Brown Books celebrates first birthday!
Brown Books celebrated its FIRST BIRTHDAY on Saturday, with cake and children’s activities in the shop, and lots of lovely visitors throughout the day.
The celebrations took place to mark one year of being open, and one year of delivering a range of author talks, children’s storytelling and writing events and activities.
Brown Books initially opened as a pilot project, delivered by Luton Literature CIC inside the existing shop – 33@77 – which is part of Luton Community Arts Trust (LCAT). The aim was to demonstrate the positive impact a community bookshop could have in High Town, whilst LCAT’s Archiving Project – The Accidental Archivist – takes place.
From 1 July 2024, Brown Books will take over completely when Luton Literature CIC take over the lease. Director Mariana Brown was awarded the EVOLVE grant in 2023 specifically for this purpose.
Over the year, Brown Books has put on (or hosted)
- 10 Author events – both national and local
- 9 Poetry readings – Strange Bedsfellows is now a regular activity
- 9 Children’s Storytelling sessions
- 6 Children’s arts and craft activity sessions – including lantern making for Christmas in High Town
- 4 Creating writing and reading activities by our partners
- 12 Privately booked events – including Dungeons & Dragons gaming sessions
The shop benefits from the regular support of 15 local volunteers, provides work experience opportunities for students and has received thousands of book donations over the last year.
Brown Books is also supporting one student to complete his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, having successfully completed the Bronze in 2023.
In March, we were successful in our bid for the Luton Citizens Fund, enabling us to employ two Project and Volunteer Coordinators.
Luton Literature CIC is also funded by Arts Council England, National Lottery Communities Fund, Luton Rising through Bedfordshire and Luton Communities Foundation, and the Peoples Postcode Trust.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please email Brown Books.
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