10 Great Independent Bookshops to Visit on Bookshop Day
This Saturday is Bookshop Day, and to celebrate we’ve picked 10 of the best independent bookshops across the region
Forum Books
There are few things that beat browsing in a real bookshop and at all three of Forum Books’ bookshops there’s plenty of choice in all different genres. Eclectic, original and endlessly enthusiastic about the printed word, they stock a hand-picked, eye-popping range of books, all while being staffed by bibliophiles who are always more than happy to talk books. They host regular readings and signings so keep an eye out for their special events.
Forum Books, The Chapel, Market Place, Corbridge NE45 5AW
The Bound, 82a Park View, Whitley Bay NE26 2TH
The Accidental Bookshop, 4 Narrowgate, Alnwick NE66 1JG
Read More: Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell on the Joy of Reading
The Little Ripon Bookshop
This lovely, family-run independent has been selling books since 2009, expanding into the gallery next door a few years ago. They work hard here to balance new titles with classics and old favourites, but if you are looking for something that isn’t in stock, they will source it for you. They also hold regular book signing and events too, and this Saturday no.1 bestselling author Ruth Jones will be in the shop to sign copies of her latest book Love Untold, a heart-warming novel about mothers and daughters and the complex bond between them.
12–13 Westgate, Ripon HG4 2AT
Hessle Bookshop
First established in 1980, this family-run bookshop have vastly expanded their range and offer fiction, biographies, children’s books and more. This year they are celebrating Bookshop Day with local children's author Marion Gamble, who will be in the shop to sign copies of her latest book William Likes to Bounce.
23–25 Northgate, Hessle HU13 0LW
The Wonky Tree Bookshop
Opening its doors just last month, this will be the first Bookshop Day for this indie in Leyburn. With the aim of nurturing a community of individuals who love reading and talking about books, The Wonky Tree offers a relaxed environment and friendly service centred around all things literature. While they have a wide stock of both adult and children’s books, they are also environmentally conscious, donating one percent of all sales to reforestation programmes.
Unit 2, Central Buildings, Market Place, Leyburn DL8 5BD
DRAKE The Bookshop
This bookshop opened its doors in 2015 and has never looked back. It has something for every keen reader, as well as getting visitors involved with special book groups. Best of all, this Saturday the bookshop’s Great North Author Tour bus is back! Travelling to several bookshops around the area, head along and meet some new authors, old friends, buy a book or two and get them signed.
26–27 Silver Street, Stockton TS18 1SX
Cogito Books
This indie bookshop offers a unique and curated collection of titles, presented in a welcoming and relaxing environment. Shelves are laden with an extensive range of books, and their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to help. To mark Bookshop Day, Cogito have invited members of their Children’s and Young Adult Book Groups to join them as booksellers for the day, so make sure to drop by and say hello.
5 Saint Mary’s Chare, Hexham NE46 1NQ
Keel Row Books
Opened in 1981, Keel Row Books are one of the longest established antiquarian and second-hand bookshops in the North East. Based in North Shields, they travel countrywide to buy and sell rare and second-hand books, specialising in everything from rare collections and fine bindings, to Penguin paperbacks and modern first editions.
11 Fenwick Terrace, Preston Road, North Shields NE29 0LU
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Book Corner
Situated in the lovely seaside town of Saltburn, this bookshop specialises in contemporary fiction for adults and children. Find new releases in paperback and hardback, children’s picture books, young adult fiction, non-fiction and bargain books, plus if there is something you’re looking for that’s not in stock, the staff will happily order it in for you.
24 Milton Street, Saltburn TS12 1DG
Read More: Five Ways to Get Your Child Interested in Reading
The Book Case
In the heart of the picturesque mill town of Hebden Bridge, The Bookcase stocks a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children. If you can’t see what you want on the shelves they offer a next-day ordering service for any book in print. Keep an eye on their website for regular authors events and book signings.
29 Market Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 6EU
Read.
This family bookshop in Holmfirth are aiming to make their shop a central part of the community by hosting a wide range of events, book clubs and writing clubs, as well as stocking an impressive range of books of all genres, from award-winning literary fiction and graphic novels, to maps for the many cyclists who pass by. To celebrate this Saturday’s Bookshop Day they are holding an event with Jo Moseley, author of Stand Up Paddleboarding in Great Britain, who will be sharing her stories and signing copies on the day.
41 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth HD9 3JH
