Many people predicted the death of the printed book when the first Kindle was released in 2007. However, a new independent bookseller on Ullswater is proving this theory incorrect 15 years later.
After opening in a former tea and gift shop in the village centre in February of this year, the owner of Verey Books in Pooley Bridge is looking forward to its first Christmas.
Al Verey had always wanted to own his own bookstore, and his dreams have come true.
Verey Bookshop has received 100% positive feedback from customers and visitors eight months after it opened its doors. Al says the transition from academic, literary guide, poet, and teacher to selling books has been a huge learning curve, but he has received a lot of help.
“Owning and running a bookshop has exceeded my expectations,” he said. I look forward to going to work and spending the day immersed in books. Meeting authors is a true pleasure and privilege. It’s an enthralling world. I’ve been fortunate to develop positive relationships with publishers and to receive a great deal of assistance and support from the Book Sellers Association. They connected me with a mentor, Patrick Neale.”
Patrick, the owner of Chipping Norton’s Jaffe & Neale Bookshop and Café, also provides an introductory training course on how to set up and run a bookshop.
“Patrick has been a great support and was in the shop last week to see how we are doing,” Al said. The book world is unique, and having a mentor like Patrick has been extremely beneficial.”
So, what has led to the rise of books and the demise of the e-reader?
“After looking at a screen for much of the day, carrying around a mini computer in your hand (the mobile phone), at the end of the day when you want to relax, you want something more meaningful,” Al explained. The book is authentic. People want to hold a book that is visually appealing.
“You’d like to smell the print and the paper.” A book is more than just words; it is an experience, enhanced by illustrations and artwork.
“We’ve noticed a seasonal shift in the books people want.” Nature books in the spring, and summer vacation reads in the summer. The emphasis is now on classics and beautiful gift editions of books.”
The independent bookshop is quickly becoming a destination shop, adding to the village’s unique offering for visitors, which includes artisan food and drink, great walks, Ullswater, and traditional “steamers.
I have always loved Pooley Bridge, and even though I knew a bookshop was completely different from what the village had to offer, I had the feeling this would work in the village,” Al explained. However, the popularity of the bookshop and café has astounded me; it has exceeded my expectations.”
Within the bookshop, Al is creating a visitor experience.
The weekly Words on Wednesday event invites readers to join an author for a reading and Q&A session. The team also enjoys reading to children under the age of six, and the weekly Saturday Storytime is well-attended.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
