Kenilworth independent bookshop wins regional award

A Kenilworth bookshop expressed '˜excitement and surprise' after winning a regional independent bookshop award.
Judy Brook, owner of Kenilworth BooksJudy Brook, owner of Kenilworth Books
Judy Brook, owner of Kenilworth Books

Kenilworth Books in Talisman beat off competition from five other bookshops to win the ‘Midlands and Wales’ category of the British Book Awards’ Independent Bookshop of the Year.

The shop, run by just four staff members, now has a chance to win the national version of the award, and will find out if it has won at a ceremony held in London on Monday May 8.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The owner of Kenilworth Books, Judy Brook, found out the news on Thursday March 16. She said the win was completely unexpected.

She said: “We felt a mix of excitement and surprise when he heard the news. We didn’t necessarily expect to get through - we hadn’t planned that far ahead.

“We’re just pleased to be going down there. It’s a very prestigious award and we’re enjoying the buzz that it’s created.

“I wanted to say how lucky I am to work with such a fantastic team - you couldn’t do this on your own.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Judy said the feedback from customers submitted to the British Book Awards helped the shop win the regional award, and felt the links they made with nearby shops and schools helped foster a sense of community.

Judy added: “That’s been the nicest thing. We’ve made a lot of effort to become part of the community.

“To have so many people come into the shop and giving their feedback is just so lovely.”

The staff are looking forward to the ceremony, and are particularly excited to meet some big names. Authors such as JK Rowling and David Walliams are up for awards in other categories.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Grace Harrison, head of events for The Bookseller, part of the National Bookseller’s Association, congratulated Kenilworth Books on becoming national finalists.

She said: “We had a record number of entries this year and the quality of the entries was extremely high, so it’s a great achievement.”

Related topics: