UK’s first black bookshop facing closure

New Beacon Books, one of the last black bookshops, is set to close in the New Year

New Beacon Books is the UK’s first specialist black bookshop

THE UK’s first Black bookshop is facing closure after almost 55 years. 

New Beacon Books was established in 1966 by John La Rose and his partner, Sarah White, and is the only remaining independent Black publishing and bookselling entity in the UK. 

The iconic store, which is based in Finsbury Park, north London, is facing closure due to several lockdowns throughout the pandemic. 

According to a statement released today, on their website: “New Beacon Books has seen a marked decrease in footfall and consequent income. Also, overheads have increased. The growth in online shopping has had a marked impact upon income to independent bookshops generally speaking.” 

The statement added: “In order to meet its financial commitments, New Beacon Books must continue to do much more than just sell books.”

The shop has been a specialist supplier of African and Caribbean literature since 1966, with many of the titles stocked in store, not found anywhere else. 

Throughout its 55 years, New Beacon Books has been pivotal to the growth of the Black Education Movement, the Black Supplementary School Movement and current calls for the decolonisation of the curriculum in the UK.

Earlier this month, a social media post revealing the historic book shop will close in January and will remain only as an online book store, went viral. 

Over the last few weeks, many have taken to social media to call for support to ensure the store and cultural hub can survive the pandemic and be a lasting and permanent part of our high street. 

New Beacon Books said they are “hugely encouraged by the community’s response to its needs and willingness to donate funds to enable it to survive and grow.” 

The statement added: “New Beacon Books would like to thank all those who have reached out, be it to lend their support, or to propose ways and means of raising funds. Their intervention has been most timely.”

According to the public statement, the store has welcomed the idea of a Crowdfunding appeal but no further details have been announced. 

New Beacon Books have also said they are open to “the possibility of acquiring alternative premises, large enough to accommodate publishing, bookselling, writers in residence, public programmes and community events consonant with the aims and mission of New Beacon Books, and adapted appropriately to engage with current challenges facing Black Britain and the society generally.” 

The shop is currently open every Friday and Saturday between12-6pm and is offering 25% off all books instore. 

Books can also be purchased from their extensive online store: www.newbeaconbooks.com 

Comments Form

2 Comments

  1. | Chaka Artwell

    This bookstore is closing because England’s African-heritage Subjects do not READ.
    African-heritage subjects do not like reading and hardly know anything about their history; contribution, persecution or even current affairs.
    For many African-heritage people, if it is not in the Bible, they will not read it.
    U.S. comedian Mr Chris Rock accurately said “books is like kryptonite to American people of African-heritage.”
    Mr Rock, the same is true of Her Majesty’s English Subjects of African-heritage.
    Many of our delinquent youth would prefer to purchase the latest Zombie knife than read a book.

    Reply

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