Bard Books: A Beacon of Community Connection in East London

Vicki Shenkin Kerr, the owner of Bard Books in Bow, East London, has created a vibrant, independent bookshop that serves as a gathering place for locals. Opened just last year, Bard Books has quickly become a hub of social activity, hosting events like stand-up comedy and book clubs. Despite a slight decrease in the number of independent bookstores in the UK, Bard Books stands out among at least six new openings in the past year. Shenkin Kerr, with her extensive background in hospitality, aims to cultivate community connections, asserting that the shop fosters inclusivity and brings people together.

Statistics from the Booksellers Association indicate a minor decline in independent bookshops, revealing a drop from 1,063 to 1,052 stores in 2024. Nevertheless, bookshops like Bard continue to thrive, contributing positively to local economies by creating jobs and offering cultural enrichment. Meryl Halls, managing director of the Booksellers Association, praises the role of bookshops in enhancing community life, emphasizing their function as places for social interaction and literacy support.

Bard Books, which operates as both a bookstore and a café/wine bar, embodies the concept of a ‘third space’—a welcoming environment separate from home or work where community members can interact. Shenkin Kerr expresses her joy at the shop’s success, noting how it has become a cornerstone of local interaction, reinforcing social ties and cultural engagement in the area.