MP visits bookstore to support 'Books Are My Bag'

16/09/2013

Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited The Steyning Bookshop on Saturday (14 September) to support the 'Books Are My Bag' event.

The bookshop is owned by Sara Bowers, and her shop took part in the national awareness campaign which is sponsored by The Publishers Association and The Booksellers Association, and supported by The Society of Authors.

The 'Books Are My Bag' campaign encourages more people to visit their local bookshop.  The Steyning Bookshop welcomed customers to their bookshop party with cake and refreshments.  They also gave away eye catching cotton bags with the bold orange ‘Books Are My Bag' logo on them.

Bookshops nationally are closing rapidly.  Over the last five years the number of independent bookshops nationwide has reduced from over 1,500 to just over 1,000. 

Sara Bowers has run her bookshop for 29 years, and her work in the community has been recognised more widely.  Earlier this year Sara was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Mr Herbert was shown around the store by Sara before purchasing a number of books.

Nick Herbert said: "I was delighted to visit the Steyning Bookshop to support this lovely local shop and the 'Books Are My Bag' campaign.  Despite the trend towards online book sales and reading, it is great that local book stores like Sara's continue to offer such a valuable service to local people."

ENDS

Notes

1. The Steyning Bookshop is located at 106 High Street, Steyning. Telephone 01903 812062

2. For more information about The Books Are My Bag campaign please see the website http://www.booksaremybag.com/