Frome is home to treasure trove of book shops

HAY-on-Wye watch out! Frome is fast becoming a major destination for book-lovers everywhere with a proliferation of places to buy books both old and new, says manager of Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books, Tina Gaisford-Waller.

Frome’s longstanding and award-winning independent bookshop Winstone’s Hunting Raven Books has been at the heart of Frome community life for over 40 years and in this time has achieved a somewhat cult status among book-lovers and was crowned Independent Bookshop of the Year South West in 2020.

“From hosting events with bestselling authors, running their unique Proof Pudding pre-publication book club, to running social initiatives Hunting Raven is the first word for books in Frome,” says Tina.

“Lovers of antiquarian books and first editions have their obsession covered with The Frome Bookshop on King Street. This beautiful little shop, with its cosy nooks and intriguing stock, is a treasure trove of oddities and precious rare titles. The owner Peter Foster, is also a regular at antiquarian book fairs across the country.

“Latest to open, is the gorgeous Sherlock & Pages on Stony Street. Occupying a shop on the juncture of Stony Street and Catherine Hill, they specialise in books about the natural world and conservation and are a welcome addition to the bookish landscape.

“Second-hand book-buyers have their pick of places to buy new (old) books from, with an abundance of charity shops with very healthy ranges to be found: Dorothy House (King Street), Oxfam (Market Place), British Heart Foundation (Westway), Active & in Touch (Christchurch Street West) – there are plenty of places to buy books and know you are doing your bit for others! There’s also Reed Books Five at the top of Catherine Street replete with squishy sofa.

“And it’s not all about the buying! Frome library has a fabulous selection of books and hugely knowledgeable staff who are always on hand to give the perfect recommendation. For those who like to listen rather than read, the library is also part of the free BorrowBox audiobook lending scheme.

“It’s brilliant to belong to a community that values books and reading – and to have a thriving and expanding ecosystem of retailers, who all have their strengths and specialisms, gives people the best reason to travel from far and wide to our wonderful bookish town.”