What’s On: Kirkdale Book Stores, Sydenham

A literary agent is making sure residents can keep on reading by volunteering to deliver books from a local bookshop.

Simon Trewin, who lives in Sydenham is a customer of the oldest independent bookshop in South East London – Sydenham’s Kirkdale Books.

Usually his days are dedicated to helping create books, now he is taking his turn as a volunteer book delivery boy during a period where customers are self-isolating.

“Kirkdale Books is a major part of our creative community here in Sydenham and Forest Hill and it is great to be able to help them keep South London reading,” said Simon.

“Think of a book you need and call them – they have a huge stock plus they can still get next-day orders from their suppliers. When the book is packaged up I will get a call, pick it and then pop it through your letter box. No touching needed.

“Books are a vital part of our culture and with the bookshop shutting its physical doors I wanted the bookshop get their orders out to those self-isolating.

“I have been a literary agent for the last twenty five years working both here and in New York and have worked with some huge names – from Oprah to Justin Timberlake and John Boyne to Sam Blake.

“We need bookshops like Kirkdale Books to thrive and a moment like this is an important one for people to step up and help their community survive.

“I am volunteer number one here in Sydenham but I hope that other people reading this will offer to help their local bookshops literally get the word out there.

“Books are perfect for self isolation and they have the added bonus of needing no batteries.”

He is pictured with bookseller Freddie Butler-de Lacy with the first two boxes of online and phone orders ready for despatch.

Kirkdale Books is contactable at mail@kirkdalebookshop.com or call
020 8778 4701.