Tag Archives: Book Towns

Goodbye King of the Book Towns

Posted on August 27, 2019 by Brian D. Butler

British bookseller and self-appointed “King of Hay” Richard Booth, who transformed the sleepy Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye “into a second-hand bookshop capital,” died August 20, BBC News reported. Booth, who opened his first bookshop in the town’s former fire station … Continue reading →

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Alternatives to the Kindle

Posted on July 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

The very helpful and informative video below is from Shaun Bythell, the proprietor of The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland—the UK’s best book town.

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Welcome to Wigtown

Posted on September 25, 2014 by Brian D. Butler

Located in beautiful Dumfries and Galloway, Wigtown is Scotland’s National Book Town. Often overshadowed by Hay-on-Wye, south-west Scotland’s own has always tried harder. Now, Wigtown has come up with the “Open Book” project, which will offer bibliophiles and other creative types … Continue reading →

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America’s Book Town

Posted on June 27, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Photographer Valerie Jardin recently visited Stillwater, Minnesota, “The First Book Town in North America”, and sent us this marvelous photo essay. You can see more of Valerie’s fine work on her website or her blog.  Located less than 30 minutes … Continue reading →

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Book Town Redux : St.Pierre-de-Clages

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

This post was provided by Jamie Emery.  Situated in the heart of the majestic Swiss Alps, in the Canton Valais, and surrounded by magnificent vineyards, St.Pierre-de-Clages has a colourful history as a Celtic and Roman settlement. In the 11th century … Continue reading →

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What’s Your Favorite Book Town ?

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Brian D. Butler

Whatever you call them: Boekenstad, Paese dei Librai, Village du Livres or just Book Towns, they are small towns or villages in which secondhand and antiquarian bookshops are concentrated. Most Book Towns have developed in settings of historical interest or scenic beauty. … Continue reading →

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