‘A wonderful store that will be sadly missed!’ Readers have their say on closure of Spalding’s trailblazing bookstore and cafe
News that a popular independent bookstore and restaurant was facing its final chapter proved a sad read.
Of course, many readers have fond memories of their visits to the shop on The Crescent, which they were more than happy to share.
“Another brilliant shop closing. Always enjoyed a book purchase together with a lunch and coffee, and meet up with friends,” said Patricia Wiley.
Sal Harrison couldn’t fault her experiences there, praising the business for its good run.
“Thank you to all the staff and team at Bookmark over the years,” she wrote.
“It has been such a vibrant key business for the town but very difficult to make lovely bookshops like this outside the big cities work. Be proud.”
SarahJanie Davis described Bookmark as the ‘best book and card and coffee shop ever’ while Mandy Bailey paid tribute to ‘brilliant staff, beautiful shop, fantastic coffee shop’.
“I go in every few months,” she added. “I'm going to miss buying a book and having a good read with a pot of tea and a slice of cake.”
Jo Winterbourne described the shop as an ‘amazing place’ while Katie Blair Morris said she ‘loved taking my children here when they were small, or just popping in for a coffee and a book’.
Louise Maree also praised the wide selection of books for youngsters.
“Been going in here for years and my son loved the children's section with the wooden train,” she said.
“A wonderful independent book store that will be very sadly missed.”
“I worked there for nine years, met some lovely people and created long lasting friendships. So sad to see it go,” remembered Christine Williamson.
John Bland praised the bookshop-social hub business model as being ‘ahead of it's time and is now seen around the country’.
Poppy Byron was a fan of the shop but put herself forward as an example of shifting social patterns.
“I’m an avid fan of reading and used to buy all of my books here as a kid and teen,” she said.
“I still read every day, but I must confess, I haven’t read a paper book in a long while. The café was great though.”
Rossana Hempsall agreed, stating ‘Kindle and others have destroyed book buying’.
Paul Wilson, meanwhile, pointed the finger at a cheaper way of getting your hands on a good book.
“But how many of us bought books there or did we use Amazon?” he asked,
Amy Nykyforczuk stated that she preferred to buy local: “I nearly always buy books there and they order them in if they don’t have it in stock.
“The majority of the time the books are only slightly cheaper on Amazon,especially if they are new releases. I would rather support local,independent store than a global organisation.”
Gail Isted also said ‘I always get my books from there’ while Karen Tilbrook added: “This is what happens when you order online or use big bookstores.
“And yes I use bookmark all the time. Gutted this is closing.”
Christine Depear wished the staff ‘good luck’ searching for new jobs while Tony Schorah suggested losing the store means ‘Spalding sinks a little deeper’.
Others also praised Bookmark for creating a fun shopping space.
Will Powell said: “Best shop in Spalding sadly closing.
“Maybe the bookshop opposite can expand into a massive second hand bookshop and tearoom emporium.
“So sad for Bookmark shop and staff and staff in tea room always informed and gave excellent service which was positive for repeat business.”
Paul Parkin added: “This is a massive blow to the vibrant Crescent, Vine Street and Francis Street area.
“The Crescent traders will loose a quality business. I wish everyone involved in the business the best.”
