A new bookshop is set to open in High Town and run for a year as a pilot project aiming to make a positive impact on the local community by encouraging a love of reading and creative writing and to promote the early uptake of reading in children.
Brown Books will open in 33@77 at 77 High Town Road on April 29 and will be run by Luton Literature CIC as a not-for-profit project initially selling second hand books, with the introduction of new books later in the year.
The premises will be used to run a number of literary events; storytelling sessions, book readings and signings, poetry events, book clubs and other children’s activities.
Funds raised from the venture will be put towards the next Book Festival planned for 2024 and activities for the community as part of the project.
Luton Literature intend to work with other local organisations focusing on literature, publishing and creative writing, including No Ordinary Bookshop; an independent bookshop based in Luton Indoor Market that specialises in inclusive representation in the books they sell. They stock a variety of fiction, non-fiction, dual-language, and multicultural books, ranging from baby books to adult fiction.
This exciting pilot project has been made possible by Luton Community Arts Trust, who are running the National Lottery Heritage Funded Accidental Archivist project from shop and who have invited Luton Literature to join then.
The Accidental Archivist project is devoted to the collection of stories, lost tapes and memories from the community, audiences and artists that made the 33 Arts Centre on Guildford Street special and unforgettable. Those wishing to contribute can do so by popping into the shop or contacting Paul Jolly at Luton Community Arts Trust.
An official Brown Books opening party is planned for Saturday 20 May 2023, with storytelling sessions for children and a chance to find out more about the project.
