The eagerly anticipated Bookshop Day 2024 is set to take place on Saturday, 12 October, celebrating the importance of bookshops across the UK. This year’s event promises an array of engaging activities, from author signings to craft workshops, making it a special day for book lovers of all ages.
With the theme “Bookshops Making a Difference,” the event will highlight how bookshops contribute to their local communities. Here’s an overview of some key events and activities happening nationwide.
A celebration of literature and creativity
This year’s Bookshop Day features a packed programme designed to showcase the role of bookshops as cultural hubs. Events include readings, book signings, workshops, and more. Iain Dale, Glyn Maxwell, and Gill Sims are among the authors who will be hosting live events in various locations, and illustrator Angela Harding will unveil bespoke window designs in bookshops, adding a visual treat to the festivities.
Waterstones and Foyles bookshops will offer double loyalty card stamps, while Christian bookshops are planning special celebrations of their own. In Glasgow, local artists will add to the literary magic with customised murals. Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening across the UK.
Exciting events in the North of England
The Blue House Bookshop in York is taking a unique approach by hosting a children’s bookshop takeover. On Bookshop Day, young book lovers aged 9 to 13, who have attended creative writing courses at the shop, will run the bookshop from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. They’ll take charge of recommending books, organising displays, and even signing books with local authors.
Activities in the South of England
The Folkestone Bookshop will hold a fun potato printing workshop for children with debut author James O’Brien from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Meanwhile, Chorleywood Bookshop in Hertfordshire will host Iain Dale, the award-winning political commentator and author, for an insightful discussion at Chorleywood Library from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
In Bristol, Heron Books welcomes Glyn Maxwell, renowned poet and author, for a special poetry reading event. This session promises to be an hour of pre-dinner poetry, accompanied by drinks, from 6:00 pm.
Children in Wiltshire will enjoy creative fun with Kristina Stephenson, author and illustrator, who will run two craft workshops focused on creating “Monster in a Jar” crafts. The sessions are set for 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Special events in Scotland
Daydreams Bookshop in Milngavie is hosting local authors Gill Sims and Julie Shackman for an informal book signing session from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Readers can meet the authors, get their books signed, and hear about the inspiration behind their popular titles.
Bookshop Day in Wales
Book-ish in Abergavenny will host Karin Celestine, author of The Joy Bringers, for a special book signing event. Fans of her work can meet her from 11:00 am onwards, and it’s a great opportunity to pick up a signed copy of her latest release.
Welsh publisher Graffeg is also taking part, hosting several author signings. Among those confirmed are Cai Ross, Cathy Jenkins, and Miriam Latimer. Keep an eye out for further details about specific times and locations.
Double stamps at Waterstones and Foyles
To mark Bookshop Day, Waterstones and Foyles are offering double loyalty stamps on all in-store purchases. Plus or Foyalty cardholders can make the most of this promotion, which will run exclusively on 12 October. Shoppers new to these loyalty programmes can sign up on the day and start collecting stamps immediately.
Audiobook specials from Libro.fm
Independent audiobook platform Libro.fm is also joining in the celebrations, offering a week-long sale on bestselling audiobooks from 7 to 13 October. For an extra touch of excitement, participating bookshops will hide Golden Tickets in-store on Bookshop Day, with winners receiving 12 free audiobook credits.
Glasgow city spotlight
This year, Glasgow takes centre stage in the Bookshop Day Spotlight, with two striking murals being created to celebrate the city’s literary scene. Local artists Jacqueline Briggs and Jack Stamp are collaborating with Jack Arts to design murals that will appear in St Enoch Square and Blythewood Street, offering a vibrant tribute to the city’s bookshops and their significance in the community.
New bookshops opening
In an exciting development for book lovers, The Rabbit Hole bookshop in Brigg will open its second store, The Rabbit Hutch, in Grimsby on Bookshop Day. The new venue will feature the same quirky charm as its original branch, with more details available soon.
How to get involved
Bookshop Day provides an ideal chance to explore your local bookshop or support them online. With a vast range of activities, from author signings to craft workshops, there’s something for everyone. Bookshops across the country are gearing up to create a memorable experience that celebrates the importance of books and reading within the community.
Make sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, 12 October 2024, and be part of this nationwide celebration. Whether you attend a poetry reading, pick up some new books, or take your children to a craft workshop, Bookshop Day is a fantastic opportunity to embrace the joy of books.
