When the pandemic forced people had to stay closer to home, the escapism they found in reading became more important than ever.
But high streets have been hammered and libraries – already decimated by pre-Covid cuts – continue to be threatened. Luckily a new kind of hero has risen: the humble local bookshop.
Despite everything that’s happened, the number of independent bookshops has increased for the fourth year in a row, following two decades of decline. There now are close to 1,000 across the UK – the highest number since 2013 – breathing life into shuttered town centres, and serving as vital hubs for communities.
As we celebrate Independent Bookshop Week, we visit just a few of the people and places that stepped up through lockdown when they were needed most.
Support The Big Issue and our vendors by signing up for a subscription.When we went into lockdown my first thought was for those customers for whom we are a lifeline. One customer, for example, who we see daily has mental health issues and learning difficulties, also cares for his elderly mother. I made a point of reaching out to let him know that we were still here for him if he needed us – and not just for books!
One of our customers travelled north to care for her elderly mother, not knowing how long she would be away and how isolated that would make her feel. She’s still there now, over 100 miles away – but we’ve been regularly sending books, cards, and chatting on the phone. She said it’s helped keep her sane, retaining a sense of connection to home.