Community Bookshop Survey Results

We recently asked residents and supporters to share their thoughts about plans for a new community bookshop at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns. The response was fantstic, offering valuable insight, ideas, and encouragement that will help shape the project as it moves forward.

The survey explored how people connect with The Oval, their reading and book-buying habits, interest in community ownership, and ideas for what they’d like to see inside the bookshop. The feedback paints a clear picture of strong local enthusiasm for a welcoming, inclusive, and creative new space at the heart of Cliftonville.

What is your connection to Cliftonville and The Oval?

The majority of respondents (61%) live in Cliftonville, confirming a strong local base for The Oval Bookshop. Nearly half (47%) are event attendees, and 31% visit regularly, indicating that most respondents already engage with The Oval as a cultural or social destination.

A smaller but significant group (9%) work in Cliftonville, showing potential weekday footfall and interest from those employed nearby. The “Other” responses (19%) include occasional visitors, nearby residents, or supporters connected through volunteering or community networks.

Overall, the data highlights that the bookshop’s audience is deeply rooted in the Cliftonville community, with strong crossover among residents, eventgoers, and regular visitors — a promising foundation for long-term engagement and loyalty.

Have you ever been involved in a community-led project before?

Responses were almost evenly split between those who have previously participated in community-led projects (42%) and those who have not (41%), with a further 18% expressing interest in getting involved in the future. This balance indicates a strong mix of experienced community contributors and new potential volunteers. The data highlights an opportunity for The Oval Bookshop to engage and mentor newcomers, helping them participate in local initiatives and strengthen community networks.

How often do you visit bookshops?

Almost half of respondents (47%) visit bookshops monthly, and nearly a quarter (24%) do so weekly, showing a strong level of engagement with book retail environments. A smaller but notable proportion (15%) visit once or twice a year, and 13% rarely do so, while only 2% have never visited a bookshop.

This data suggests that a significant majority of respondents (around 70%) are regular bookshop visitors, demonstrating a healthy appetite for in-person browsing and purchasing. For The Oval Bookshop, this indicates a well-established reading culture among its potential audience, providing a solid base of frequent and motivated customers.

Approximately how much money do you spend on books each year?

Among those who provided an answer, over half of respondents (54.2%) spend more than £50 a year on books, showing a strong commitment to regular book purchasing. A further 18.6% spend between £20 and £50, and just over 10% spend less than £20 annually. 

These findings suggest that The Oval Bookshop will serve an audience that not only enjoys reading but also invests financially in books. The range of spending habits supports offering a diverse mix of titles and price points, from affordable second-hand options to higher-value new releases, ensuring accessibility while catering to committed readers.

Do you think a community-run bookshop would be a good addition to The Oval?

The results demonstrate strong community support for the idea of a community-run bookshop at The Oval, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of respondents expressing definite enthusiasm. A further 17% indicated conditional interest, wanting to learn more before committing, while only 9% felt it was unnecessary.

This overwhelmingly positive response suggests that the project enjoys broad backing from the local community. The small number of hesitant or opposed respondents presents an opportunity to engage further through communication and consultation, ensuring the initiative is well understood. Overall, the data indicates a clear appetite for a bookshop that blends cultural value with community ownership — reinforcing The Oval’s role as an inclusive and creative civic space.

What types of books would you be most interested in seeing?

The data shows that fiction and classic literature are by far the most popular categories, each selected by over 80% of respondents. Non-fiction genres such as history and biography also feature strongly, appealing to around 60% of participants.

These results suggest that The Oval Bookshop should prioritise a balanced stock of popular fiction, literary classics, and quality non-fiction, with a particular focus on titles that appeal to both casual readers and those seeking more substantial works. This blend would create an inclusive and engaging range that reflects both everyday reading habits and cultural enrichment.

What events or activities would make you visit the bookshop?

The results reveal a strong appetite for events that blend culture, community, and creativity. The most popular choices were author talks and book signings (72%), closely followed by book exchange and donation programmes (69.5%), highlighting an enthusiasm for both literary engagement and community participation.

Interest in local history and community talks (60%) suggests that residents are keen to see The Oval Bookshop act as a cultural space that reflects the identity of Cliftonville. Nearly half of respondents (44%) would attend therapeutic book clubs or reading groups, showing a clear opportunity to link the bookshop with wellbeing and social connection. Creative writing workshops (40%) also scored highly, demonstrating strong local interest in self-expression and learning opportunities.

Overall, these responses emphasise that The Oval Bookshop can thrive as more than a retail outlet — it can become a dynamic community hub that hosts a varied programme of literary, creative, and wellbeing activities appealing to a broad audience.

Would you prefer the bookshop to stock new books, second-hand books, or a mix of both?

The results show a clear community preference for a mixed stock model, with 68.6% of respondents wanting both new and second-hand books. This suggests that customers value both affordability and choice, supporting an inclusive approach that appeals to a broad audience.

A further 22.9% of respondents prefer mostly second-hand books, reinforcing demand for sustainable and low-cost options — a model consistent with the community and environmental ethos of The Oval. Only a very small proportion (0.8%) favoured mostly new titles, and 7.6% were unsure, indicating that the majority of the community sees benefit in balancing quality new releases with accessible pre-loved books.

