On 4 February, a new 'gem of a bookshop', Amblongus Books, was officially opened by MP Chris Matheson in Chester. This independent second-hand book shop, founded by long-term Chester resident, Sally Atkin, is located on Upper Northgate Street (near the Fountains Roundabout). It specialises in books on the visual arts, art, photography, design and poetry as well as cookery and nature. Shelves will also be stocked with a small selection of classic fiction and children's books. For further information call 07761 826691 or Amblongusbooks@gmail.com
Sally Atkin, Founder of Amblongus Books, said: "I grew up surrounded by books and love reading so opening a bookshop was always an ambition of mine. Part of my passion is to make books affordable for everyone - so as well as selling vintage books and large, competitively priced art books, I will also have a wide variety of 50p books and even some free books. Rather than buying books from anonymous online retailers with a high carbon footprint, I hope people will enjoy discovering the appeal of second-hand, pre-loved books in a shop they can visit. From book-lovers and visitors to students and families - I warmly welcome everyone to the shop."
Opening the book shop, Chris Matheson, MP for Chester, said: "Amblongus Books is a gem of a bookshop with a genuinely interesting selection of books at affordable prices. Sally's enthusiasm and passion for books shines through in both the book selection and the beautiful way they are displayed - making it just the sort of cosy, interesting and friendly bookshop you hope to find but rarely do."
Katrina Kerr, CEO of Chester BID, said: "Chester is a thriving and dynamic city but no longer has a dedicated second-hand bookshop. I believe that Amblongus Books with its eclectic mix of books fills a much-needed gap in the city's cultural life and will be a wonderful place for visitors and residents alike to browse and buy books that they would not easily find elsewhere.
The shop name comes from a piece of Edward Lear nonsense, 'To Make am Amblongus Pie' in which an interesting mixture of items makes up the pie - just like Sally Atkin wants her shop to reflect a diverse and interesting selection of books. For 20 years, the book shop premises was a highly regarded upholstery workshop and to honour this long history, in its opening weeks, displays at Amblongus Books will feature chair and furniture design.
The book shop's opening hours are 9am - 5:30pm Tuesday to Saturday. Sally Atkin previously worked as a photographer and in business.