June 20th-27th is Independent Bookshop Week, a celebration of indie bookshops in the UK and Ireland, and sees over 400 stores across the country throwing parties, organizing events, setting up reading groups, storytelling sessions, author signings and literary lunches to honour the brilliant stops that fuel our passion for reading. As every bookworm knows, there’s nothing like the thrill of a good bookshop, the cosy warmth with which it entices you into its treasure trove of discovery, to reward you with friends you did not know you had and stories you did not know you needed. Reading is hugely beneficial as well as enjoyable, and even more magical when it comes from such a shop.
On the Saturday the second IBW bookshop crawl will take place, where people are being set a simple challenge: pop out to your local bookshop, pick up a book and #giveabook – to anyone you like. Sharing the love of reading is sharing something very personal and powerful, and by the act of #giveabook you are not only introducing someone to something new and potentially profound, but helping independent booksellers.
Of course, you shouldn’t wait until Independent Bookshop Week to get shopping and get reading – so find your nearest store here and get involved.