British Book Awards Independent Bookshops of the Year respond to COVID-19 crisis
Since being announced regional and country winners of the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award in the British Book Awards last month, the 2020 winners have undergone remarkably challenging circumstances, which have been felt by bookshops and other businesses across the UK and Ireland.
But bookshops and communities have rallied! Now that we are roughly one month into the emergency protocols that so many retailers have been affected by, we wanted to share a snapshot of what these 9 incredible bookshops have been doing so you can make the most of what’s on offer and support our vibrant indie bookselling community!
East of England winner | The Book Hive, Norwich
As well as putting free delivery on all online orders since closing, The Book Hive have launched 'Isolation Packs' - a series of 5 curated books for £45 including postage, ‘lucky dip’ book orders, gift vouchers, a year round subscription package, as well as £10 a month membership as a way of supporting the shop, which gives readers a variety of perks including discounts, tote bags, and first refusal on limited stock. Follow The Book Hive on Twitter.
Ireland winner | Philip’s Bookshop, Mallow, Cork
Running an online bookshop, and taking orders through their website over the phone and through their Facebook page with postal delivery, as well as making regular recommendations through their Facebook page. Follow Philip’s Bookshop on Facebook.
London winner | BrOOK’s bookshop, Pinner
Having only been trading for 18 months before being announced London winner of the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award, BrOOK’s owner Peter Brook at first took the measures of adapting the layout of the bookshop to allow for social distancing, but since closing has set up an online portal through the BrOOK’s website for readers to buy up to 12 million titles, having partnered with the distributor Gardners.
Follow BrOOK’s of Pinner on Twitter.
North of England winner | Forum Books, Corbridge, Northumberland
Forum Books have joined forces with three other indies around the country (Bookish, Linghams, Booka Bookshop) to stage virtual book events during the lock down (broadcast through Facebook Live on the At Home With 4 Indies channel from the home of authors). Also taking orders via email and through their website for postal delivery, although customers are advised to get in touch first to check availability.
Midlands winner | Button & Bear, Shrewsbury
Having been cut off by flooding earlier in the year, children’s specialist Button & Bear had already experienced hardship this year, but through community and online engagement the bookshop is still managing to thrive. Currently doing home delivery for all SY1, SY2 and SY3 postcodes, and running a YouTube channel with regular recommendation videos, and posting books around the country for just £1 p&p. Have also launched a children’s short story competition in collaboration with the University of Nottingham. Follow Button & Bear on Twitter.
Scotland winner | Lighthouse Books, Edinburgh
An independent community bookshop on the radical left based in Edinburgh that doubles up as a safe space for antiracist, feminist, and LGBTQ+ discussion, Lighthouse Books were quick to act in the wake of enforced closure, quickly taking steps to set up local and postal delivery, pay-it-forward vouchers, and a virtual version of the bookshop online. The centre of this is #LighthouseLifeRaft, a virtual bookshop community featuring author Q&As, bookseller recommendations & readings, blog pieces and special spotlights on debut books & new releases.
Follow Lighthouse Books on Twitter.
South East winner | The Book Shop, Lee-on-Solent
The 87 year old bookshop is taking orders online and over the phone, posting books across the country and offering free local delivery. Following the success of their Mother Day Boxes they have also launched a number of bespoke book boxes - with Positivity Boxes, Children’s Birthday and Adult Birthday Boxes available to order. This service has already been extended to include essentials like bread and milk, working with other local businesses in the highstreet.[Text Wrapping Break]Follow The Book Shop on Twitter.
South West winner | Winstone’s Hunting Raven, Frome
Have launched ‘Raven Post’, home deliveries within a 2 mile radius, and postal deliveries to anywhere else in the UK. Orders to be made over the phone or via email, and regular book recommendations made via Twitter and Instagram.[Text Wrapping Break]Follow Winstone’s Hunting Raven on Twitter.
Wales winner | Book-ish, Crickhowell, Powys
Book-ish are one of the four bookshops that make up the At Home With 4 Indies channel for virtual book events in light of shop closures. Also taking orders through their website, offering postal deliveries around the UK and able to take orders for books not in stock.[Text Wrapping Break]Follow Book-ish on Twitter.
About The British Book Awards
The British Book Awards, or Nibbies, has been the leading awards for the book trade since 1990. Celebrating the best books, the best bookshops and the best publishers it is supported by all major industry associations including The Publishers Association, The Booksellers Association and the Independent Publishers Guild. Judged by leading industry experts it is regarded as “the BAFTAs of the book trade”. The overall winner of Independent Bookshop of the Year will be chosen from the nine regional and country winners, and announced at the British Book Awards ceremony on June 29th.
About The Bookseller
The Bookseller has been the weekly business magazine for the book trade since 1858. It runs The British Book Awards, the YA Book Prize, The Bookseller Podcast, the Futurebook Live conference, two other market-leading conferences and websites www.thebookseller.com, www.booksinthemedia.com and www.bookgig.com.
For all media enquires please contact Robert Greer and Daniel Kramb at FMcM Associates via email at RobertG@fmcm.co.uk and DanielK@fmcm.co.uk.
