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.

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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.

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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. 

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Jack

Book-buyer and anything else that needs doing! You'll often find me behind the till looking forlorn.

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Jacqueline

My background is in libraries and for the past six years I have worked at the University of Winchester, part-time, as Open Access Officer, facilitating access to research. I still work there, but in need of a new challenge (and to help make ends meet) I started considering other kinds of work. Something in retail, I thought, and made a shortlist of shops I’d love to work at. In an amazing coincidence, October Books was hiring at that very moment, and I’m so pleased to have joined the team!

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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.

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