“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
I thought that Independent Bookshop Week 2024 (16th June – 22nd June) would be the perfect time to begin my indie bookshop spotlight series. And, being Hertfordshire born-and-bred, it seemed only natural to start my series with some fabulous bookshops in my home county.
David’s Bookshop, Letchworth
Their passion is to bring customers the very best in new and second-hand books. They also have a delightful café, and a wide range of music, cards, and games. The upper floor is full of second-hand books, and whilst the majority of books on the ground floor are new, they do have a collection outside the shop front, and in the back full of second-hand items. David’s also host a range of author events, book clubs, and game nights. Now owned by the employees themselves, David’s has been part of the community for over 60 years!
Our Bookshop, Tring
Our Bookshop in Tring is a welcoming safe space to talk, browse, meet, and debate whatever is on your mind. They sell books of all genres, and if you’re after a specific book that they don’t have? Just give them a call and they’ll see what they can do. They also sell monthly book subscriptions, and provide a fun space for school and author events. In 2024, they were named a regional finalise in the Independent Bookshop of the Year category of the British Book Awards!
Books on the Hill, St Albans
Opened in 2019, Books on the Hill is an independent family-run bookshop, run by a team of dedicated book collectors and reading enthusiasts. The shop is split into two: the first room known as The Green Room, holds their new books and curiosity cabinet. The second room holds the antiquarian, vintage, Penguin classics, children’s vintage, and children’s new, young adult, and gifts. Their dream was to create a warm and inviting, old-fashioned bookshop. They also hold literary events, including writing workshops.
Chorleywood Bookshop, Chorleywood
They have a wide range of books, covering all genres, including signed and limited editions, the latest bestsellers, travel books, and classic novels, as well as gifts. In 2018, they won the Best Independent Bookstore Retailer of Greeting Cards! Chorleywood also offer a monthly book subscription, providing a hand-picked and wrapped book each month, tailored in-line with that individual’s reading preferences. They also offer author events.
The Book Nook, Ware
The Book Nook is a cosy bookshop who have thousands of books from fiction to non-fiction and children’s books, as well as a range of toys and gifts. The staff are able to order books in for you if they don’t have it, and can help you pick your next read if you’re undecided. The bookshop also has a cosy tea room, a kid’s corner for little explorers, and offers events such as author talks, community sessions, competitions, and activities for children during the school holidays.
Next Page Books, Hitchin
An independent children’s bookshop with BIG ideas, Next Page started as a partnership between a teacher and a children’s publishing expert, the shop stocks books from baby to young adult, and everything in between, and can order in any book that is currently in print. It specialises in books that support and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including neurodiversity, autism, dyslexia, ADHD etc. They offer a subscription service for all of their paperback, hardback, and individual need books. Next Page Books also offer author events, book festivals, and story-time sessions.
*Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of bookshops. All photos sourced from each individual shop’s online presence. If you have any concerns regarding the photos, or concern regarding the text, please get in touch.
Books By Your Bedside 