(Almost) 50 Years in the Making: How You Can Keep the Story Going

We are proud to be Southampton’s oldest independent bookshop and a key community space. We have continued for as long as we have thanks to our amazing community of staff, volunteers, members and customers, who share and support our ambition for a fairer and more sustainable world. We very much hope to celebrate our 50th birthday in 2027 – and beyond.

Recently we had to make significant changes to staffing and strategies due to financial difficulties. We’ve already started to see the positive effects of this but times are still tough – as they are for us all.

As a number of our members and customers have asked how they can make direct donations to the shop, we are currently setting up a new donation scheme. If you wish to contribute, please get in touch and we will share the scheme as soon as we launch it.

There are other ways you can help too:

• Buy books from us! Encourage others to do the same! Even if it’s not on our shelves, you can order via the website, email, in person or over the phone. Most books only take 1–2 days to come in. Pre-orders are one of the best ways to support your favourite authors – and bookshops. We are always pleased to make recommendations too, and your requests may influence what we stock in the shop.
  
  
• Treat yourself – and your loved ones. We have a regularly updated range of beautiful cards and gifts, including handmade items by local artisans. We’re right by the Post Office so you can send what you need to right away.
  
  
• Get your essentials and treats from us. We stock a range of ethically produced pantry items, luxury food products and toiletries. This includes refills on personal and domestic cleaning products, which helps minimise plastic waste. We may be able to add specific requests to our regular order – just ask!
  
  
• Offer your time and skills. Our volunteers help us make the space stunning in so many ways and contribute enormously to the development of the shop front of house and behind the scenes.
  
  
• Book our Community Space. It’s available to hire six days a week, and is especially good value during regular shop hours. We are pleased to host individuals, groups and special celebrations. Well-behaved pets are welcome too.
  
  
• Attend our events! There’s something for everyone happening at the shop, from science comedy fans and Jane Austenites to audio-bibliophiles and environmentalists.
  
  
• Spread the word! Tell everyone you know about us, and that it’s worth visiting us. Our shop reflects our community and we look forward to evolving and growing alongside it, while remaining true to our ethos and purpose.