This week, it seem, is all about books. 18th – 25th June is Independent Booksellers Week, a week-long celebration of the most romantic of institutions. Somewhere that lets you step outside yourself or back in time, offers refuge from the bustle of the high street, provides a visual or a tactile feast. Tucked away in a hidden corner, that certain smell – you don’t need me to describe it – tells you you have stumbled on the real deal. Dust-motes may linger enticingly in the air. They may have the comfiest couch or serve your favourite coffee. Or it may simply be that the owner is confident in his recommendations and that he has never been wrong so far. I thought I would share a couple of my favourites with you.
Independent Booksellers Week is part of the IndieBound campaign for independent bookshops, which promotes independent bookshops, great books, strong reading communities, and the idea of shopping locally and sustainably – www.indiebound.org.uk
New for 2011 is the inclusion of National Reading Group Day on the second Saturday of IBW, Saturday 25th June. National Reading Group Day is one of BA President Jane Streeter’s key objectives. It’s not necessarily about booksellers starting reading groups, or even running groups in the shop (although you will find that many do). It is all about capitalising on the current huge grassroots affection for Reading Groups in the UK. As an author, I have visited many local Book Clubs, one the best and most rewarding – albeit challenging ways – for authors to engage directly with their readers.
To learn how you can get involved go to http://independentbooksellersweek.org.uk/
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