A COMMUNITY owned, charity funded book shop has hit the ground running since opening in St Helens.

St Helens Book Stop opened on Bridge Street at the end of November and became the town’s first book shop since Wardleworth’s closed on Westfield Street in 2019.

After a crowdfunding appeal raised £45,000 to back the independent business, the Book Stop has opened with more than 350 local shareholders; ensuring that it is both ran and owned by the people of St Helens.

St Helens Star: The independent business has been thriving in the run up to ChristmasThe independent business has been thriving in the run up to Christmas

St Helens Star: The book store is the first in St Helens for more than two yearsThe book store is the first in St Helens for more than two years

Although there have been concerns that the retail industry will once again feel the impact of coronavirus restrictions this Christmas, the team at the Book Stop said they feel they have opened at a “perfect time”.

Laura Goodchild, manager of St Helens Book Stop, said: “In the run up to Christmas it’s been really busy, and we have had a lot of positive comments saying how ‘we’ve missed having a bookshop’ – a lot more than we thought.”

“We only opened three and a half weeks ago so I think we still have that ‘newness’ factor. And just before Christmas, I think we opened at a perfect time.”

St Helens Star: The Book Stop has a range of fiction and non-fiction on offerThe Book Stop has a range of fiction and non-fiction on offer

St Helens Star: The Two Brothers coffee shop at the Book StopThe Two Brothers coffee shop at the Book Stop

Creating a “safe space” for people of all ages to relax and read, the Book Stop boasts a wide collection of fiction and non-fiction as well as a Two Brothers coffee shop at the end of the building.

Local history book ‘The Hidden History of St Helens’ is said to be the top seller this Christmas, while a lot of kids have been coming in “excited for Christmas and excited to read” – something the team at the Book Stop will continue to encourage.

St Helens Star: 'The Hidden History of St Helens' has been a bestseller this Christmas'The Hidden History of St Helens' has been a bestseller this Christmas

The Book Stop has gained support from the wider community, local sports stars and authority figures, and Laura agrees that one of the more positive aspects to come out of the pandemic is an increased community spirit and an increased focus to shop local.

As the business is independently owned, part-funded by local charities and ran by people “born and bred” in St Helens, the store has a “really good backing” and a great starting point from which they can succeed.

The Book Stop also has good relationships with local organisations such as the World of Glass and the council, and plan to have events, readings, and charitable donations in the coming months as they continue to grow.

St Helens Star:

St Helens Star: St Helens Book Stop, on Bridge Street in the town centreSt Helens Book Stop, on Bridge Street in the town centre