CREDITON Community Bookshop (CCB) has been shortlisted in a national award which recognises the work of independent bookshops.

The not-for-profit, community-owned organisation is one of five bookshops in South West England to have made the British Book Awards 2021 shortlist for the Independent Bookshop of the Year Award.

The other regional finalists are Max Minerva’s Marvellous Books and More of Bristol, Mr B’s Emporium of Reading Delights of Bath, Storysmith of Bristol and The Snug Bookshop and Cafe of Bridgwater.

Dee Lalljee, manager of Crediton Community Bookshop, said CCB were delighted to have been shortlisted in what had been an extremely challenging year.

She added: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted, alongside an amazing line up of independent bookshops. This has been one of the most challenging periods in the bookshop’s history, which our team have met with spirit and resilience.

“It’s thanks to them and to the loyal support of our customers and partners that we have made the shortlist for this prestigious accolade.

“Throughout the pandemic we have aimed to support our community, whether that was by acting as a hub for the delivery of vital supplies during lockdown one, or introducing virtual browsing for customers who were isolating or shielding.

“Additionally, we have developed well-being programmes for isolated or lonely people in the area, supported the families of schoolchildren receiving food parcels at Christmas by supplying books, and we continue to give our support to Crediton Foodbank.

“All these activities are a vital part of our work as a social enterprise, which is supported through bookshop activity.”

The Crediton Community Bookshop plan began in 2012 with two community meetings which shaped the aims of the enterprise.

With the help of the Plunkett Foundation, CCB founded an Independent Provident Society and launched a community share issue.

Funds were raised, agreements signed and tenancies arranged, and then it could open for business. Today, CCB has 300+ shareholders, a board of trustees and a small team of paid staff who are supported by volunteers.

As well as selling books, greetings cards, games and gifts, the bookshop has created a community hub and co-working space at its High Street shop. It stages creative and cultural events which are accessible to the community and has developed pioneering programmes that support literacy, well-being and access to cultural opportunities for all.

If Crediton Community Bookshop wins the regional title it would then go forward to compete for the overall prize with the other south west winners.

The national winner will be announced in the British Book Awards online event ceremony on May 13. In total 48 bookshops are competing from nine regional/country categories to be named the country’s best indie retailer for books. 

Tom Tivnan, The Bookseller’s managing editor, said: “Last year was difficult for the entire books trade but indie booksellers were perhaps at the very sharpest end of the pandemic. Yet, as we can see by 48 entries on the Independent Bookshop of the Year shortlists, indies tackled the coronavirus restrictions with vigour, creativity and innovation.”

He added: “If there is a through-line it is the nimbleness in how shops changed business models no matter if they were venerable or start-ups. The bottom line is clear: indies will continue to thrive, no matter what is thrown at them. And, either virtually or in the physical space, they are true hubs of their communities.” 

For further information, and to join the conversation please visit: www.thebookseller.com/british-book-awards www.twitter.com/thebookseller .