By Chloe Brown, Mollie Boardman, Megan Levick and Laila Hulatt
Book-ish
Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1BD
Book-ish opened its doors to the public in 2010 and has been seeing to the reading needs of the community ever since. They have an expansive bookshop, cafe and event space, and they’re also supporting the writing community with a monthly writing group. They have twice been named Independent Bookshop of the Year at the British Book Awards, the second time being in 2024. Their success has allowed them to progress to the point of opening a second shop in Abergavenny to continue to spread book joy. However, it’s important to note that the writing group is at the Crickhowell location.
The next session takes place on 10 September, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tickets are available for £6.50, and this fee includes a drink. This informal writing group welcomes people of all levels and at any point in their journey. If you want to develop your writing in a supportive environment be sure to come along, and don’t forget to join the dedicated Facebook group to get involved.
Mossroom Bookshop
The Quays, Salford, M50 3AH
Mossroom is a relatively new independent bookshop opened in April 2024 by a restaurant owner. Located in Salford’s MediaCity, Mossroom houses the newest book releases, as well as second-hand and vintage books and a growing collection of books written by Salford and Manchester authors. Their dedication to local talent also extends to artists and zine creators, from stocking their work to acting as both an exhibition and workshop space. This creative and communal aspect of the bookshop offers customers an inviting atmosphere, a way to spark conversation and a chance to learn something new.
Mossroom has a variety of workshops on offer, ranging from haiku writing and linocut bookmark printing to bookbinding. Taking place regularly throughout the week, there are a multitude of workshops to join, and you’re sure to find something to help develop your interests. All workshops take place at Mossroom and are led by both resident creatives and those external to the shop. To book a space on a workshop, simply head over to Mossroom’s Instagram or find them on ClassBento.
Linghams Booksellers
248 Telegraph Road, Heswall, Wirral, CH60 7SG
Linghams Booksellers, located in Heswall, is a unique and charming bookshop, cafe and community hub where creativity and imagination are celebrated. They specialise in signed editions of books and also offer a bespoke monthly letterbox book subscription service.
However, there is more on offer than just books. Linghams demonstrates a dedication to fostering a love of creativity through a wide range of workshops and events designed specifically for children. Previous workshops have included their Write Club, a children’s creative writing workshop, as well as card making, zine making and art. Past workshops have been hosted by local authors, such as Rob Keeley and Ros Roberts. Events are ticketed and generally range in price from £10 to £20, and the price often includes materials, a book and refreshments.
Nomad Books
781 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5HA
Nomad Books, which was named the best London bookshop of the year at the British Book Awards 2023, has held a number of fun children’s workshops this year.
To celebrate World Earth Day in April, the bookshop hosted a creative story time and draw-along with Emily Hawkins and Ella Beech. During the event, Emily read from her children’s book that she released in March, Rewild the World at Bedtime. Her imaginative story revolves around bringing endangered animals back to their natural habitats. The illustrator of the book, Ella, then led a live draw-along session for the children to enjoy.
In June, the bookshop held an event where Alice Melvin, author and illustrator of the children’s classic Mouse on the River, led a children’s crafting session. Nomad has made it a tradition for the illustrators who run the sessions to finish their visit by leaving a beautiful painting on their shop window. Of course, Alice Melvin depicted a stunning river, Mouse on his boat and riverside birds.
Nomad Books also hosted the launch of the West London Feminist Book Club on 13 August.
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