History...
October Books is a co-operative, radical neighbourhood bookshop and community hub.
Founded in 1977 in Bevois Valley, we then moved to rented premises at 243 Portswood Road. In November 2018, with the help and support of our community, many of whom invested time, money and physical labour, we moved to our own premises, at 189 Portswood Road.
From there, we trade independently from any political organisation, and seek to promote a fair and equal society.
Our workers and volunteers are from many different backgrounds, and they bring diversity to the shop, so everyone feels at home in October Books.
Clare
From toilet cleaning to chairing the committee, my role covers a lot. I am the Strategic Team lead so do direct longer term plans, funding applications, connections to other organisations in the city. My background in community development and working together with communities to co-create and co-produce the future that we all desire.
Suzanne
I support the running of the Community Space which includes supporting hirers, promoting the space to increase hires, putting on OB events with other team member and carrying out all things associated with this. I am our volunteer co-ordinator and support our wonderful volunteers from recruitment, to inductions and then support. I also am let out on the till most weeks.
Amelia
I order everything you see in the shop that isn't a book! Including but not limited too: our cards, local makers products, vegan friendly and organic food, as well as a range of toiletries and cleaning products.
Jack
Book-buyer and anything else that needs doing! You'll often find me behind the till looking forlorn.
Jacqueline
I'm the Operations Team Lead, and I have been a regular customer of October Books since I moved to Southampton in 2013!
Jaquie
I'm the Bookkeeper and I have worked for OB since 2016. I saw the job advertised at the Art House on their noticeboard. My role initially included shifts in the shop, sometimes opening and closing, but now I focus on the finances as this is where my skills lie.
Find out more about our story...
View all-
The Story of October Books... The Human Chain
A Chapter in the October Books Story We had bought the bank and the renovations were almost complete and the moving day was planned for the end of October 2018....
The Story of October Books... The Human Chain
A Chapter in the October Books Story We had bought the bank and the renovations were almost complete and the moving day was planned for the end of October 2018....
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The Story of October Books...Buying the Bank
In late 2017 the old Natwest bank in Portswood came up for sale.
The Story of October Books...Buying the Bank
In late 2017 the old Natwest bank in Portswood came up for sale.
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The Story of October Books... 243 Portswood Road.
A Chapter in the October Books StoryOctober Books moved to Portswood in 2003, early April. Most of the shops around us on Onslow Road had closed or been demolished, and...
The Story of October Books... 243 Portswood Road.
A Chapter in the October Books StoryOctober Books moved to Portswood in 2003, early April. Most of the shops around us on Onslow Road had closed or been demolished, and...
