Author shares favourite independent book shops for World Book Day
Celia Silvani, author of Baby Teeth, shares her favourite South London book shops for World Book Day
There’s no online replacement for the experience of entering a bookshop.
Physical shops provide a space for communities to discover books and feel inspired, whilst booksellers’ recommendations, conversations and warmth create a unique experience.
Bookseller Crow on the Hill, Crystal Palace
The Bookseller Crow on the Hill is a Crystal Palace institution, selling books and running both a reading group and regular events. It opened in 1997 and since then, owners Jonathan and Justine Main have brought up a family there.
Justine said: “The shop floor has been an extension of our home life, like another living room.
“The best thing about running a bookshop in the heart of Crystal Palace, is the buzz of the community and the fact that we can be ourselves entirely.”
One of Justine’s highlights over the last 28 years was hosting an event with Miriam Toews. “Though”, she said, “Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout popping in merely to say ‘hi’ was pretty good too.”
Village Books, Dulwich Village
Village Books in Dulwich Village celebrates its 100th birthday later this year. Owner Hazel Broadfoot bought the shop in 1996, with her now-retired business partner Julian Toland.
It runs events and sells books for both adults and children.
Hazel’s favourite experience was the arrival of the Harry Potter books.
She said: “I don’t expect to see anything like that again. JK Rowling came to the shop to sign copies of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in July 2000, and nearly 1,000 children queued outside to meet her.
“I personally love when I can make a difference to how a book does – when you can get a new readership for a book or author you love, it’s a brilliant feeling.”
Kirkdale Bookshop, Sydenham
Opened in 1966, Kirkdale is still run and owned by Geraldine Cox, who started it with her dad. It sells new, secondhand and children’s books alongside gifts, as well as hosting events and book groups.
Community is essential to this shop, which is seconds away from Sydenham Station.
Freddie, one of Kirkdale’s booksellers, said: “I think our favourite experience was the response from the public to the shop reopening after lockdown in 2020. It was the first time in 54 years that the shop had ever been closed, and we were absolutely blown away by the support of customers.”
Rye Books, East Dulwich
Founded by Alastair Kenward in 2011, Rye Books sits just off Lordship Lane on New Cross Road, near the Saturday market.
It’s home to a great range of adult and children’s books, delicious coffee, and Alastair’s dog, George.
Alastair said: “I’ve always been passionate about community and culture, we need culture, we need that more than ever.”
Alastair is passionate about celebrating local authors. When visiting the shop, he’s hands-on with his knowledge and recommendations.
The Word, New Cross
The Word was opened in 2016 by David Brett, right by Goldsmiths University.
Stocking books for students and the wider community, it’s a key part of the area’s literary landscape.
David said: “I love New Cross mainly because of the customers I see, from the regulars to those just passing through.”
He particularly enjoys talking to customers. He said: “It’s often both entertaining and enlightening. When you have an affinity for the books you’re selling you find a lot to talk about and can exchange fascinating and valuable insights.”
Beckenham Bookshop, Beckenham
Beckenham Bookshop opened in 1984 and describes itself as “a local Independent Bookshop, for local independent people. And everyone else.”
Kelly Bradford, owner and manager, said: “In the 20 years I have been here I have seen a lot of young readers grow up and bring in families of their own, which is quite lovely.
“We also have a wonderful older community, lots of lovely customers keep us on our toes with exciting requests and queries, we get to talk with people about all sorts of subjects.”
Kelly particularly enjoys when a recommendation goes down well, or when she connects with far-flung customers who order gifts for local loved ones.
Review Bookshop, Peckham
This was my local shop when I was writing my book and lived in Rye Lane, so I’m especially fond of it. Review opened in 2005 and sells adult and children’s books.
Ben Pope, manager of Review, said a real highlight has been selling books at launch events for Review’s own staff.
It’s firmly a community-minded bookshop. Ben said: “Peckham has great taste! We always get excellent, wide-ranging recommendations from our customers.”
Pictured top: The Word, in New Cross (Picture: David Brett)