Heswall bookshop vies for major prize

Mar 26 2008 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

Bookshop vies for major prize

A WIRRAL bookshop has been shortlisted for the prestigious Independent Bookshop of the Year award.

Lingham’s in Telegraph Road, Heswall, is up against The Bookcase in Chester le Street and Cogito Books, Hexham, for the regional award.

If successful, it will be placed on the final national shortlist, with winners revealed at the British Book Industry Awards in Brighton on May 13.

Entries are judged across a range of criteria, including stock diversity, overall shop atmosphere, web innovation, customer service and creativity in shop events.

Judges found themselves particularly impressed by Lingham’s approach to children, providing areas where they can play with toys or look at display copies of books relevant to their age group.

Lingham’s was also lauded for running a popular book club and hosting poetry evenings.

Publishing News’ managing director, Jo Henry said: “There has been much talk of a renaissance in the independent book sector and the calibre of the entries received this year certainly demonstrates a vibrant and entrepreneurial approach to this hugely important aspect of the local community.”