Independent bookshop in Bournville to close doors - here’s what is replacing it

An independent bookshop in Bournville, Birmingham has announced that it is shutting its doors. The beloved bookshop - which hosted several Independent Bookshop week events - will shut shop next week.

From today until their last trading day, they have discounted all of their books by 50%. The Bookshop on the Green in Bournville said on Twitter that it’s closing its doors after two and a half years in Bournville. Their last trading day will be August 24. However, this is not the end for them as they will continue to host events until they can find a suitable premises to relocate to.

The bookshop team said: “In order to meet it's charitable objectives, the Bournville Hub charity needs to fully occupy the Hub building. This includes the space currently rented by the bookshop and means that we need to vacate the space in order that the Hub Trustees can fully realise their vision for a new reimagined Hub.

“Sarah [Mullen, owner of ‘Green Heart Books] has worked very closely with the new Board of Trustees of Bournville Hub CIO to explore all possible solutions. However, it became clear that the right thing to do was for the bookshop to vacate and to seek alternative premises elsewhere so that Bournville Hub could retain it's charitable status and go back to providing a full range of activities and services for the whole community.”

The bookshop will be open as usual until Thursday 24th August, and while they search for a new premises we will continue to organise and host our very popular events, details of which can be found on their What's On page of their Green Heart Books website.

Sarah said: “I am confident that I am leaving ‘Bournville Hub’ in the best possible place - with a fully restored and updated building, charitable status and, most importantly, a Board of Trustees who care deeply for the ‘Hub’ and the community it serves. It’s been a great privilege to serve the people of Bournville. I will always be particularly grateful for the opportunity to serve our local community when people needed us most during the first lockdown in the pandemic.”

What the Bournville Hub charity said

The Bournville Hub charity said on Facebook: “It is hoped that the bookshop will move to new premises, under the name of ‘Green Heart Books’, once a suitable location can be found.

“With ‘Bournville Hub’ unable to provide its many and varied activities, Sarah Mullen, owner of ‘Green Heart Books’ suggested using the ‘Hub’ space as both a bookshop and a vital source of community support. It was considered an excellent way to utilise an important community asset during an especially difficult time.

“Post-pandemic, however, the ‘Hub’s’ Trustees and Sarah (as previous Chair Of Trustees) came to recognise that the space occupied by the bookshop was once again needed for ‘Bournville Hub’ to provide the kind of activity required under its obligations as a charity. Without such activities, the charity could lose its charitable status and access to grant funding essential for a community hub to operate.

“‘Bournville Hub’ is and always was an inclusive space for a diverse range of activities that meet the needs of everyone living and working in or visiting Bournville.

“After discussing all viable options, it was agreed the best way forward was to physically separate the two ventures. A new and reimagined ‘Hub’ would fully occupy the current space at 27 Sycamore Road and the bookshop would relocate elsewhere in Bournville. Whilst Sarah and the team are working on securing new premises, they will continue to host their very popular events.”

Future plans for the Bournville hub

The charity wants a vibrant and welcoming space with effective information and guidance, lifelong learning opportunities and the joy and fun of arts and cultural activity that will deliver lasting benefits to all, regardless of who they are or where they come from, according to Chair of Trustees, John Dolan.