This week is Independent Booksellers Week - whilst is seems almost every day is an awareness day for something or other, a few of these events really do deserve to be celebrated.

To mark the week Simon Key, from Wood Green's Big Green Bookshop, has written an lovely article on the BookTrust Website where he questions the description "independent".

Simon writes:

As a shop, we are here to serve our community. It's up to us to listen to what they have to say and to do all we can to provide them with what they want. Actually, I think I prefer being known as a community bookshop, rather than an independent, because I don't think we are independent. We're dependent on our community. Without them, we wouldn't survive. Our community is our Head Office. It indirectly (and sometimes directly) dictates what we do. And nobody wants to let Head Office down, do they? (link to full article)

A fine sentiment - and one that is borne out by the relentless work of BG Bookshop running author talks, toddler sing-alongs, craft markets, quizzes, knitting clubs, the occasional Medieval banquet and Comedy nights ... oh and they also sell books!

Why not celebrate Independent Booksellers week by popping in this weekend.

As austerity bites all round, local businesses that take serious account of their community and respond accordingly are both more likely to thrive - and are becoming irreplaceable. In a time of public sector cuts independent community minded business is increasingly delivering activities previously provided through the Library or other "state services"; I think we should support them.