We’re delighted to announce The Book Lounge in Kirkby Lonsdale as the winner of Bookshop of the Year at the My Local Awards 2026 Cumbria.
Independent bookshops hold a special place in communities, but The Book Lounge has gone even further, creating not just a place to buy books, but a welcoming sanctuary where stories, creativity and connection come together. This award recognises a journey built on resilience, listening to customers, and evolving into something truly unique.
From redundancy to reinvention
The story behind The Book Lounge is one of determination and adaptability. Founded in September 2018 after its owner was made redundant from a role as a High School Chartered Librarian, the shop began life as a second-hand bookshop.
At the time, competing with larger retailers felt like a challenge. But something interesting happened. The community spoke. Customers wanted new books as well as pre-loved ones, and instead of resisting that demand, the business embraced it.
That willingness to listen and adapt became a defining feature of The Book Lounge. What started as a cautious first step quickly evolved into a thriving independent bookshop shaped directly by the people it serves.
More than a bookshop
Step inside The Book Lounge today and it’s clear this isn’t your typical retail space. It’s a place designed to be experienced.
With comfortable sofas across each floor, a jigsaw always on the go, and thoughtful details like a counter made entirely of books and a quirky book clock, the shop invites customers to slow down and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place where a quick visit easily turns into time spent browsing, chatting or simply relaxing.
That sense of atmosphere has been carefully built over time. In November 2021, the business expanded by opening The Jigsaw Lounge, and by September 2023, both shops were brought together under one roof in a new location. The move itself was no small feat. Two full shops were relocated trolley by trolley down the street, with the entire transition completed in just nine days.
Most recently, in April 2026, the shop introduced a brand-new art supplies department, once again shaped by customer demand. It’s a natural extension of the shop’s ethos, celebrating creativity in all its forms, whether through reading, puzzles or art.
Built with the community, for the community
At the heart of The Book Lounge’s success is its deep connection to Kirkby Lonsdale and its people.
This is a business that genuinely listens. From stocking decisions to new departments, the community plays an active role in shaping what the shop becomes. When the idea of expanding into art supplies came up, feedback was gathered directly from local customers to ensure it met their needs.
Beyond retail, the shop also serves as a cultural hub. It hosts author events, book signings and local launches, supporting the many talented writers in the area. It offers practical services like photocopying, and even keeps the community updated through regular contributions to the local magazine, Around Kirkby Lonsdale.
In a small town, relationships matter, and here they are everything. Customers are not just shoppers. They are familiar faces, neighbours and friends. It often feels like one big family.
Turning challenges into opportunities
Like many small businesses, The Book Lounge faced significant challenges, especially early on. Just 18 months after opening, the COVID-19 pandemic created real uncertainty.
Rather than stand still, the business adapted quickly. Jigsaws became a lifeline, sold online and through a market stall at the Kirkby Lonsdale Charter Market, alongside a popular jigsaw exchange for locals. That pivot did more than help the business survive. It laid the foundation for future growth and eventually led to the creation of The Jigsaw Lounge.
It is a strong example of how resilience and creativity can turn difficult moments into defining ones.
A journey shaped by feedback
One of the most powerful moments in The Book Lounge’s journey began with a simple overheard comment. Early on, two customers outside the shop remarked that the town needed a “proper bookshop.”
It could have been discouraging. Instead, it became motivation.
That moment sparked a process of continuous improvement, pushing the business to evolve, expand and refine its offering. Today, it stands proudly as a truly award-winning bookshop that reflects everything the community once hoped for.
A well-deserved win
Winning Bookshop of the Year came as a genuine surprise, especially given the number of well-established bookshops in the category. But it is a recognition that carries real meaning.
For The Book Lounge, this award represents more than success. It reflects community support, loyalty and shared pride. It confirms that the hard work, risks and changes along the way have been worthwhile.
It also strengthens the close relationship between the shop and its customers, inspiring even more ideas for the future.
Looking ahead
The journey continues. The new art supplies department is still developing, shaped by ongoing feedback from customers. Plans are also underway to introduce a loyalty scheme, giving something back to the people who have supported the business from the beginning.
The focus remains the same. Listen, adapt and create a space that people genuinely love to visit.
A heartfelt thank you
The team at The Book Lounge would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who nominated and voted for them, and to the loyal customers who continue to support the shop every day.
Their message says it best:
“Thank you to all the wonderful people who took the time to vote for us. Your support is what keeps us going and why we love coming to work in the mornings.”
Congratulations to The Book Lounge (Kirkby Lonsdale) on this well-deserved recognition. A true gem of Cumbria and a shining example of what an independent bookshop can be.
