Why independent bookshops such as David's Books in Letchworth are so important for our communities, writes Olivia Bridgen for Nub News.

In Letchworth and North Herts we are lucky to have such a brilliant bookstore in David's Books on Eastcheap - recently named as one of the top ten best independent bookshops in the UK as reported by Nub News.

Due to the pandemic, we lost many independent bookstores, and fewer people now use the high street. Bookshops are much-needed spaces on our high streets, and we must do our bit to help bookshops be in every town. 

I started doing work experience for a local bookshop when I was 17. I was at first sceptical to start but then once entering this world I fell in love with what it offers. There is nothing better than recommending a book to someone and it sends them off on a new reading path. 

There is something magical about bookshops; perhaps it's being in a space where creativity comes to life or that soothing new book smell. A bookshop is a welcoming getaway and a feel-good escape for anyone in their community.  

Bookstores are a supportive literary community that encourages diversity and holds a wide range of stories under every genre. There are so many books to choose from. Piles of fiction and non-fiction; popular paperbacks, rare books, antiquarian, and many other categories to feast your eyes on. This means you can discover new books and authors you may not have encountered otherwise. 

In my experience, bookstores have the spirit of a strong community, and these special places have an important role in education, information-sharing, and entertainment. 

They're spaces for contemplation, relaxation, and escape. Those who work at these magical places are full of knowledge, friendly, and work hard every day to keep bookshops alive.  

Scrolling through books on a website isn't the same as walking through a bookstore and picking up whatever catches your eye. Bookstores are exactly the kind of investment that our towns should be making. 

Their contributions are invaluable—and in ways that aren't being replicated online. 

They deserve local support to keep bookshops a vital pillar in the community. 

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