The award-winning Newham Bookshop was already a vital part of local life when Covid-19 lockdown hit in March. Founded in 1978, the shop in Barking Road, East Ham is unusual in that it has not just survived hard times for independent bookshops but is thriving.

If anything, lockdown strengthened ties with the community, a major factor in the shop’s success. Manager Vivian Archer is ‘amazed’ at how the community has rallied round to support the award-winning, not-for-profit, local landmark.

She said: “We have a team of volunteers who got books out to people. Schools have continued to use our services, with one order for 460 books. They know us and trust us, plus I think there has also been a backlash in terms of the big companies. We are really grateful for the support we’ve had.”

The lockdown meant more use of social media and online platforms, and the bookshop managed to hold a CD auction to raise money for food banks and local charities.

As well as working with school libraries and providing book stalls at conferences, the bookshop is known for its events and book signings that attract well known authors. The latest, a discussion with DJ Norman Jay MBE about his book Mister Good Times was held online on Saturday October 31st.

In 2019, Newham Bookshop won Best London Independent in the British Bookshop Awards.

www.newhambooks.co.uk

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