One of Devon's most popular independent bookshops is using ingenious ways to reach customers and combat lonlieness.
Crediton Community Bookshop has been forced to close its doors during the second lockdown but the team were determined to stay in real contact with book lovers throughout.
Customers can book ahead for one-to-one phone and video consultations with shop workers to make sure they get just the books they need in the run up to Christmas.
And they are collecting books donations through the CCB Book Bank to give as gifts for the Crediton food bank at Christmas.
Dee Lalljee, shop manager, said: "When the second lockdown was announced we tried to work out ways we could support people with book choices and a ‘bookshop experience’ in a way that complied with the new guidelines and so we started phone and video appointments which are proving very popular.
"We know people want to talk to experienced booksellers about book choices and recommendations. This is great for customers and also great for us because it’s a hugely critical time - 30% of our trade last year happened during November and December.
Do you think bookshops are essential? Have your say in the comments section.
"We are now looking into how we can adapt our community activities to support those struggling with loneliness and social isolation, which seem to be compounded this time around."
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Dee is among a growing number calling for bookshops to be classed as essential retail and therefore able to open during lockdown.
The Booksellers Association has called on key government ministers and Lords to reconsider the lockdown guidance, arguing that bookshops provide an essential contribution to society, from the links between reading and improved mental wellbeing and as educational resources to children and adults.
Managing Director Meryl Halls argues the Christmas trading period is the most important time of year and can make or break the sustainability of a local bookshop. It states: "Their livelihoods and those of their staff are already in jeopardy from the first lockdown, and their chances of survival into 2021 would be much improved by having a solid Christmas sales period."
Its letter makes a comparison with garden centres being belatedly classified as essential during the first lockdown due to them being deemed beneficial to the nation’s health, while avoiding catastrophic losses should the sector have missed out on spring trading.
The letter also points out essential retailers, some of which also sell books, are allowed to remain open and are therefore "arguably exploiting the situation" while books shops are shut. The letter says: "This is potentially ruinous commercially and is also morally problematic."
She adds: “Bookshops are lanterns of civilisation and, for many, beacons of hope. We urge the government to consider classifying them as essential retailers.”
The appeal echoes calls from Waterstones boss James Daunt for bookshops to be classified as essential retail and comes as big supermarkets and newsagents like WH Smiths can continue to sell books.
Dee said: "Many people in our community felt like they had to buy books from Amazon during the first lockdown which is a real challenge for us as indie booksellers who pay their taxes and support their communities in so many ways. We made a website shop and moved all our stock online, and when the shop reopened we were offering sessions for vulnerable people and keyworkers to browse in private which were a runaway success.
"I completely understand the need for guidelines but the distinction around non-essential products seems quite arbitrary. Garden centres were able to continue trading during the first lockdown and many people value books and reading as much as gardening. In fact, there are statistics about the importance of both to mental health and in some European countries bookshops are classed as providing essential services."
