Inspiring a new generation of readers
Once upon a time a young woman put pen to paper and wrote down a list of her favourite childhood books. Then she set about making her dream of running her own children’s bookshop become a reality. The first chapter in the history of Octavia’s Bookshop was completed and eight years on the award-winning shop continues to turn heads (and pages!).
In the purple-painted window of Octavia’s Bookshop beautiful books are displayed amongst magical flying Moomins. Inside, the bookshop feels more like a traditional front room than a shop. With colourful cushions, old-fashioned rugs, wooden bookshelves and plenty of seating areas it evokes the nostalgic charm of bookshops of long ago.
Founder Octavia Karavla opened her Cirencester bookshop in March 2011 and since then it has won a number of industry awards including The Bookseller Best Children’s Independent Bookseller in 2013 and Best Bookshop 2017 in the Muddy Stilettos Awards (Gloucestershire). However, Octavia had aspirations of becoming a teacher and happened upon her career by chance: after completing a degree in anthropology, archaeology and art history at the University of East Anglia she went to work at Ottakar’s bookshop in Cirencester for what was meant to be one month but ended up being 15 years! She specialised in children’s books and soon realised she loved recommending and selling books to children so set about opening her own independent bookshop.
Recent figures have revealed a revival in children’s books with more children turning away from their computer screens in favour of the printed word. Publishers are reporting a rise in the sale of children’s books and a fall in e-book sales. Good news, not only for parents keen to encourage their children away from electronic media, but also for bookshops and the publishing industry in general. Reading can have a positive impact on a child’s social, emotional and intellectual well-being and research has shown that children who read for pleasure are likely to do significantly better at school than their peers.
Octavia is well aware of the importance of encouraging a lifelong love of reading in children of all ages. As well as stocking a diverse range of children’s books, she also maintains a strong link with schools and arranges a packed programme of literary events at the shop, including her book groups (which are now so popular there’s a waiting list to join). The book groups are split into different age groups and meet every two months. Youngsters read the book before they meet then discuss it with Octavia (over a drink and biscuits). They then write a review of the book and the best one is displayed in the shop. Octavia also holds a quiz about the book and the winner receives a book voucher. “It’s great for their comprehension and confidence and they read a range of authors from classics to new ones,” she said.
Other events organised by Octavia include Saturday book signings (Michael Morpurgo, Liz Pichon and Lauren St John have all visited the shop in the past), story writing competitions, storytelling sessions and children’s literary festivals.
As well as stocking books for babies, children and adults, there is also a large teens section. “We concentrate really hard on teens books,” Octavia said. “It’s really important to cater for them and to keep them reading. Teens also come to the book club and hang out here with their friends.”
The bookshop has grown over the years and much of its success can undoubtedly be put down to Octavia’s enthusiasm and passion for books, as well as her recognition of the importance of reading and fuelling children’s imaginations. “I can find a book for every child. I find out their interests first and if, for example, a child tells me he or she likes football I will find them a football book. It doesn’t matter if it’s a reference book, a vintage or a picture book, or a real life story from the war; books have a vast educational value and reading is fun, it’s pure escapism.”
This is not just a bookshop; it’s also a community hub. As we chat, customers come and go, children browse the shelves, a gentleman pops in with his newspaper for a quick chat and a grandmother finds the perfect book for her granddaughter's birthday. Nearly everyone leaves with a book in hand and perhaps an urge to revisit a favourite childhood book or dive head first into a new one.
According to Octavia, “Books are objects of beauty.” Yes they certainly are.
From 29 July to 3 August there’s even more reason to head to Octavia’s Bookshop: Book Week 2019 will include ‘joyous activities and signings from bestselling authors’. Pop in for tickets and more details.
www.octaviasbookshop.co.uk.