An independent Ilkley bookshop has earned a spot on the regional shortlist to be in the running to be The Bookseller’s Independent Bookshop of the Year.
The Grove Bookshop, situated in the heart of Ilkley, will now vie to win the northern region, which will be announced on March 14.
However, it faces stiff competition, being up against defending champions, the Wirral’s Linghams Bookshop. Also on the list are: Bookends Carlisle; Storytellers, Inc Lytham St Annes; The Book Case Hebden Bridge and White Rose Bookcafe Thirsk.
Established 35 years ago, The Grove Bookshop, is crammed with a large range of books, opens seven days a week, is a frequent meeting place for local book-lovers and visitors to the town.
The Grove Bookshop assistant manager Mike Sansbury said: “There’s been much publicity recently about the decline in independent bookshops, with only the strong surviving, so to be in the top 40 of just under a thousand shops is pretty exciting.”
The nominations cover seven regions, with 38 shops in all being shortlisted. The winners of each region will go forward to the final at the Hilton Park Lane on May 12, when the national winner will be announced.
Award sponsor Gardners will present the winners with £5,000 to be spent on their shop.
Follow The Grove Bookshop on Twitter (@GroveBookshop) or visit @grovebookshop.com to find out more about the shop’s programme of events.
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