The Booksellers Association today announces two major new elements of Independent Bookshop Week 2026, as it gears up to celebrates the campaign’s 20th anniversary (between Saturday, June 13 and Saturday, June 20) in the UK and Ireland.
Poet and author Matt Goodfellow will write this year’s official campaign poem and 20 Bookshop Champions – selected through an open submission process – will represent the independent bookselling sector’s renown innovation, community impact and commitment to reading for pleasure throughout Independent Bookshop Week 2026.
Founded in 2006, and running with Hachette UK as its headline sponsor, Independent Bookshop Week is a flagship moment in the Books Are My Bag calendar of consumer campaigns – bringing together booksellers, writers, artists, publishers and readers across the UK and Ireland to champion the vital role independent bookshops play in bringing communities together locally, supporting the creative industries nationally and inspiring reading for pleasure for everyone.
Following a record-breaking 2025 campaign, which saw 750 bookshops take part alongside a wide programme of events and national media coverage, the 2026 campaign builds on that momentum as it marks its 20th year, with ambassadors Kit de Waal, Katriona O’Sullivan and Katie Clapham already confirmed to bring their own unique and knowledgeable perspectives on the importance of independent bookshops.
Independent Bookshop Week 2026 takes place within the wider National Year of Reading, reinforcing the campaigns shared ambition and vision to expand access to books and encourage reading for pleasure.
Matt Goodfellow, who’ll be publishing his most recent children’s novel ‘Six Weeks’ (Starboard) in June, will write the official campaign poem for Independent Bookshop Week 2026. The official video reading of the poem will be filmed at the award-winning independent bookshop Simply Books in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
A passionate advocate for reading for pleasure, Matt is widely recognised for championing verse as a powerful and accessible form for nontraditional readers, including those who may feel disengaged from books. Through his extensive work in schools, libraries and youth groups, he has inspired countless children and young people to see themselves as readers and writers.
Matt Goodfellow said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be the official Independent Bookshop Week poet. Independent bookshops play such a vital role in bringing local communities together.
“They also provide important support and encouragement to new and established authors and illustrators and personally I have so many to thank, especially Simply Books who’ve been so supportive of my school events over the years – I can’t wait to see the new shop.
“Like I say in the poem, a bookshop allows so many people a quiet space where they can ‘hold the universe in their hands’ and we need to champion that magic, always.”
To mark the 20th anniversary year, the Booksellers Association has selected 20 Bookshop Champions from an open submission across its membership, recognising independent bookshops that Encourage Reading for Pleasure, Bring People Together Around Books, Connect Online Audiences with In-Shop Experiences and Forge Local Partnerships to Benefit Their Communities.
Green Pastures (Dereham) reading nurtures confidence through its “gentle and comfortable” monthly book club and a free Audio Corner that removes barriers to access. Teasel & Skylark (Dorchester) creates a calm, neurodivergent-friendly space and flexible ordering system that helps reconnect reluctant readers. The Portobello Bookshop (Edinburgh) inspires children with its themed Summer Book Club, rewarding reading with badges and free books. Chapters (Dublin) encourages exploration through affordable second-hand books and its Purple Sticker trade-back scheme. Ink & Ember (Stamford) sparks curiosity with “blind date with a book” bundles and reading passports for young readers.
Of Books and Love (Islington) hosts inventive events like themed romance pop-ups and line-dancing nights that turn reading into a shared celebration. Daydreams Bookshop (Milngavie) connects readers through its Bonnie Wee Book Club and Noir at the Bar performances in a lively pub setting. Kenilworth Books (Kenilworth) brings people together with Supper Club evenings blending food, conversation, and author events. Tipsy Books (Bideford) builds community through fantasy book clubs, silent reading sessions, and spoken word open mics. Seven Stories Bookshop (Newcastle) unites families through immersive exhibitions and live storytelling performances.
The Castle Bookshop (Castlebar) uses TikTok and Instagram to turn online discovery into visits, supported by in-store book clubs and events. The Book Centre (Waterford) links digital engagement with initiatives like curated subscriptions and its “Book Professor” children’s experience. The Secret Bookshelf (Carrickfergus) draws audiences in with social content such as “What’s in the Box” videos tied to events and festivals. FOLDE (Shaftesbury) connects Instagram Live audiences with in-person talks and its nature-focused book club. The Hellenic Bookservice (Kentish Town) reaches global readers through online orders and specialist expertise in rare and classical texts.
Travellers’ Tales (Marylebone) partners with BookTrust and institutions to create curated reading lists linked to travel and education. Book Space (Cardiff) collaborates with cafés and local creatives to host poetry nights and literary events. FORUM Books (Corbridge) works with schools and festivals, distributing thousands of World Book Day books. Book Vault (Barnsley) supports its community through school partnerships and book donations to foodbanks. Truman Books (Farsley) builds local connections through initiatives like The Farsley Big Read and collaborations with literacy charities.
Emma Bradshaw, Head of Marketing and Communications, Booksellers Association said: “We’re delighted that Matt Goodfellow will create this year’s official campaign poem, bringing his passion for accessible and engaging storytelling to one of Independent Bookshop Weeks most recognisable and beloved moments.
“We’re also pleased to introduce our 20 Bookshop Champions, selected through an open submission process across our membership.
“The standard of entries was incredibly high, making the selection a difficult one, and these bookshops reflect the breadth and depth of independent bookshops today, representing the shared values that underpin the sector.
“As we mark this milestone year, Independent Bookshop Week remains a powerful opportunity to celebrate how independent bookshops bring people together, support creativity, and make reading accessible and enjoyable for all.”
