‘The Little Ripon Bookshop’ is an independent, family-run business based in Ripon. With a shop at 12-13 Westgate, Ripon, Gill and her team of employees work tirelessly to provide the community with any genre, from thrilling murder mysteries to inspiring autobiographies, and even fantastical stories for the oldest and youngest of us. 

My own experiences with the bookshop are nothing but positive; it’s a warm, welcoming environment for all, whether you’re an experienced reader or just starting on your reading journey. Recently, a friend described it to me as ‘the perfect place to find your new obsession’ and, having done so many times myself, I can’t help but agree!

Not only does ‘The Little Ripon Bookshop’ stock all manner of new releases and classics, they also shelve stationary, and cards, a must have for the upcoming holiday season. 

Since its opening in 2009, and expansion in 2018, this bookshop has been a pillar of the community, always involved in local events and just recently having a stall at the Cathedral’s Christmas market. More regularly, however, are book club meetings, taking place multiple times each month, often along with a group dinner. This month, the group read ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ by Shelby Van Pelt, but other titles from this year include ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ and ‘The Burgess Boys’. Truly, it is a group of appreciation and thoughtful insight.

The owners proudly boast the title of being the only independent bookshop in the city of Ripon, so if shopping local is what suits you, a stop in at this brilliant bookshop should be high on your bucket list!

I think if I had to describe the shop in one word it would be this: comforting. I’ve never once felt tense while surrounded by the warm embrace of Hogwarts, or Ketterdam, or The Magic Faraway Tree, and while these books and authors can take credit, nothing compares to the well-loved feeling of a bookshop that has seen hundreds of faces across all age groups, catering for all needs. 

My parting words to any aspirant readers: try new things. Read whatever looks good; it’s ok to judge a book by its cover every once in a while. Without fail, the staff will help you find whatever you’re looking for, even if you yourself don’t know, and that’s the beauty of the shop being run by locals, for locals.