These findings suggest that The Oval Bookshop will best serve its audience by combining sustainability with variety, offering a welcoming space where high-quality second-hand titles sit alongside a carefully curated selection of new books. This mix would ensure affordability while maintaining freshness and interest for returning visitors.

Would you consider investing in the bookshop by purchasing community shares?

The majority of respondents (60.2%) expressed conditional interest in investing through community shares, indicating that they would like to know more before committing. This suggests strong potential for investment engagement once further information about structure, benefits, and returns is shared.

A smaller proportion (8.5%) already feel confident enough to say they would definitely invest, demonstrating a solid base of early supporters. Meanwhile, 31.4% said they would not be interested, which is a relatively modest share of total respondents.

Overall, the data points to a promising level of interest in community ownership, with more than two-thirds of participants open to learning more or likely to invest. These findings indicate that clear communication and transparency around the share offer — including how funds will be used and the social value generated — will be key to converting interest into actual investment.

If you were interested in investing, what amount would you consider?

The data shows that most respondents are open to small-scale community investment, with 42.4% indicating they would consider contributing between £10 and £50. A further 16.1% would be willing to invest between £50 and £100, and 10.2% would consider larger amounts of £100–£500. Only 0.8% suggested they might invest over £500.

Around 30.5% said they were not interested in investing, but this still leaves nearly 70% of respondents expressing at least some willingness to support the project financially.

Overall, the results point to a strong potential for raising capital through many small individual contributions, rather than a small number of large investors. This aligns well with the community-led ethos of The Oval Bookshop, where widespread participation and shared ownership are more important than high-value investment. These findings suggest that setting an accessible minimum investment level (e.g. £50) could maximise engagement while ensuring the fundraising target is achievable.

A Community Benefit Society (CBS) requires Founder Members to help set it up. Would you be interested in getting involved in this way?

The responses reveal a strong willingness to engage with the project, even if not all respondents wish to take on the formal responsibilities of a Founder Member. Nearly half (48.3%) said they would prefer to support in other ways, suggesting a large pool of potential volunteers, advocates, and community backers who could assist through fundraising, promotion, or participation in events.

A further 46.6% expressed conditional interest, indicating they may consider becoming Founder Members if provided with more details about what the role entails. This shows significant potential to recruit committed individuals through clear communication about responsibilities, time commitments, and the benefits of involvement.

While only 5.1% confirmed they would definitely like to help set up the CBS, the combined 95% expressing either active or potential support demonstrates a high level of community engagement and enthusiasm for the project. This result suggests that the foundation of the CBS can be built with confidence, supported by strong local goodwill and a clear appetite for involvement once more structured information becomes available.

If you’re interested in being involved, what skills or experience could you bring?

The data demonstrates a strong pool of relevant community experience that could directly support the establishment and running of The Oval Bookshop. Over half of respondents (50.8%) have experience in volunteering or community engagement, highlighting a high level of social awareness and a willingness to contribute time and energy to local initiatives.

A significant number (33.9%) selected ‘Other’, which includes a range of transferable skills such as administration, education, finance, or creative arts — valuable assets for a community-led project. Event organising (27.1%) and retail or bookshop experience (22.9%) are also well represented, providing practical expertise relevant to operations, programming, and customer service. A further 15.3% bring marketing or social media skills, which will be vital for promoting events, attracting visitors, and driving community engagement.

Overall, these findings indicate that The Oval Bookshop can draw on a diverse and capable network of local people with the enthusiasm and skills needed to make the project a success. The mix of community, retail, and promotional experience presents a strong foundation for forming volunteer teams, planning events, and establishing a sustainable operational model.

Would you be open to volunteering at the bookshop once it’s up and running?

The responses reveal a strong potential volunteer base for The Oval Bookshop, with over 70% of respondents expressing at least some interest in contributing their time. More than half (56.8%) said they would possibly volunteer depending on their availability, while 15.3% confirmed that they would love to volunteer.

Only 28% stated they would not be available, which is a relatively low figure and suggests broad goodwill and interest in supporting the project. The high proportion of conditional volunteers highlights the importance of flexible scheduling and varied opportunities — such as short shifts, event-based volunteering, or remote support — to make participation easier for a wide range of people.

Overall, the results indicate a strong community willingness to help, suggesting that The Oval Bookshop will be well positioned to develop a sustainable volunteer programme. By engaging this interest early through clear communication and volunteer coordination, the project can establish a reliable team that strengthens its community-led identity and long-term viability.

Do you have any suggestions or ideas for the community bookshop?

