New chapter — and top title — for city bookstore
A little bookshop on a busy Auckland street has been crowned Bookstore of the Year at the London Book Fair.
Unity Books took the top prize at the International Excellence Awards for “their wonderful and ‘dangerously tempting’ store.”
The High St store’s “substantial growth”, as well as its commitment to develop career booksellers and actions to become carbon zero by 2025 impressed judges.
But owner Jo McColl wasn’t there to bask in the glow of the win at the London ceremony, which was cancelled because of the worsening Covid-19 pandemic, she said in a statement.
“To be a part of something so unique as celebrating the recognition and success of an independent bookshop in this current climate of tech giants is completely overwhelming but I am delighted for the ongoing viability of bricks and mortar in the book trade and the cultivation of reading and literature.”
Auckland manager Susannah Andrew told the Herald the award was amazing news for the “sanctuary of ideas” in the busy CBD.
“The shelves are full of the most diverse, different kinds of books that you won’t see anywhere else.”
Around 29,319 books are housed in the store, which opened its doors in February 1989.
Two staff members flew to London to attend the ceremony.
About 25,000 publishers, authors and agents planned to attend the fair, but because of the coronavirus, winners were instead announced online and prizes would be posted.