Read Local
Uncovering the beauty and importance of supporting your local bookshops and libraries, written by Hollie Garraway and illustrated by Izzy Weds.
Dorset has long been associated with rich literary history from novelists such as Jane Austen to Enid Blyton and Thomas Hardy.
Our coastlines, villages and forests have always been a source of inspiration for writers and poets to tap into their creativity and foster a deeper connection to nature, the self and community within these lush landscapes.
Present day, publishing houses are reporting some of their biggest sales for fiction ever in the U.K, indicating a clear desire to return to slow living, mindfulness and the preference to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.
Perhaps in this new lunar year of the rabbit, we can reflect on how we wish to proceed moving forward into the world and through the spring and summer months with a gentler, considered, softer pace, making more time for ourselves, our hobbies, art and self-care practices.
These trends are suggesting a general collective consciousness rise in appreciating simple joys amidst challenging times. Words and stories truly matter and can add so much meaning, peace and pleasure within our lives. It’s so encouraging and heart-warming to see a traditional return to books has been positively impacting and nourishing us during this era.
The popularity of ‘Booktok’ also indicates for the first time, Gen Z are finding their own ways to relate alongside the written word, which is shifting and changing the medium with fresh, dynamic approaches. Now more than ever, everybody equally can find themselves seen and represented in the publishing world, that generates new opportunities, sales and enthusiasm for the lost art of reading.
With so many options available now for us to engage and explore with texts, we might like to consider how we can absorb the beauty of them in the most sustainable way possible. How we choose to consume books could significantly impact our local towns for the better if we intentionally approach things with heart centred and green ethical awareness. When we actively make choices to recirculate income into local economies everybody wins.
There are so many fantastic opportunities to purchase books, from small independent nearby booksellers championing local authors, and equally county wide places to borrow and recycle, keeping cost, carbon footprint and individuality in mind.
Spending locally offers a far more substantial, bespoke, shopping experience. From perusing an array of beautifully crafted covers to helping save on shipping, packaging and supply fees. Local retailers are more likely to donate to charity and by investing in our neighbours and peers we get to see the direct benefits of that reflected in a supportive, vibrant and unique environment all around us.
