It may call itself a bookshop, but don't be fooled by that.
There may be books in the window, on the tables and shelves,
but really, it's a travel agent selling all-immersive holidays,
weekend breaks, first-class tickets to other worlds...
These lines are from poet Brian Bilston's "Never Judge a Bookshop by Its Cover," written for Independent Bookshop Week "in celebration of all the brilliant independent bookshops out there and the role they play in their communities."
Part of the Books Are My Bag campaign, Independent Bookshop Week is run by the Booksellers Association to celebrate indie bookshops in the U.K. and Ireland. The festivities have been underway since June 19 and will run through this Saturday, featuring events, celebrations, reading groups, storytelling, author signings, literary lunches and much more.
The media has been paying attention. The Guardian showcased "10 of Britain's best indie bookshops," while the Oxford Mail highlighted "10 independent bookshops in Oxfordshire." The Edinburgh Reporter listed events organized by bookshops across the city, and South West Londoner spoke with local indies that "are having to innovate to unite their readers and community to celebrate Indie Bookshop Week this week."
For #IBW, the Big Issue has been featuring indies that "stepped up through lockdown when they were needed most," including Hunting Raven Books, Frome: "I have never felt closer to our customers," said manager Tina Gaisford-Waller. "This past year has had the effect of breaking down some of the barriers that had kept conversations polite and transactional. We know about our customers' lives, we've dropped off groceries, jars of honey, condolence gifts, and even grieved with them in the event of losses of the biggest kind. And we're feeling those strong bonds of loyalty now that we're back open. We're greeting people and welcoming them back in, not just as customers but as friends."
Author Claire Lynch followed up her #IBW video talking about "the therapeutic nature of bookshops and how they can be a site of solace for us all" by tweeting: "Just had a lovely time following my own advice @alittlebookshop--left with a bagful of books (#Rodham and #LeonardAndHungryPaul since you ask) and an absolutely essential enamel badge. Solace unlocked."
Many indies are sharing their #IndieBookshopWeek celebrations on social media. A brief sampling:
The Gutter Bookshop, Dalkey: "It's Independent Bookshop Week, so we're giving you permission to buy that book you've been eyeing up for ages.... You're welcome."
Booka Bookshop, Oswestry: "It's Independent Bookshop Week!! Shop local and support your favourite Indie Bookshop today. Pop in and say hi! We are running our children's bookmark competition, guess the number of jellybeans in the jar, 4 for 3 on selected summer reads and many more book goodies and give-aways all week."
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| At Portobello Bookshop | |
The Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh: "As a special book treat for #IndieBookshopWeek we have a limited amount of first edition, signed bookplate copies of Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun! Our booksellers have taken it seriously, look at the beautiful t-shirts. Thanks @FaberBooks!"
And Other Stories: "Indie Bookshop week is our favorite time of the year! This year we are partnering with Gloucester Road Bookshop in Bristol! Buy some of our books from them and not only will you be given a bag of freebies, but you'll also be supporting two Independent businesses in one go! Whilst you're here, check out our Q&A with bookseller, Tom!"
The Bookish Type, Leeds: "For Independent Bookshop Week we thought we'd introduce you to the team behind" the bookshop, including Ray, Joe and Nicola.
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| At Kemps General Store, Malton, U.K. | |
Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham: "The number of indie bookshops has been growing steadily for the last four years. There were even new shops opening during the last year with more on their way. We often mention the newbies here. Indies do what it says on the tin. We are not beholden to faraway owners, we choose the stock, we organize our own events and--yes, we even make our own mistakes--that is what being independent is all about. We also pay our taxes and money spent in your community stays in your community. We celebrate each other's successes, encourage customers to explore indies wherever they are going... PS We try not to make too many mistakes!"
Lighthouse, Edinburgh: "Oh and it's Indie Bookshop Week (like every week here really, but this week there's bunting & press & hashtags)! The heart of being an indie for us, is our booksellers--championing voices and publishers and artists from the margins--and our readers, some of you we catch up with weekly, some we see once a year on a fringe pilgrimage, some we meet but once and yet you leave us with a story or a reflection that shapes us. That space where books and people meet has its own magic, it's a privilege to make those sparks happen...."
Author Lemn Sissay captured the spirit of #IBW in a compelling blog post that begins: "We enter bookshops to broaden our minds. May they flourish and may we."