A family-owned independent bookshop operating since 1994 and described by one author as ‘magical’ – Westbourne Bookshop is Trader of the Week.
Westbourne Bookshop is a vibrant shop with an extensive collection of books as well as puzzles, children’s toys, crafts, stationery and gifts and anything not on the shelves can usually be found and ordered by staff.
The Poole Road shop is owned by Dorset resident Paul Angel and his family and is run with the help of manager Anara Peach and bookseller Sian Hancock.
Anara and Sian hope to keep the Westbourne community connected through reading. Anara said, “We’re very community oriented and we have a lot of really nice regular customers who make this place absolutely a flair.”
Sian added: “We would be nothing without our customer base. They come in and they are so friendly and so passionate and energetic.
“They make it special.”
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As well as keeping Westbourne residents connected, the bookshop continues to support and encourage the work of Dorset authors.
Sian said, “We have good relationships with many local writers. We are like a common force for each other.
“A local author described it as a ‘magical cave that invites you in’.”
Famous Faces have also appeared in Westbourne Bookshop; Last October, world-renowned naturalist and conservationist Dame Jane Goodall visited the museum to autograph copies of her new book.
After the book signing, Anara said, “It was a privilege for Jane Goodall to visit our bookstore and experience its gentle, graceful and tranquil atmosphere.”
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Westbourne Bookshop also has a monthly newsletter and blog with regular book reviews.
Now Anara and Sian are looking for other bookworms to contribute to the blog. Sian said, “We have books that are still in the proofreading phase. Copies are given to us so we can promote them when they come out.
“We have a few that we’d like to give out for free in exchange for a review.”
To find out how you can get involved email [email protected] or visit Westbourne Bookshop at 65 Poole Rd, Westbourne, Bournemouth BH4 9BA.
