A Chat with Lucy from Bookends: Independent Bookshop Owners Share Their Story

As I walked into the cozy Bookends shop in Carlisle, I was immediately struck by the warm atmosphere and the sheer number of books that seemed to stretch on forever. It's no surprise that this family-run business has been a staple in the community for over 30 years. Lucy, one of the owners, kindly agreed to chat with me about what makes Bookends so special.

With a background in social work, Lucy left her career to join the family business and take on a new challenge. 'I thought I'd be working fewer hours,' she laughs. 'But running an independent bookshop is a 24/7 job!' Despite the long hours, Lucy loves being part of the community and watching customers discover new authors and genres.

One thing that sets Bookends apart is its commitment to customer loyalty. Many regulars stop by every day, and some even have their own special traditions – like Samuel, who has attended every single storytime event since he was a little boy. 'It's wonderful to see children develop a love for reading,' Lucy says.

The shop itself is a treasure trove of new and second-hand books, with a cozy café serving up delicious coffee and cake. But did you know that Bookends also has a secret back room filled with even more hidden gems? 'We wish more customers would explore this room,' Lucy says wistfully. 'It's like a little surprise waiting to be discovered.'

Of course, running an independent bookshop comes with its own set of challenges. Lucy notes that the competition can be fierce, and managing staff and inventory is a constant balancing act. But she's passionate about creating a welcoming space for readers of all ages.

Speaking of which, Lucy has big plans for the children's section – including a reading den that would be perfect for cozying up with a good book. If Bookends had infinite space, Lucy would love to add even more sections dedicated to different genres and topics.

As our chat came to a close, I couldn't help but notice the quirky horse bookends adorning the shelves. 'My family's been selling books for 25 years now,' Lucy says with a smile. 'We've recently moved into this new building, which has given us more space to play with.' And judging by the warm atmosphere and sense of community that pervades Bookends, it looks like they're off to a galloping start.

So if you find yourself in Carlisle or Keswick, be sure to stop by Bookends and say hello. With its vast selection of books, cozy café, and friendly staff, this independent bookshop is a must-visit for any book lover.

Horse bookends