New bookshop opening in High Town
Luton Literature CIC (LLCIC) and Luton Community Arts Trust (LCAT) are delighted to announce the opening of a pilot project bookshop in High Town at the end of April 2023.
Brown Books, run by LLCIC, will open in 33@77, 77 High Town Road on Saturday 29 April.
An official opening party is planned for Saturday 20 May 2023, with storytelling sessions for children and a chance to find out more about the project.
Initially, Brown Books will sell second hand books, with the introduction of new books later in the year. The premises will be used to run a number of literary events; storytelling sessions, book readings and signings, poetry events, book clubs and other children’s activities. The intention is to use the space to encourage a love of reading and creative writing at any age, and to promote the early uptake of reading in children.
LLCIC intend to work with other local organisations focusing on literature, publishing and creative writing, including No Ordinary Bookshop; an independent bookshop based in Luton Indoor Market that specialises in inclusive representation in the books they sell. They stock a variety of fiction, non-fiction, dual-language, and multicultural books, ranging from baby books to adult fiction.
This exciting pilot project has been made possible by LCAT, who are running the National Lottery Heritage Funded Accidental Archivist project from shop and who have invited LLCIC to join then.
The Accidental Archivist project is devoted to the collection of stories, lost tapes and memories from the community, audiences and artists that made LCATs famous 33 Arts Centre special and unforgettable. Those wishing to contribute can do so by popping into the shop or contacting Paul Jolly at LCAT.
Brown Books will run for one year, during which time Luton Literature hopes to demonstrate the value and need for a bookshop in the area, and the positive impact it can make on the local community.
This is a not-for-profit project. Funds raised from the venture will be put towards the next Book Festival planned for 2024, activities for the community as part of the project, and the wider remit of Luton Literature CIC.
ENDS