odd customers who are redecorating their houses and would come in for a metre of red books and a metre of brown, he said.
All the books in Wally's shop are carefully lined up in alphabetical order and Wally knows exactly what's what.
"Authors go in and out of fashion you know. Sometimes a popular author will last about a year and I can't sell enough of their work. Then suddenly it's over and no one wants know about them anymore."
His prediction of a slow Christmas trade hasn't bothered Wally too much.
"Not really because the holiday season is early January and then I'll be back in business again. "
