I have seen an increasing number of posts on twitter for the last few months of our local bookshops struggling to ends meet. People are just not buying from their local bookshops anymore, which I feel is a real shame. The people that run these bookshops are putting so much effort and time into running the bookshop and completing online orders. YES online orders, if you didn’t know most of them have a website where you can purchase the books online. But I don’t know about you, but there is always something so lovely about going into the bookshop and perusing the shelves yourself. It is a cosy environment and the smell is amazing. Every bookshop owner will help you choose the book you are after or leave you be, but they are always the friendliest of people and cannot help enough. They are very knowledgeable and you can be having a natter about books which has certainly helped my mental health at times.

Why you should support your local bookshop:

cosy atmosphere

knowledgeable and friendly staff

You will be helping to support a local business

If you go in, you are more likely to pick a book that you would of never picked before.

Local bookshops also run events. Which could be author signings or author readings.

Great way to meet new people.

Here are two small business bookshops that I think your going to love:

https://www.foxlanebooks.co.uk

This is a great website and very easy to navigate, there is also a sale on at the moment so grab your bargains whilst you can. If you are after a gift for a book lover I recommend checking out their gifts section, there is literally something for everyone in there. I have placed my first order with them and the process was so easy. I treated myself to a few books and a really nice tote bag, will post a picture once they arrive. Very excited.

https://www.book-ish.co.uk/shop

This is another great website which offers something a little different. On here not only can you purchase books but there are different subscriptions to choose from, here is an example:

choose a type of book, ie: fiction, non fiction, crime etc

pick how long for a subscription, 1 month up to 12 months.

You will get sent the book every month and they may even thrown in some goodies too. This is a great idea for yourself but also for the book lover in your life.

Another cool idea that they do is blind date with a book, you pick which description you like the sound of and they will send you a book you know nothing about straight to your door. I love the sound of this and it must be exciting not knowing what book you will receive. They also do lots of lovely gifts for book lovers. If you decide to visit Book-ish they have a lovely café which serves delicious cakes and other food. I think it is a win win, food and books and great chat. If you go, you must leave me a comment and let me know what it is like.

If you like what you see, need a present for a book lover or just want to treat yourself, please remember these two small businesses as every little help and they would be made up to receive an order for whatever you would like.

Just remember Support your local Bookshops. Happy Reading