Campaign Raises Over £2,000 to Save Books and Banter in Burton upon Trent

A fundraising campaign has been launched to save Books and Banter, a community bookshop in Burton upon Trent, after it was forced to temporarily close following ceiling collapses and power loss. The shop, located on Station Street, has been a hub for the community, selling books and games, hosting live music, and providing a space for community, gaming, and writing groups.

The owners of Books and Banter have set a £10,000 fundraising goal to secure an alternative venue, and supporters have already raised over £2,000 towards this target. In a heartfelt message on GoFundMe, the owners expressed their desperation to save the shop, saying: "We don't want to lose our beautiful community, but we don't know what else to do. Our world has literally fallen apart."

Books and Banter, which was set to celebrate its 3rd birthday next week, is more than just a bookshop. It has become a vital community center, offering a venue for live music, community events, gaming, and writing groups. This multifaceted role has made it an integral part of Burton upon Trent's cultural scene.

Customers and supporters have expressed their sadness and support on social media and GoFundMe. One user wrote: "This place needs to be saved; it's more than just a shop or a place to play games, it's genuinely a community centre."

The campaign aims to raise enough funds to secure an alternative venue for Books and Banter, ensuring the community can continue to thrive. The outpouring of support from the community highlights the importance of preserving such spaces that promote social connections and cultural activities.

The fate of Books and Banter remains uncertain, but the community's response to the campaign suggests a strong desire to preserve this beloved community hub.

Key Takeaways

• Books and Banter, a community bookshop in Burton upon Trent, closed due to ceiling collapses and power loss.
• A £10,000 fundraising campaign was launched to secure an alternative venue.
• Over £2,000 has been raised so far towards the target.
• The shop is more than just a bookshop, serving as a community center for events and groups.
• The community is rallying to save the shop, recognizing its importance to the local cultural scene.