Page 28 - Oundle Life October 2023

100 YEARS
Oundle Bookshop centenary
2023 marks the centenary year of The Oundle Bookshop.
The ground floor of 13 Market Place was acquired by Oundle School in 1923 and became The Oundle School Bookshop. At that time, the bookshop supplied text books, stationery and school prizes for the Oundle School pupils, and originally the shop was not open to the public. However, once it became a school and general bookshop it acquired the reputation for being one of the ‘best bookshops in the Midlands’.
There are many stories and anecdotes
about the bookshop – some say it has a ghost! Occupying as it does, a central position in the beautiful and buzzing market town of Oundle, it has been the focal point of “town and gown” for 100 years.
During that time, managers and staff have come and gone, but Karen Burton (who only retired last year) worked there for 50 years giving unstinting service to her customers during that time.
In 2010, Oundle School approached Colemans to ask if they would like to take over
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the Bookshop. Joey Coleman, MD of Colemans, had always been a loyal customer and loved the bookshop so was only too pleased to take it on. New shelving, signage and comfy sofas were installed and the bookshop continued to go from strength to strength. Relationships were built with The Oundle Festival of Literature (now an all year round series of events), Kid Lit (the children’s literary week in March) and other external book events. Many book signings have taken place there and a number of prestigious book launches have been hosted.
Every day wonderful comments are received from customers. Recently a small child stood
at the counter and said to his mum: “This is my most favourite place in the whole world.” And we were thrilled when Richard Coles nominated us as his favourite bookshop. Step inside – we think you will agree.
13 Market Place, Oundle, PE8 4BA
Give us a call on 01832 273523 uk.bookshop.org/shop/theoundlebookshop