New indie book shop launching in Sleaford

Shannon Hanson will launch Chapter and Page in Bristol Arcade on Saturday (August 1) with two local guest author appearances.

An avid book reader since childhood, Shannon said she began with an online book shop and doing ‘pop-ups at craft fairs.

Earlier this year she started two monthly book clubs, held at The Bairns play cafe in town and at The New Chapel tearoom in Greylees, which regularly sees about 20 people attending.

Still working part-time as a nurse, Shannon said she wanted a change of direction to do something with her love of books.

She has taken a former jewellery, crafts and gift shop in Bristol Arcade and said: “The nearest independent shop selling new books is in Grantham and I wanted to bring something to Sleaford that I feel is missing.

"I want to generate a community feel for people to enjoy and to talk about books.

"I have met so many new people and made new friends as a result.”

It has taken Shannon three months prepare everything since taking on the lease. “We have renovated the entire interior and thrifted a lot of furniture.” she said.

This includes repurposing some of the old display shelving to become reading booths for customers to come in sit, study, write and use the wifi.

"I will offer a range of genres and we can order in books,” she said. “I want to build this for Sleaford readers and stock what they want, to provide what supermarkets can’t.

“My favourite books are dark romance and romantasy but I read most genres and I do love a special edition with a sprayed edge to the pages.”

She admits stocking the shop has extended her personal reading list considerably, while resisting the urge not to take everything home! While confessing to owning an E-reader, she describes books as “trophies” – “I love the smell of books and want to keep them if I enjoy them. You can’t get an author to sign an E-book!”

Shannon adds: "I can give personal recommendations and provide a ‘safe space’ where you can socialise with like-minded people. My nine-year-old daughter Erin is an avid reader too and we love to sit and chat about books.”

There will be a specific shelf for independent authors with a sign-up form on her website where writers can pitch their books to be stocked.

The grand opening will see two local authors make an appearance – established thriller writer Laura Lyndhurst and debut author Grace McDowell, who writes young adult books.

There will be a family day on the Sunday and the shop will be open Thursday to Sunday going forward.

She plans to get young adults in showing their art, there are other small locally-produced book-related gifts, as well as more author events in October when Isla Lockwood will be releasing her new fantasy novel and the latest in the popular Fourth Wing series will also have a launch event.