From June 15 to June 22, 2024, the UK and Ireland will celebrate the literary joy and community spirit of Independent Bookshop Week (IBW). With an exciting array of new additions to the lineup, this year promises to be one of the most memorable yet.
Hosted by the Booksellers Association (BA) and headlined by Hachette UK, the event features a star-studded roster of authors, engaging activities, and the inaugural Big Book Club, all designed to unite book lovers and support independent bookshops.
Celebrated Authors and Exclusive Events
The week will see celebrated authors like Robin Stevens, Shirley Ballas, Kate Mosse, Kevin Kwan, Harriet Muncaster, Paul Sinha, and Hilary Bradt engaging with readers across the country. Over 700 independent bookshops have confirmed participation, ensuring a rich and varied program of events.
Key Highlights
- Robin Stevens’ Fan Event: Celebrating the tenth anniversary of her beloved series “Murder Most Unladylike”.
- Shirley Ballas: In conversation at Chiltern Bookshops, discussing her latest book and her journey.
- Kevin Kwan: Launching his new romantic comedy “Lies and Weddings” at Toppings in Bath.
- Kate Mosse: Participating in author talks and book signings.
- Paul Sinha: Performing at various venues, combining his wit with literary discussions.
Regional Events and Activities
IBW is set to offer a plethora of activities ranging from children’s illustration sessions and wine tastings to after-hours poetry readings and fancy dress fan events. Here are some of the regional highlights:
North of England
- Forum Books (Corbridge): Illustrator Emma Mackenzie will create bespoke bookshop windows. Jill Halfpenny will discuss her memoir “A Life Reimagined”.
- Paper People Books (Pateley Bridge): Hosting a talk with Julian Norton and a photography talk by Paul C Dunn.
- Darling Reads (Wakefield): Offering tote bags and mystery books with purchases, alongside in-store competitions.
- Truman Books (Leeds): Hosting Leeds Lit Fest 2024, featuring a variety of author events and live music.
Midlands
- Booka Bookshop (Oswestry): Events with authors like Wyl Menmuir and Paul Sinha.
- Five Leaves Bookshop (Nottingham): Hosting a talk on lesbian fashion history and launching a Windrush Weekend.
- Voce Books (Birmingham): Featuring novelist Sulaiman Addonia on his UK tour.
East of England
- Red Lion Books (Colchester): Events with illustrators and authors, including Thomas Gilbert and Dee Gordon.
- Next Page Books (Hitchin): Hosting sold-out events with Harriet Muncaster.
- Yare Books Limited (Great Yarmouth): A mix of book signings and community BBQs.
South of England
- Pushkin House Bookshop (London): Discussion on adapting forgotten works of Russian literature.
- The Small City Bookshop (Bristol): Partnering with the Children’s Book Project for a citywide book drive.
- Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights (Bath): Celebrating romance novels with Laura Wood, Kate Young, and Kirsty Greenwood.
Scotland
- Far From the Madding Crowd (Linlithgow): Hosting a book signing with John Patrick Green.
- The Ginger Cat Bookshop (Bridge of Weir): Author events with Lindsay Littleson and CJ Cooke.
Wales
- Rossiter Books (Monmouth): Conversations with authors like Tiffany Murray and Jude Rogers.
- Chepstow Books & Gifts (Chepstow): Hosting Natalie Haynes for a talk on her latest book.
Inaugural Big Book Club
One of the major highlights of IBW 2024 is the inaugural Big Book Club, designed to unite independent book clubs across the nation. This initiative aims to foster a sense of community and shared literary exploration, encouraging readers to connect and discuss their favorite reads.
Libro.fm Celebrations
Libro.fm, known for its support of independent bookstores, will celebrate IBW with free audiobooks and exclusive membership offers. This initiative is designed to make literature more accessible and to support the indie bookshop community.
Indie Twinning
The popular Indie Twinning initiative returns, pairing independent publishers with bookshops to create unique events and promotions. Highlights include:
- Bookhaus (Bristol): Partnering with Prototype Publishing for discounted books and book launches.
- Heron Books (Bristol): Hosting a poetry reading and book discussions in collaboration with And Other Stories.
Practical Information
With a diverse range of events scheduled, attendees are encouraged to visit the IBW website for detailed information on local events and to book tickets where necessary. Whether you’re a lifelong book lover or a casual reader, Independent Bookshop Week 2024 promises something for everyone.