From reviewing all written comments, several strong recurring themes emerged:

1. Support for Local Authors and Creatives: Many respondents suggested featuring books by local writers, poets, and artists, and even hosting book launches and readings to celebrate local talent. This theme was one of the most consistent across responses.
2. Community and Accessibility: There was a strong emphasis on making the bookshop a welcoming, inclusive community space, not just a retail outlet. Suggestions included reading corners, community noticeboards, and comfortable seating to encourage people to linger and connect.
3. Events and Activities: Respondents frequently mentioned a desire for book clubs, talks, creative writing workshops, and storytelling events — particularly those tied to wellbeing, education, or local heritage.
4. Children and Families: Several respondents recommended a children’s section with story time sessions and affordable books to encourage young readers.
5. Sustainability and Second-Hand Focus: Some comments highlighted the importance of keeping the shop affordable and eco-friendly, through second-hand book sales, recycling schemes, or donation exchanges.
6. Café and Social Space Integration: A number of people suggested combining the bookshop with a café or refreshment area, reflecting a desire for an informal, social atmosphere that blends reading with relaxation.

The open-ended responses reveal strong community enthusiasm for the bookshop as a social, cultural, and creative hub. While books remain central, respondents clearly envision the space as much more than a retail outlet — they see it as a place to connect, learn, and participate.

Recurring references to local authors, community involvement, events, and affordable second-hand books show that residents value inclusivity and sustainability as defining characteristics of the project.

This feedback provides a clear foundation for shaping the bookshop’s identity: a community-driven, multi-purpose venue that combines the joy of reading with social engagement, creativity, and local pride.

Turning Your Feedback into Action

• Keep it local. Prioritise Cliftonville residents, visitors, and creatives as the core audience — the people most connected to The Oval are the ones most excited to support the bookshop.

• Celebrate reading culture. Build on the community’s existing love of books with regular author events, themed displays, and reading promotions that keep the experience fresh and engaging.

• Stock smart. Offer a balanced mix of new and second-hand books to make reading affordable and sustainable, while appealing to a wide range of interests and budgets.

• Champion local voices. Dedicate space to local authors, poets, and artists — from book launches and signings to exhibitions that reflect Cliftonville’s creative character.

• Create a warm, social space. Make the bookshop inviting and accessible — a place to relax, chat, and discover. Consider adding a café-style element or comfortable seating to encourage people to stay longer.

• Host community events. Run a varied programme including book clubs, creative writing workshops, children’s storytime sessions, and wellbeing-related events to strengthen community ties.

• Keep prices inclusive. Ensure a wide range of price points so everyone can take part — from bargain second-hand finds to new titles and special local releases.

• Encourage sustainability. Introduce a book donation or exchange scheme and focus on reusing, recycling, and low-impact retail practices.

• Engage volunteers. Develop a clear volunteer programme offering flexible roles — from front-of-house help to event coordination and stock curation — to harness the 70% of respondents who said they’d get involved.

• Grow community ownership. Continue working towards establishing the Community Benefit Society (CBS) and communicate clearly how local people can invest, join, and help shape the project.

• Build confidence through transparency. Share updates on funding, design progress, and ownership opportunities to maintain the trust and enthusiasm reflected in the survey.

• Design for comfort and inclusion. Prioritise accessibility, warmth, and visual appeal — a space that reflects The Oval’s welcoming atmosphere and the community’s creative energy.

• Start small, grow naturally. Launch with a simple, flexible setup and expand programming and stock as demand grows, allowing the community to guide the bookshop’s evolution.

Next Steps

The insights gathered through this survey will directly shape how the project develops. GRASS Cliftonville CIC will now use the results to:

• Finalise the business plan and setup the bookshop
• Explore funding and partnership opportunities
• Continue engaging volunteers and supporters through the Friends of The Oval Bookshop group
• Explore setting up the CBS and make the bookshop 100% community owned and run.

The Oval Bookshop is set to become a welcoming, inclusive, and community-owned space that encourages reading, learning, and togetherness — a new chapter in The Oval’s ongoing story.

And Finally….

We had nearly 60 suggestions and we’ve read every single one. Many of your ideas will shape how The Oval Bookshop develops, from the kinds of books we stock to the events we host and the way we design the space.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and creativity. Here are 10 of the best quotes that reflect the overall consensus and spirit of your feedback:

Maybe reading workshops for adults who struggle to read. There’s a lot of focus on getting kids to read, but some parents need that support too. Let’s destigmatise poor reading and help people enjoy books again!

A mix of new and second-hand books would be great — and let people know they can order titles in too. I’ve seen a similar setup work really well elsewhere, especially when it included small literary-themed art displays.

A ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme where someone donates their favourite book to someone who can’t afford one — a small act of kindness that keeps books circulating and builds community spirit.

Having local ‘Writers in Residence’ every six months could be amazing — invite them to write something inspired by Cliftonville and share it with the community.

Open air talks, author events, and themed book sales in the summer — something social that gets people chatting about books and ideas.

Really important that it’s accessible for everyone — that local, less privileged residents feel welcome and can use it.

Donation station for people to drop off books they’ve loved, and display community reviews or snippets about why those books meant something to them.

Having themed weeks or months to curate collections and events around — it keeps things fresh and gives people new reasons to visit.

A small café corner or tea cart would make it a place to linger — a warm, welcoming spot to read, relax, and chat with neighbours.

This sounds like a fantastic venture — a space that celebrates reading for all ages and communities, with books in different languages and formats to make it truly inclusive.