The Story of October Books... Beginnings

The First Chapter in the October Books Story

‘No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.’ Alfred North Whitehead

The October Books story began in 1977 when a group of local activists recognised the need for a radical bookshop in the city. With the backdrop of unease with the UKs system of governance, growing marginalisation of minority groups and the gay liberation and rights movement and the feminist movement, a volunteer team ran the organisation from premises in Bevois Valley in Southampton. The area of the city was also home to a number of other co-operative and community businesses, a health food shop, the Flying teapot café and others and was a buzzing alternative community in our city

After four years of operation as a voluntary organisation the team found the time and resources to collate and prepare the paperwork needed to register as a neighbourhood co-operative. On 14th April 1981 Phillip Collins, Lionel Paris, Jill Radford, Ian Lamming, Veronica Love, Martin Lynch and Annabel Hodgson had signed the paperwork and October Books was registered as a Co-operative Society. 

In addition to this team there was a raft of volunteers and supporters who helped to make October Books be. Many of these original supporters are still part of the team today as members or volunteers. To you all, we are extremely and eternally grateful. 

The shop was also a hub for many different activist organisations. In the days before the internet it was a legal requirement for leaflets and posters to have a contact address on them. Rather than putting activist's personal addresses, many organisations adopted October Books as their postal address. Organisations such as the Anti-Nazi League, used October Books as their unofficial headquarters with meetings held in the shop after hours. This did however mean the shop became a target for fascists and other violent thugs, with risk of criminal damage and potentially dangerous encounters for staff. Luckily no serious incidents ever occurred.

In the intervening years between 1981 and 2003 there are many, many stories of solidarity, support, advocacy and struggle. A second shop opened for a short period. The link with the university grew and the ‘university stall’ became a significant income for the business. Documenting this story is another project in itself, one which we would love some support from our community to compile. Do let us know if you would be interested in contributing. 

[Image Description: Writing-’Beginnings, 4 Onslow Road, October Books.’
Includes four photos:
1. An early leaflet from 1983 which includes an illustrated bookshelf with the categories and specialisms written on the spines.
2. A photo outside the red shop front of Onslow Road in 1982 with four people in it. L-R Louise Trevavas, Phil Collins, Anabel Hodgson, Dave.
3. Photoshoot inside the bookshop at collective meeting 1986 With five people in it. L-R Jo Gaul, Matthew, Ian Lamming, Anabel Hodgson, and Kathryn Munt.
4. Photo outside the now grey shop front with red detailing. Virago book display visable. 1986]