“Independent booksellers – it’s not exaggerating to say that they are lantern bearers of civilisation” Sir Philip Pullman
Five Leaves Bookshop, Nottingham
Five Leaves’ stock is orientated towards indie presses, but do have a selection of major publishing houses too. They particularly like political, poetry, and translated publishers. They stock books of all genres from fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. They also stock greeting cards, stationery, and gifts.
The Bookcase, Nottingham
The Bookcase is a peaceful, efficient, and relaxed bookshop that stock a wide range of books catering for all ages and tastes. They are passionate about stocking and promoting local authors. Their events programme include book festivals, book clubs, film clubs, and author talks with writers such as Shelley Read.
Hunt’s Bookshop, Rugby
Hunt’s bookshop stocks new and pre-loved, good quality second-hand books for both adults and children. They also stock a good selection of maps, rare and collectable titles. They stock new and classic fiction, and specialist non-fiction on topics including history and military. They run workshops, story times, book clubs, and book fairs.
The Reading Tree, Northamptonshire
The Reading Tree are an award-winning, family-run indie bookshop, passionate about making books affordable. All brand new books are just £2.50, providing unbeatable value. They stock fiction, kids picture books, children/YA books, and non-fiction.
Suddenly on Sheaf Street, Northamptonshire
Suddenly on Sheaf Street offers two floors packed with over 7,000 books, stocking fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and specialist titles. They also sell stationery, and offer a classroom for crafting activities. Winner of the 2024 Newcomer of the Year award by National Book Tokens, they also run book clubs covering fantasy, and contemporary titles.
Wonderland, Nottinghamshire
Wonderland Bookshop is a specialist children’s shop located in North Nottinghamshire. Opened in 2019, Wonderland aims to inspire children and young adults in reading and writing. They specialise in new children’s books, as well as dyslexia-friendly and LGBTQ+ shelves.
Warwick Books, Warwick
Established in 2004, Warwick aims to offer the highest quality of service to their customers. They stock everything from poetry, sport and health books, fiction, travel, and history, as well as an extensive children’s section. Guest authors have included Louise Candlish, Toby Clements, Nikki Smith, Emily Freud, and Annie Garthwaite.
Astley Book Farm, Warwickshire
One of the largest second-hand bookshops in the Midlands, Astley holds around 100,000 titles, including antiquarian, rare and out-of-print books, a large range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books. They also have a coffee shop and yurt for visitors, a dedicated children’s section, and an entire stock of 50p books.
Kenilworth Books, Warwickshire
Kenilworth Books is a vibrant indie bookstore in the centre of Kenilworth. They stock bestselling and recommended fiction, children’s books, gifts, and signed books. They offer book clubs, and author visits from the likes of Cressida Cowell, Penny Batchelor, Angie Moon, and James Carrac. They also provide school book fairs and resources.
Burway Books, Stretton
Established after the three-day-week of the 70’s, Burway Books stock everything from bestselling fiction, classics, biographies, non-fiction on archaeology, history, crafts, farming, and poetry. They also have a dedicated selection of books for children and young readers.
Blue Sheep Books, Wednesbury
Blue Sheep Books was founded in 2021 to provide Wednesbury with an independently run bookshop. They stock prize shortlists, summer reading lists, non-fiction titles, LGBTQ+ books, and a large selection of children’s books.
Drop City Books, Stoke-on-Trent
Drop City Books are a colourful, radical, inclusive city-centre bookshop where curious people find good books. Books stocked include fiction, summer reads, and children’s books, all with a little edge than your everyday mainstream novel.
*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.
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