A RETIRED owner of several nurseries has announced that she will be opening an independent bookshop in Malmesbury this summer.
Barn Owl Books, situated in Oxford Street, Malmesbury, will open on Tuesday, August 1.
Some lucky book lovers - including Malmesbury town mayor Gavin Grant - got to have a sneak peek of the shop this week at an exclusive preview on Tuesday evening (July 24).
Owner Amanda Wallis has been busy spending the last few months decorating and getting the bookshop ready for customers.
The mother-of-three decided to pursue this new venture following her retirement from a 20-year career in the childcare sector last year.
Amanda said: "I'm overwhelmed by the response from our local community.
"The support has been incredibly reassuring and I’m proud to be joining the ranks of the wonderful shops and businesses in our historical town.”
As a former owner of several local nurseries and bookseller rep for Dorling Kindersley, Amanda has always attained a passion for children’s books and she hopes visitors will see this shine through in the bookshop’s design.
The shop is filled with reading nooks and murals inspired by classic stories.
Visitors can expect to find a wide range of fiction, non-fiction, and gifting books across genres including sci-fi and fantasy, historical fiction, teen fiction, crime and thriller, nature and local countryside, food and cookery, politics, world history, and more.
Amanda added: “I’ve always loved the experience and interactivity that comes with reading and storytelling, especially for children.
"A good story that’s brilliantly told can be enthralling and bring so much joy to children and adults alike.
“I can’t wait to introduce Malmesbury locals and visitors to what we’ve created here at Barn Owl Books.
"I believe anyone can find enjoyment in a book - it’s just a matter of finding the right one, and that’s what we’re here to help you do.”
As well as the bookshop, Amanda has also developed an online store, set to launch later this summer.
Barn Owl Books online will focus on supplying a streamlined selection of book gifts, monthly book subscriptions, and book bundles, including Story Sacks - Amanda’s own curated packages pairing favourite children’s books with plush toys and puppets.
The bookshop will also play host to local and national best-selling authors who will join Amanda for readings and meet-and-greet events.
Ex jockey turned children’s author Charlie Brooks will officially open the shop with his Shetland pony Beanstalk at a ceremony at 11am on Friday, August 4.
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