BBC Radio London
BBCA bookshop in south-east London which was crowned Children’s Bookseller of the Year two years in a row has started a fundraiser to help with its financial struggles.
Moon Lane Books in Catford says the rising cost-of-living as well as shrinking school budgets – which it works with for collaborations – were impacting its revenue.
So far, more than £11,000 of its £40,000 target has been raised. It will use the money to help to cover business costs and organise free community events.
According to the Booksellers Association, the number of bookshops in the UK fell from 1,063 to 1,052 in 2024 in the UK, In London, seven independent stores closed last year however ten new ones were set up.
The store, which opened in 2018, runs workshops, storytelling sessions and school outreach projects.
Its owners say the store specialises in “promoting equity and inclusion” within children’s literature, and aims to ensure “every child has access to books that enable them to feel seen, reflected, respected and valued.”
The majority of the £40,000 target is required to cover rent, business rates and other overheads, according to the store’s website.
The rest will go towards running free in-store events and a monthly book club.
One of their key goals is to fundraise to pay authors to run workshops and events.
“This particular goal is all the more important for us, because people are often pushed out of the creative industries when they are not adequately paid for their work and time,” they said.
The shop says it supports authors from all backgrounds, and aims to represent different cultures, disabilities, socio-economic situations and family dynamics in the books on sale.
It was awarded Children’s Bookseller of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and British Bookseller of the Year in 2021, by the British Book Awards.
Store manager Jasmine Dellimore said: “It’s great to see how happy these kids are to see themselves reflected in the books we stock.
“The aim is to continue holding events so that kids can come in, read stories, have stories be told to them, and be inspired to tell their own stories and share their own experiences.”
‘A little oasis’
Lauren Webb, who frequently visits the shop with her two daughters, said it would be “such a shame” if it were to close.
“We come in here a lot and it’s like a little oasis in here. It’s a really important part of the local community.”
Ruby Tipper, one of the children who is a regular customer at the shop, said she found it “very welcoming and inviting with all its colours and books laid out”.
