The National Literacy Trust and Liverpool Learning Partnership have declared 2026 the Liverpool Year of Reading, hosting city-wide events at venues such as Liverpool Central Library to combat declining reading statistics across the UK. Independent bookshops are playing a crucial role in reigniting the city's love for reading.
Aldous Books: Preserving Literary Heritage
Aldous Books, located in the Bluecoat Art Centre in Liverpool City Centre, specializes in antique and rare books. The shop took over from Kernaghan Books about two and a half years ago and promotes sustainable book purchasing. By focusing on antiquarian books, it serves a niche market but actively reminds customers of the value of historical literature.
News from Nowhere: A Radical Community Hub
On Bold Street, News from Nowhere has operated as a non-profit radical community bookshop since 1974. Maria Ng, a cooperative member since the mid-1990s, emphasized that reading helps people understand the world and others. She noted the positive impact of social media on reading, as book lovers use it to discuss books and discover new releases. She highlighted the importance of community libraries for providing free access to books.
Henry Bohn Books: A Legacy of Second-Hand Reading
Michael McCabe, owner of Henry Bohn Books on London Road, has run the business for nearly 40 years. He stressed reading's importance, noting that even phone users are reading. He argued that more second-hand bookshops would make books more affordable, citing George Orwell's Animal Farm, which costs nearly three times more new than second-hand. McCabe runs the shop with his wife.
Liverpool's independent bookshops, through their diverse offerings and community focus, are helping to make books accessible while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
