Here’s a novel idea – forget Amazon and instead order books from Croydon’s newest online bookshop!
BookLove, based in South Norwood, specialises in multicultural and anti-racist books. Known for its appearances at schools, festivals, markets and libraries over the past few years its founder, Samantha Williams, recently decided to launch the online service triggered by two major events.
“First there was Black Lives Matter,” she said. “There was an appetite for anti-racist books and I couldn’t get them to people quickly enough. In over three months I uploaded 1,000 books to the website. And then, because of the pandemic, people were not able to get out and go to the bookshops.”
Samantha now ships books all over the world but in the Croydon area she does a £2 flat rate delivery and what she can deliver she does so on her bike. More than ever she welcomes the idea of shopping local and cannot speak highly enough of the community spirit in these troubled times.
“It’s a really exciting thing to know that people value what we’re doing and it does make you feel you are a part of a community. In Croydon we’re one big family and I always make a point of keeping my shopping local – from buying my bike from the local book shop to my meat and veg from the local butcher’s. I’m very passionate about this area and would love to own an actual shop here.”
Find out more about Book Love on the website where you’ll find dates for outdoor markets, festivals and carnivals we well as details of the South London Warehouse: www.thisisbooklove.com