Residents’ Journal
From left: Susie O’Reilly, Jo Simpson, Richard Howell Val Timlin, Carol Rahn, Viv Taylor Gee
parents, children and schools to visit; a real cultural heart for the area.’ Even more uniquely, the bookshop will be located within Northcote Library: ‘The idea to locate to the library came from Councillor Peter Dawson who contacted GLL (Greenwich Leisure Ltd) which runs the libraries in Wandsworth and they saw the potential,’ reveals Viv. ‘As you know, high streets all over the country are having to find new ways to be vibrant and to survive: our local library has been on the verge of closure before now. ‘Bookshops are particularly vulnerable because many books are bought online. In our area, small shops close because they struggle with high business rates and rents: we are fortunate to be able to use part of the library; it will help us to become viable. ‘Although putting a shop in a library is a new idea, it can work because people who want to read use both! We will not be in competition: we have a shared interest.’ As local resident and writer Carol Rahn explains, ‘We will be the first in the UK, as far as I know, to put a bookshop in a library, but I think it’s a truly inspired innovation. ‘In today’s world, bookshops that are successful and libraries that stay open are transforming themselves into places where people want to linger. They draw people through the door with a compelling programme of events.’ Indeed, Northcote Books is looking forward to playing host to a varied and full programme of talks, interviews, seminars and workshops on subjects from art, literature and science, to finance, cookery and even fashion. ‘The bookshop and programme [of events] will be run by a professional manager and staff, but will have back-up from local people, for both ideas and contacts,’ says Viv. ‘This area is blessed with a lot of talented and
How it began The idea for Northcote Books was born in March 2013. When faced by the imminent closure of Bolingbroke Bookshop, 70 people gathered at a public meeting on a wet Monday evening. They vowed to start a community bookshop and have grown to encompass a board of nine and a group of more than 400 supporters. The bookshop will raise its start-up capital by selling community shares, with shareholder membership open to individuals, local businesses, schools and other organisations.
supportive professionals.’ Ivor Rawlinson, former diplomat and ex-British Ambassador (who is responsible for defining the shop’s client base and advising on the events programme alongside networking and fundraising) believes that the interactive element of Northcote Books is what will make it successful. ‘There will be an exciting programme of events for all ages,’ he says, ‘[…] creative writing, book clubs, multi-media, presentations, signings, story-telling for children and more.’ And from there, the community-based idea of the bookshop ‘hub’ will blossom. ‘The French community will enjoy our French corner stocked by a French bookshop in South Kensington,’ he gives as an example. ‘Northcote Books will provide a literary, cultural focus which doesn’t currently exist between the commons.’ As part of its plans for Northcote Books, the committee examined the results of new market research undertaken by campaigners; it clearly illustrated that local residents were quick to highlight the need for ‘a welcoming atmosphere, good coffee and space to browse,’ alongside a varied selection of books. ‘I want to see a quality bookshop where everyone will get the advice they want as well as brilliant service,’ says Ivor, echoing the voice of the research respondents. ‘We need to be able to help the busy mother who needs birthday books for two children – but her parking ticket is running out; to recommend the best of the thousands of novels available; where we can supply any book for our discerning clients within 24 hours. It will be a book space where one can browse and have excellent coffee and cake at the same time.’ In fact, the more the plan comes together – the more absurd it seems that it’s not been done before. A library – and a bookshop – with a full events programme, kids’ activities and good coffee; it seems a very natural evolution for both the bookshop and library service. ‘We know people do not want small, independent bookshops to die out, especially for their children’s sake, and that they really would welcome our idea of a creative hub,’ echoes Viv, in agreement. ‘We seem to have touched a nerve […] support has come from all around the area, social media and beyond.’ Certainly, the concept of Northcote Books as a legacy has also appealed to residents – something that their children and young people can get involved with now and continue supporting into adulthood – a service that will change with them, meeting their needs regardless of age, gender, education, taste, interest and reading ability. ‘This is Nappy Valley,’ Carol reminds me. ‘With so many children and young people here, promoting literature to the next generation matters a lot. As many parents realise, a love of reading boosts their children’s chances of success at school and beyond. We will be a trusted resource for parents, helping to foster reading for pleasure. ‘We’re also actively engaging with schools in the area. We’re learning that many young people are keen to take part in a dialogue about books – to see their recommendations and tastes taken into account.’ n
For more information on the Northcote Road Bookshop and how to buy shares when they are issued later this year contact Viv Taylor Gee, chair of the steering committee at northcotebooks@gmail.com or on 07709 116 163 – or visit the website at northcotebooks.com - 16 -