The Halesworth Bookshop

September's Bookshop of the Month is the Halesworth Bookshop, a hidden gem nestled near St Mary's Church and the bustling Market Place, in the pretty market town of Halesworth, Suffolk. We chatted to the owner, Abbie about how the shop came about, their successful book group and her exciting plans for the future.

1. Tell us more about the shop – how did it come into being, what was your vision?

I purchased the shop in 2017 after working in education and facing redundancy. The opportunity came at a difficult time in my life, but with my husband’s support, we took the leap.

2. What’s it like running an independent in Halesworth?

Running the bookshop has been a truly rewarding experience for me. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to the community, as the bookshop has been a staple in town for 46 years. I am determined to keep it thriving and not let it go bust under my ownership.

3. What’s your favourite part about bookselling?

Organising events, meeting authors, and engaging with the community are all aspects of the job that I thoroughly enjoy. I am particularly proud of the Book Group we have developed, as well as the success we have had with natural history and local authors in the shop. It’s been wonderful to see the support and enthusiasm from our customers, who are passionate about having a bookshop in town.

4. Tell us more about the Book Group you’ve set up, for example, how do you choose the books that get discussed?

The Book Group started before Covid, and we had to pause our meetings due to the pandemic. We eventually resumed in a safe manner, starting at the local pub and then moving back to the bookshop. We now have regular meetings and a Christmas party where members choose books for the following year. The group has grown, and it’s been a joy to see everyone engage with different books and share their opinions.

5. And finally, do you have any exciting plans for the shop in the coming months you’d like to share with us?

In the future, I dream of organising a book festival in Halesworth, possibly next November. It’s a significant challenge, particularly in terms of funding, but it’s something I would love to see come to fruition. I’m also involved in other festivals, such as the ‘Low House Lit Fest’ in Laxfield and ‘FolkEast’. Reflecting on the past 7 years and all that I have learned, I believe I am confident enough to take on the challenge of organising a festival in our little town of Halesworth. It’s a goal that I am actively working towards.