Truman Books
October’s Bookshop of the Month is Truman Books, located in the heart of Farsley, West Leeds. Offering an eclectic range of books, author events, an annual literary festival, and great coffee and cake, Truman Books is a welcoming space for readers to discover their new favourite read. We speak to owner Amanda about her love of books and what made her decide to open a bookshop after 20 years in the travel industry. Read on to learn more.
1. What made you want to go into bookselling, and what is your favourite part about it?
I’ve always loved books, and owning my own bookshop is a long-held dream. When the pandemic happened and I was made redundant, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to be bold, and make a major life change. There are many things I love about running a bookshop – intimate author events in the shop, the sense of community both within the village, and in the wider bookselling world, the feeling of Christmas every day when you are opening up a new delivery of books. But my favourite moments are seeing a parent and child sitting with a hot chocolate, talking about books, and having special time together – I love that we can create the space to make that happen.
2. What’s it like running an independent bookshop and café in Farsley? What do you hope your shop brings to the local area?
Farsley is a really special village, that has been so welcoming and supportive of me and the shop. I think we fit in perfectly with the array of amazing independent businesses on the high street. I hope that we bring a warm welcoming space for readers to share their love of books, and discover their new favourite reads.
3. You stock a wide range of titles across all genres – how do you choose the books that go on your shelves?
I spend a lot of time choosing what books to stock, and try to have an eclectic range, with a mix of familiar classics, popular new releases, hidden gems, and unusual treasures. I think the joy of a bookshop is happening upon something you weren’t looking for, and haven’t seen anywhere else.
4. We understand you are holding a literary festival this month – tell us more!
The second Farsley Lit Fest is on in October and November, with over 35 book events with authors like Adrian Edmondson, Alice Roberts, Paterson Joseph and Dr Amir Khan. We have a whole day of kids events with fantastic authors like Phil Earle and Tom Palmer, an evening dedicated to crime and mystery writing, and even a bookish quiz to round things off. More information can be found at www.farsleylit.co.uk
5. And finally, do you have any exciting plans for the shop in the coming year that you would like to share with us?
We want to continue to build on our events programme. Bringing readers face to face with their favourite writers is always such a joy.