Sunrise in North Wales
Hello all and what a lovely welcome back to October Books. I had my first shift back in the shop on Saturday and loved seeing all the changes to the space and reading about all that has been happening in the last three months. The community space looks really great with the new flooring finished and some of the walls repainted, the corridor now has an even larger selection of secondhand books from member Matt Coleman, the garden looks great after a tidy following recent vandalism, the shop space is fantastic, postcards reviews, new gift lines and displays all adding to the look, new signage outside and a clear uncluttered lobby. The team have been really busy since I have been away and I am amazed
at all that has been achieved.
My first afternoon back in the shop was a lovely one. A good few regular customers in as well as some new faces. A possible new connection with the Oasis Academy school in Sholing. Customers in from Brighton who were visiting Southampton as they explore towns and cities along the south coast. I was really overjoyed to see Jonny Moreland in the shop too and we hope to catch up with him later in the week.
Being away on sabbatical for the last three months has been the most wonderful thing. I haven’t left the shores of the UK but have explored some beautiful places on our island, Wales, Devon, Dorset and Somerset. A recurring theme on these trips was the view, big skies, mountains and hills and wonderful sunsets and I think this is influencing my mindset in coming back to October Books. How do we see October Books in the big scheme of things? How do we work out our path to that distant horizon? The team have been working on a new vision for the shop since I have been away which resonates with these thoughts too. Do let us know what you think of this new description of who we are and what we offer in a survey here.
October Books is a thriving place where people of all ages and backgrounds gather, offering a diverse range of books chosen by our local community. A place where adults and children are stimulated to reimagine a more equitable flourishing community that cares for people and the natural world, through the books and products sold and our events '
More from me as the weeks unfold and the direction of the path becomes clearer.
Clare
