The Monday Q&A: Lesley Stead of Paige's Book Gallery

Lesley Stead fronts up to answer questions for Q&A this week. Photo / File

Every Monday, the Chronicle fires 10 questions at a Whanganui local to find out what makes them tick.

This week Liz Wylie talks to Lesley Stead - owner of Paige's Book Gallery and Lockett Gallery.

What is the name of the first book you remember reading as a child?

Enid Blyton's Short Stories.

Do you still have a copy?

Yes, I still own this book. I loved it so much I won't ever part with it.

What inspired you to open a book shop of your own?

Thanks to my mother's influence, I have an absolute passion for books. What could be better than coming to work each day and being surrounded by them, talking with others about various titles, be they recent releases, classics, or beautifully illustrated picture books.

What are the most rewarding aspects of being a bookseller?

There are a multitude of rewarding aspects but the one I will focus on are the customers.

First of all, I would like to thank the many local people who support us and other local businesses. We are so grateful.

As well, we meet interesting people from all over the country, and prior to Covid, all over the world.

So many friendships are formed through these people. It's incredible.

When you are not working at Paige's or the Lockett Gallery; what do you most like to do?

I like to read, be creative and spend time among my trees and rather free-spirited garden.

You were a teacher before you became a bookseller; was there another career you would have liked to pursue?

I could easily have become an architect.

You meet a lot of out-of-town visitors; what are your top recommendations for things to do in Whanganui?

Phew ... Whanganui offers so much to our visitors.

Firstly the awa, the Wairua, and the Waimarie.

Secondly the many wonderful galleries.

Thirdly, Putiki Church.

Fourthly Ward Observatory.

Fifthly, Bason Reserve, Bushy Park, Virginia Lake, and all the other spectacular gardens.

Sixthly, Kowhai Park.

Seventhly, the wall art.

Eighthly, take a drive up to Hiruharama [Jerusalem]. If you fulfil this list, call into Paige's and I'll pass on another long list.

Paige's was filling a lot of orders during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. Did you find that you were as busy during the recent lockdown?

Yes, very busy.

If you could have dinner with any three people in the world, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Usain Bolt, Eric Carle the illustrator, and Kim Hill.

Christmas is coming; what are your gift recommendations for a children's book? An adult book?

For children - The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer. For adults - The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, by Charlie Mackery.