Mosman’s Three Sparrows Books makes shortlist for National Bookseller of the Year!
Mosman’s only independent bookstore, Three Sparrows Books on Military Rd, has been named a finalist in the 2026 ABA Bookseller of the Year Award.
By ANNA USHER
Mosman’s only independent bookstore has been named on the shortlist for the Australian Booksellers Association (ABA) Bookseller of the Year Award – one of just four finalists to make the national cut.
Three Sparrows at 836 Military Rd is up against Ink Bookshop (Mansfield, Victoria), Booktique (Albury, NSW) and Avid Reader (West End, Queensland).
“Being named on the shortlist was completely unexpected, we feel like the little bookshop that could,” Julia Cahill told Mosman Collective.
Owner Julia Cahill said the recognition caught her completely off guard.
“Being named on the shortlist was completely unexpected, we feel like the little bookshop that could,” she told Mosman Collective.
Three Sparrows opened in October 2022, stepping in after Mosman was left without an independent bookshop. It operates from just 49 square metres on Military Rd, less than 100 metres from Harry Hartog, a national chain.
“Three Sparrows is hanging in there despite giant competition from big retailers, and it’s all thanks to our loyal local customers,” Julia said.
The winner will be announced at the ABA Conference Gala Dinner in Canberra on Sunday, 14 June.
Julia lives in Mosman and says the local connection is baked into the shop’s DNA.
“It makes a huge difference having a small business owner who genuinely lives in – and loves – a community. I live in Mosman, it is my home, this is my neighbourhood, and I understand our demographic,” she told Mosman Collective.
“What I bring to the table as a bookshop owner is knowing my customers – no chain store can ever replicate that. I greet my customers by name. I genuinely care about them.”
The shop’s name is personal: Julia’s three sons, William, Sam and Edward, are her Three Sparrows.
Three Sparrows was named after Julia’s three sons (pictured in 2022).
Julia has a clear sense of what sets the store apart.
“I think it is my commitment to the community, and my commitment to Australian authors,” she told Mosman Collective. “We also have a super special Children’s Section. Kids and authors love coming in.”
Three Sparrows also partners with local charities. “We make a point of collaborating with different charities, our gift-wrapping profits go to ReLove, and we also partner with Head High Skills,” Julia said.
The ABA Text Publishing Bookseller of the Year Award recognises outstanding individual achievement in bookselling over the past 12 months.
“What I bring to the table as a bookshop owner is knowing my customers – no chain store can ever replicate that,” Julia said.
The winner will be announced at the ABA Conference Gala Dinner in Canberra on Sunday, 14 June.
Julia is already counting down.
“I’ll have to get my glad rags on. I am very nervous, but thrilled at the same time,” she told Mosman Collective.
“Independent book stores are a heartbeat in communities.”
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