Community Bookshop
A New Chapter for Cliftonville: A Community Bookshop at The Oval
At GRASS Cliftonville CIC, we’re always looking for ways to make The Oval Bandstand & Lawns a thriving cultural space for the community. Now, we’re exploring something special, a community-run bookshop, and we need your help to make it happen!
Why a Community Bookshop?
Imagine a bookshop owned and shaped by the community, a place where books bring people together, where local authors are celebrated, and where cultural events inspire creativity. This isn’t just about selling books; it’s about creating a space for literature, learning, and connection.
Our vision is to establish a Community Benefit Society (CBS) to run the bookshop, ensuring it stays community-owned and not-for-profit.
What Will the Community Bookshop Offer?
- A curated selection of new and second-hand books for all ages
- Therapeutic reading initiatives, supporting wellbeing through book clubs and workshops
- A platform for local authors and independent publishers, featuring book launches and writing events
- Creative workshops and classes, from poetry to storytelling
- Children’s story hours and literacy activities, encouraging young readers
- A community hub, providing information on local events and initiatives
- Book exchange and donation programmes, making literature accessible to all
How Can You Get Involved?
To bring this idea to life, we need three things:
- Founder Members: A Community Benefit Society (CBS) needs at least three Founder Members, individuals or organisations who are passionate about books, culture, and community and want to help develop the bookshop idea.
- Community Investment: We’re exploring a Community Share Offer, allowing local people to invest in the bookshop and become co-owners. Shares will be affordable, ensuring funds are reinvested into the bookshop’s future. To match the money raised, we’ll be applying to the Community Shares Booster Fund, which could double community investment!
- Community Interest & Feedback: We want to hear from you! Would you support a community-run bookshop in Cliftonville? What kind of books, events, and services would you like to see?
How the Bookshop Will Operate?
- Rent-Free Retail Space: The bookshop will be housed in a shipping container unit within The Oval amphitheatre, provided rent-free by GRASS Cliftonville CIC until it’s self-sufficient (a minimum of 2 years rent-free).
- Full-Repairing Licence: The CBS will maintain the space under a licence agreement.
- Opening Hours: Aligned with The Oval Pavilion’s hours, with seasonal variations.
- Event Flexibility: Some events may affect access, but we’ll design independent access if possible.
What are the Next Steps?
- Step 1: Fill in Our Survey – Tell us if you’d like to invest or get involved, it’ll only take a few minutes!
- Step 2: Express Interest as a Founder Member – Help us shape the project.
- Step 3: Share This Blog! – Spread the word and help us make this happen!
How Can You Find Out More?
- What is a Community Benefit Society?
- What is the Community Shares Booster Fund?
- Want to get involved or you’ve got some questions? Drop us a message!
Together, let’s turn a new page for Cliftonville and create a community bookshop that belongs to all of us!